Stamford kicks off new summer tradition with ‘Summer in the Park’ at Mill River Park

Stamford Downtown is turning up the heat this July with the launch of Summer in the Park, a three-week celebration of live music, food festivals, and cultural performances set against the scenic backdrop of Mill River Park. This inaugural series, presented by Mill River Park, Parachute Concerts, Stamford Downtown, The Karp Family, and Hey Stamford!, aims to establish Stamford as a major summer destination in the region.

Anchoring the festival is a headline concert series featuring a high-energy lineup of national talent. Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes opens the festivities on July 10, followed by a weekend performance from pop duo Aly & AJ. Other headliners include Bow Wow and Soulja Boy for a 2000s throwback night, Colombian singer-songwriter Fariana as part of a vibrant Colombian Independence Day celebration, and alt-R&B breakout Mariah the Scientist. Concerts run Thursday and Saturday evenings throughout the festival, transforming Mill River Park into a hub for live music lovers.

We’re giving away four VIP tickets to Farmington Polo Club’s Opening Day Match on Saturday, June 7, 2025! Enter now on Instagram—giveaway ends June 6 at noon.

Fridays bring Summer Fun Fridays, an after-work celebration designed for adults 21 and over. This weekly event blends live tribute bands, rotating food trucks, and themed bars into Connecticut’s ultimate outdoor happy hour. Acts include Raise Your Hands, a Bon Jovi tribute; Jammy Buffet, inspired by Jimmy Buffett; and a Zac Brown tribute band for a country-rock finale.

The festivities continue into the final weekend with the return of the Hey Stamford! Food Festival, marking its eighth year. Held July 26–27, the two-day event showcases a wide array of food trucks, restaurant vendors, and themed cocktail bars, along with live performances and hands-on culinary activities for all ages.

Additional cultural programming includes Jazz in the Park on July 13, dance showcases from the Fairfield County Dance Festival and Connecticut Ballet, and special performances by the JCC and local DJs at the Wednesday Night Beer Garden, running July 16 through August 6.

From hip-hop to ballet and beer gardens to gourmet bites, Summer in the Park offers a dynamic lineup that reflects the diversity and energy of Stamford.

Full schedule

Week of July 10

Thursday, July 10: Busta Rhymes – Hip-hop icon delivers an explosive live show
Friday, July 11: Raise Your Hands – A high-energy tribute to Bon Jovi (Summer Fun Friday)
Saturday, July 12: Aly & AJ – Pop duo returns with fan-favorite hits and fresh new sounds
Sunday, July 13: Jazz in the Park – A free evening of jazz presented by The Karp Family and The Palace Theatre

Week of July 15th

Tuesday, July 15: Fairfield County Dance Festival
Wednesday, July 16: Wednesday Night Beer Garden – Featuring a live DJ
Thursday, July 17: Bow Wow, Soulja Boy & Fabolous – A massive 2000s throwback party
Friday, July 18: Jammy Buffet – A tropical Jimmy Buffett-inspired experience (Summer Fun Friday)
Saturday, July 19: Colombian Independence Day Festival – Celebrate with authentic cuisine, dance troupes, and singer, rapper and songwriter Fariana.
Sunday, July 20: Island Vibes – Caribbean rhythms, steel drums, tiki bars, and tropical cuisine

Week of July 20th

Tuesday, July 20: Connecticut Ballet Performance
Wednesday, July 23: Wednesday Night Beer Garden – Featuring a live DJ
Thursday, July 24: Mariah the Scientist – Rising alt-R&B star brings soulful, emotionally charged anthems
Friday, July 25: Zac Brown Tribute Band – Country-rock hits under the stars (Summer Fun Friday)
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

For the full schedule, ticket details, and updates, visit www.SummerinthePark.com.

Share your Stamford experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here for the latest news in Stamford
Click here for the upcoming events in Stamford
Click here for the latest news in Fairfield County
Click here for the upcoming events in Fairfield County

Connecticut souvenirs, Connecticut tee shirts, connecticut apparel • Finding Connecticut — shop.findingconnecticut.com

Don’t Miss

• Stamford History Center to host first cabaret event June 7
• Help Wanted: Accounts receivable professional needed at GEWA Music USA in New Hartford
• Round Hill Music Co. opens boutique music store on Greenwich Avenue

•••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

Connecticut Merch

If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.

Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall

We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.

Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping

Farmington Polo Club

The Farmington Polo Club is set to offer a vibrant lineup of events this June, blending competitive polo with festive themes and family-friendly activities.

June 7, 2025 – Stella Chalice Cup
June 14, 2025 – Boston vs Farmington
June 21, 2025 – Aloah Summer Kick-Off Party
June 28, 2025 – Cowgirl Cup

Click here to purchase tickets

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates November with All Star Sumo, John Legend & a season like no other

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

Stamford kicks off new summer tradition with ‘Summer in the Park’ at Mill River Park