Last Wednesday’s summer solstice not only marked the start of summer, but the start of summer fun scheduled for the City of Trees.

Every year when temps start to heat up, residents look forward to two family- and community-friendly activities, movies and concerts in the park. With July nearly here, the two summer staples are right around the corner.

Monday night concerts

Monday Night Concerts, presented by the city and Claremont Kiwanis Club, kicks off first this year on July 11. All shows will be free, open to the community, and will begin at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park, 840 N. Indian Hill Boulevard.

This year’s opening act will be familiar 70’s Top 40 group, Cold Duck, who have grazed the Memorial Park stage in the past. Though concerts begin near sundown, residents are invited to begin arriving closer to 6 p.m. Not only to get set up in their favorite spot at the park, but to also enjoy some concessions courtesy of the Kiwanis Club like hotdogs and hamburgers

All proceeds generated by the Kiwanis Club and city will go back to benefit the concert series according to a city flyer. Monday Night Concerts will conclude on August 29 with a special performance by classic rock band, The Ravelers.

For more information about summer concerts, contact the city at (909) 399-5490. To view a full line-up of upcoming acts for Monday Night Concerts, visit ci.claremont.ca.us/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6184/20.

Movies in the park

The city’s Movies in the Park series will be held on select Wednesdays at various parks around the city including Lewis Park, Wheeler Park, June Vail Park, Memorial Park and Cahuilla Park. Each movie night is free and scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.; however, families are advised to arrive early at 7:30 p.m. so that children can partake in preshow activities.

This year’s series kicks off on Wednesday, July 13 at 8 p.m. with a showing of Illumination’s Sing 2 at Lewis Park, 881 Syracuse Drive in Claremont. Residents are reminded to bring blankets, refreshments, friends and family for a movie night under the stars.

Movies in the Park is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, August 10 with a showing of Clifford The Big Red Dog at Cahuilla Park.

For more information about summer movie nights, contact the city at (909) 399-5490. To view the lineup of movies for this year’s series, visit ci.claremont.ca.us/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6256/20. The series is presented by the City of Claremont.