A brand-new tradition kicks off this July as Summer in the Park makes its debut at Mill River Park in downtown Stamford. Created in partnership with Mill River Park, Parachute Concerts, Stamford Downtown, The Karp Family, and Hey Stamford!, this inaugural three-week celebration will unite music lovers, foodies, and culture seekers for an unforgettable lineup of events—positioning Stamford as a must-visit destination for summer entertainment in the region.
The series features headline performances by Busta Rhymes, Aly & AJ, Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, Fariana, and more—and culminates with the return of the beloved Hey Stamford! Food Festival, now celebrating its 8th year.
Adding to the excitement, Summer Fun Fridays delivers Connecticut’s ultimate outdoor happy hour, featuring live tribute bands, themed bars, and rotating food vendors that bring a fresh energy to Mill River Park every Friday night.
Summer Fun Fridays
Every Friday | 5 PM – 10 PM | Ages 21+
Connecticut’s premier outdoor happy hour, complete with live tribute bands, themed bars, and a rotating lineup of food vendors.
Lineup:
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July 11: Raise Your Hands – A high-energy tribute to Bon Jovi
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July 18: Jammy Buffet – A tropical Jimmy Buffett-inspired experience
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July 25: Zac Brown Tribute Band – Country-rock hits under the stars
Headline Concert Series
Live Music Under the Stars at Mill River Park | 5 PM – 10 PM
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Thursday, July 10: Busta Rhymes – Hip-hop icon delivers an explosive live show
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Saturday, July 12: Aly & AJ – Pop duo returns with fan-favorite hits and fresh new sounds
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Thursday, July 17: Bow Wow, Soulja Boy – A 2000s throwback party for the ages
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Saturday, July 19: Colombian Independence Day featuring authentic cuisine, dance troupes, and singer, rapper and songwriter Fariana.
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Thursday, July 24: Mariah the Scientist – Rising alt-R&B star brings soulful, emotional anthems
Hey Stamford! Food Festival
July 26 & 27 | All Ages | 1 PM – 9 PM
Get ready to indulge in a true culinary adventure. The region’s top food trucks and restaurant vendors are rolling into Stamford for a weekend packed with flavor, fun, and non-stop bites.
The signature food event of the summer returns for its 8th year, serving up a mouthwatering two-day experience featuring:
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Dozens of curated food vendors
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Live music performances
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Themed cocktail bars
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Interactive culinary experiences for all ages
Additional Events at a Glance
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Wednesday Night Beer Garden (with live DJ): July 16, 23, 30 & August 6
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Jazz in the Park presented by The Karp Family and The Palace Theatre: Sunday, July 13
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Fairfield County Dance Festival: Tuesday, July 15
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JCC Summer Performance: Sunday, July 20 at 12:00 PM
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Connecticut Ballet Performance: Tuesday, July 22
Tickets & Information
For the full event lineup, ticket info, and latest updates, click here!
Below is the full schedule running from July 10 – July 27
WEEK 1
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Thursday, July 10: Busta Rhymes – Hip-hop icon delivers an explosive live show
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Friday, July 11: Raise Your Hands – A high-energy tribute to Bon Jovi (Summer Fun Friday)
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Saturday, July 12: Aly & AJ – Pop duo returns with fan-favorite hits and fresh new sounds
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Sunday, July 13: Jazz in the Park – A free evening of jazz presented by The Karp Family and The Palace Theatre
WEEK 2
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Tuesday, July 15: Fairfield County Dance Festival
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Wednesday, July 16: Wednesday Night Beer Garden – Featuring a live DJ
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Thursday, July 17: Bow Wow, Soulja Boy & Fabolous – A massive 2000s throwback party
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Friday, July 18: Jammy Buffet – A tropical Jimmy Buffett-inspired experience (Summer Fun Friday)
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Saturday, July 19: Colombian Independence Day Festival – Celebrate with authentic cuisine, dance troupes, and singer, rapper and songwriter Fariana.
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Sunday, July 20: Island Vibes – Caribbean rhythms, steel drums, tiki bars, and tropical cuisine
WEEK 3
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Tuesday, July 20: Connecticut Ballet Performance
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Wednesday, July 23: Wednesday Night Beer Garden – Featuring a live DJ
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Thursday, July 24: Mariah the Scientist – Rising alt-R&B star brings soulful, emotionally charged anthems
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Friday, July 25: Zac Brown Tribute Band – Country-rock hits under the stars (Summer Fun Friday)
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Saturday & Sunday, July 26–27: Hey Stamford! Food Festival – The 8th annual two-day celebration with dozens of food vendors, themed cocktail bars, live music, and interactive culinary experiences
Wednesday Night Beer Garden continues on July 30 & August 6