The best places to be this summer in Jefferson City.
Some of the things I’ve really missed over the past year are concerts and live music, and we are now singing and dancing with its return. So let’s drop the convertible top and hop into the mayor’s ride. Feel the wind in your hair as we cruise, and be sure to turn the music up!
Our first stop is my favorite new entertainment venue, the Capital Region MU Health Amphitheater at Riverside Park. Their first concert, featuring Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker, was a big success on a perfect evening of sunset and song. It sold out early, so be sure to get your tickets quickly for the many upcoming concerts and events at riversideamp.com. Speaking of parks, don’t forget about Stars Under the Stars and other upcoming events — you can find info at JCParks.com.
There are many opportunities for outdoor entertainment in the capital city. You’ll see me in the mayor’s parade ride in the Salute to America Red White & BLOOM Parade on July 2. This year will be three days of patriotic fun from July 2 through 4. At salutetoamerica.org, you’ll find a list of great outdoor entertainment options for you and your family, including vendors, a carnival, live music, and fireworks over the Capitol.
Throughout the summer, and into the fall, catch a ride downtown for some local favorites. Thursday Night Live will take place every third Thursday through September, and the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site is having a backyard concert lineup this summer. Be sure to check the calendar at downtownjeffersoncity.com. Missouri River Regional Library also has a variety of indoor and outdoor events that can be found at mrrl.org.
Cruise by the 71st Annual Jefferson City Jaycees Fair July 26 through 31, and you’ll hear plenty of live music. Then, coming Aug. 28, enjoy a night of song and inspiration at Redemption Inside the Walls: “Light in the Darkness,” featuring Christian artist Aaron Shust. With continued tornado repair at the Historic Missouri State Penitentiary, the concert will again be held at the Jaycees Fairgrounds this year.
And it’s not a birthday party without some tunes! As Missouri turns 200, there are many opportunities for celebration. After all, music has always been a part of our past, present, and future. Statehood Day is Aug. 10, and you can find a full list of statewide events at missouri2021.org.
Circling back to the Capitol, this summer we’ll watch the Bicentennial Bridge get off the ground — literally. Adrian’s Island will be a great place for a festival or just a peaceful stroll with your earbuds, and someday we will all join together for music down by the riverside.
I love listening to music, and whether I’m out cruising around and jamming to my favorite tunes (singing out loud, of course), listening to music on the Capitol lawn for the Fourth of July, or enjoying a concert at the new amphitheater, I know this summer will definitely be its own song.
Summer Play List
- Sing along at Capital Region MU Health Amphitheater at Riverside Park. RiversideAmp.com
- Go to Stars Under the Stars. JCParks.com
- Look for my little red Corvette in the Salute to America Parade. SalutetoAmerica.org
- Rock out at Thursday Night Live. DowntownJeffersonCity.com
- Enjoy a backyard concert at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site. DowntownJeffersonCity.com
- Support the Missouri River Regional Library by attending an event. MRRL.org
- Come play at the Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair. Facebook.com/JeffersonCityJayceesFair
- Be inspired by Redemption Inside the Walls: “Light in the Darkness” at the Fairgrounds.
- Celebrate Statehood Day. missouri2021.org
- Check on the progress of the Bicentennial Bridge to Adrian’s Island.
