With the installation of the Ross Street Patio beginning this week, residents can expect the program of free concerts and special events to kick into high gear signifying the official start to Red Deer’s summer.

The City of Red Deer is launching its series of free concerts and special events, hosted from June through September, with the official opening of the patio on June 7 beginning at 11:45 a.m. and continuing through the lunch hour. And that’s just the beginning of a summer filled with weekly concerts and events, all free to the public.

“Summer is always amazing in Red Deer,” said Peter McGee, special events programmer for the City. “Add world-class entertainers to our amazing parks and public spaces, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate our thriving cultural scene.”

McGee said there will be two streams to the summer events including Summer Sundays at Bower Ponds, a four-concert afternoon series that runs June 23, July 7, Aug. 11 and Sept. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.

In the downtown, the City is organizing weekly musical or cultural performances during the Wednesday night downtown market and again at lunchtime every Thursday, both on the Ross Street Patio. Continuing this year are the evening concerts. They will be held on July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. and coincide with First Friday activities held throughout the downtown.

“Last year’s concerts and events added vitality and activity to the downtown,” said Charity Dyke, downtown coordinator for the City. “The downtown is our City’s living room and the best living rooms always come with live music and loads of activity.”

For details on all confirmed performers and other exciting events this summer in Red Deer, visit www.reddeer.ca/bestsummer.

– Fawcett