For years, organizations in Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, Moraga and beyond have hosted free outdoor summer concerts—vibrant gatherings that foster community engagement while celebrating nature, culture and local support. Whether hosted by their city or partnering organizations, these concert events are hubs for local businesses, artists and organizations to support each other, and for families and people of all ages to connect.
A standout example is Moraga’s Summer Concert Series, put on by the non-profit Moraga Park Foundation (MPF). Utilizing public feedback forms, and a full board of volunteering members, the planning and decision-making process begins as early as October. The MPF strives to feature a variety of bands and food trucks each season, carefully considering their community’s feedback, giving something for everyone to enjoy. When it comes to improving general accessibility and pleasure at park events, this is no different. The MPF listens and does its best to deliver.
For this season’s lineup, a common favorite is Traveling Wilburys Revue, a touring tribute band honoring the supergroup of Harrison, Dylan, Petty, Orbison and Electric Light Orchestra. They also expect a high turnout for Moonalice, a Bay Area 10-piece psychedelic rock band and regular performer at Giants games. Other bands include the soul and funk group Big Blu Soul Revue and the beloved Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Fleetwood Macrame.
It’s the Moraga Park Foundation’s job not only to book bands, but also to bring together the sponsors and local organizations making the event possible. Sponsors this year include Aegis Living, realtor Jill Balazs and the longtime-supporting Bruzzone family of Moraga. At each weekly concert, Loard’s Ice Cream—an East Bay staple—sells ice cream, while the Kiwanis and Lions clubs offer food and drinks to collect donations for their projects. Additionally, the food trucks are brought by Taste of The World Market, a San Francisco-based food truck company devoted to bringing global cuisine straight to events like these.
Because attending the concerts is completely free, the Moraga Park Foundation collects donations at their booth every week. Donations are crucial to their pursuit of other park projects, like the recently built outdoor exercise equipment, new bathrooms and public bike maintenance resources. As a whole, park events create a fun and simple way for community members and neighbors to uplift each other.
Aside from great food and music, the concerts make for easygoing hangouts because of the flexible experience the park offers. Without traditional seating, open grass allows everyone to spread out. One can choose their proximity to the stage, and kids can explore the facilities. At the Moraga Commons Park, with the grass hill acting as a natural amphitheater, the volleyball court, basketball court, skate park and multiple play structures allow families plenty of room. Some set up camp with picnic blankets and chairs, while others stop by just for a quick bite, drink and hour of gathering.
By engaging in these local community events, attendees play a crucial role in helping their city thrive. At Alameda’s Summer Beats Concert Series, beer and wine sales benefit the Alameda Education Foundation. Danville’s Music at the Plaza concerts are situated in town, offering a way for neighbors to enjoy live music while supporting local restaurants and shops in the newly renovated downtown. At Oakland’s Liberation Park, the Levitt VIBE Oakland Music Series is dedicated to showcasing diverse music genres and celebrating the cultural richness of East Oakland’s predominantly Black neighborhood.
Every event location has something special to offer, whether it’s Liberation Park’s outdoor wooden roller skating rink, Alameda’s robust South Shore shopping or Moraga’s grassy hills. We can uplift our community this summer by showing up for local events—and have fun exploring the unique experiences other cities have to offer, too.
For more info about Moraga’s ‘Summer Concert Series,’ visit moragaparks.org/summer-concert-series; for Alameda’s ‘Summer Beats Concert Series,’ visit alamedaeducationfoundation.org/4th-of-july-family-festival-summer-beats-concerts; and for Oakland’s ‘Levitt VIBE Oakland Music Series,’ visit levitt.org/vibe-oakland-ca.
