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Live music will be returning to the newly renovated Lions Wayside Park this summer as part of the Pleasanton Downtown Association’s Concerts in the Park series starting this Friday.
The annual concert series will be kicking off a month later than it typically would due to the park improvements that have recently concluded, which include a new bandstand, new overall layout and upgraded lighting infrastructure.
“Every summer, Concerts in the Park bring the heart of Pleasanton to life,” Gabrielle Welk, executive director for the PDA, told the Weekly. “These beloved Friday night gatherings are more than just live music, they’re a celebration of community, culture and the vibrant spirit of our downtown.”
Welk said apart from fostering a sense of community by bringing together Pleasanton residents of all ages, the concert series also brings in much-needed business to restaurants located in downtown Pleasanton — particularly the ones that offer take out or patio seating.
“The consistent summer schedule keeps downtown Pleasanton in the spotlight and encourages people who might not visit regularly to explore the area,” Welk said. “It introduces new visitors to the downtown, potentially turning them into repeat customers or future residents.”
She also said the concerts, in general, improve the overall economic vitality of downtown Pleasanton.
“They strengthen Pleasanton’s small-town charm and identity, reinforcing it as a welcoming and vibrant place to live and visit,” she said. “Concerts draw hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people downtown, increasing foot traffic to nearby restaurants, cafes, shops and bars.”
The free concerts will take place every Friday this month and next month at Lions Wayside Park and neighboring Delucchi Park, located at First and Neal streets. The shows will run from 7-8:30 p.m.
Residents and visitors will be able to fill the modernized lawn — the new configuration features a narrow grass area facing the bandstand that is now located parallel to the Firehouse Arts Center — with lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners they get from surrounding downtown restaurants.
The last concert of the summer on Aug. 29 is co-sponsored by Embarcadero Media Foundation to also serve as a community celebration for the 25th anniversary of the Pleasanton Weekly.
Learn more about the 2025 Concerts in the Park at pleasantondowntown.net. The series lineup is as follows:
July 11: The 925 Band, danceable covers
July 18: Evan Thomas Band, funk, soul and blues
July 25: The CoolTones Big Band, jazz and swing
Aug. 1: The Urban Outlaws, country
Aug. 8: Other People’s Money, classic rock
Aug. 15: Salvage Title, rock ‘n’ roll covers
Aug. 22: East Bay Grooveline, danceable groove covers
Aug. 29: RPM; rock ‘n’ roll dance music from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond.
