The Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department, Bethlehem Public Library, and Friends of Bethlehem Public Library are teaming up to bring back their popular Thursdays in the Park event series.
All shows will begin at 6:00 p.m. on the special events lawn (adjacent to the pool entrance) at Elm Avenue Park unless an alternate park location is noted.
Bethlehem, NY just south of Albany, has all the benefits of being a smaller town while still being so close to a big city.
A staple in the community for years, Thursdays in the Park shows are the perfect summer evening activity for anyone in Bethlehem or the surrounding area looking to sprawl out on some lush grass and take in live music or performances. Almost every Thursday between June 27 and August 22 will bring a new act, with all being family-friendly performances that are great for all ages.
Unless otherwise stated, all of the shows this year will take place in Bethlehem’s largest park, the gorgeous Elm Avenue Park. Elm Avenue Park has a wide variety of facilities, including a pool complex, tennis and basketball courts, pavilions, a fitness trail, playing fields, volleyball courts, shuffleboard, a dog park, and a playground. On top of all that, the park has an elevated stage overlooking a vast grass field.
Some of this year’s diverse acts include Jester Jim the Juggler, British Vinyl, a British Invasion tribute band and a production of “Finding Nemo Jr.” thrown by the Playhouse Stage Company.
Please be advised that alcoholic beverages are prohibited. In the event of rain, every effort will be made to reschedule the events. Check the Bethlehem Parks & Recreation Facebook and Instagram pages for event cancellation notices.
In addition to the Thursdays in the Park series, multiple other community events will be happening around Bethlehem this summer. Those will be listed after the full list of Thursdays in the Park performances below.
Bethlehem NY Thursdays in the Park
Jester Jim June 27
Jester Jim is back! This is not your ordinary juggling show! With a trunk full of props and a looping machine, all will be glued to every sight and sound.
Glass Pony July 11
Encapsulating influences stretching across decades from psychedelic and jam-focused rock, to funk, post-punk, and even modern indie and post-rock, the Albany, New York collective Glass Pony offer a sound that truly translates through generations, with a stylistic blend built to engage a broad listenership.
Story Laurie July 18
Set sail for adventure with Story Laurie’s delightfully participatory performance of stories, sea chanteys, and maritime lore from the Seven Seas!
Northern Comfort July 25
Come check out this local band playing rock & blues – originals & covers e.g. Tom Petty, Allman Bros, Clapton, Dire Straits, etc!
British Vinyl August 1
The British Vinyl Band is a five-piece band from upstate New York performing songs by British groups from the early years, 1960s to early 1970s. You can always find a tribute band of one group, but now you’ve found one that pays tribute to the entire British Invasion Genre.
Emma Olson Magic (This show is at Henry Hudson Park) August 8
Emma is a young magician on the rise. She is based in New York City yet has performed all over the country, it’s safe to say her dedication to the craft has paid off. Aspraised by America’s Got Talent winner Shin Lim, “She’s incredible and has such a bright future ahead of her”. She recently performed her close-up act to acclaim as part of the International Magic Festival of Madrid, and while there was show cased twice on Spanish national television. Emma will perform her interactive magic act as well as her act that has been seen on TV – Penn & Teller: Fool Us! Everyone will get the chance to see her magic live and the chance to be part of it as well or even collect a souvenir!
Playhouse Stage Company August 15
“Finding Nemo Jr.” brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and ad venture. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” and lovable characters such as Marlin, Nemo, optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang!
Flame the Band August 22
Flame is a high-energy American Cover band that performs globally playing all your favorites, from the classics through today’s hits, including some originals. Formed in 2003, they gained popularity from their appearances on Good Morning America and in People Magazine. They have also been featured in Tokyo, Ja pan’s Daily Mainichi News, News-2-You, News Channel 10 and other news outlets around the world. Flame consists of talented members who happen to have dis abilities. They have toured internationally to South East Asia; Athens, Greece and Capri, Italy.
Other Happenings in Bethlehem
4th of July Family Day Thursday, July 4, 12-8:00 PM Elm Avenue Pool Complex
Regular pool fees are in effect
12:15 – 1:30 PM: Saxophone Sam
1:15 – 2:00 PM: Magician Jim Snack
2:00 – 4:00 PM: Live music by Playin’ with Fire
2:30 – 4:30 PM: Balloon Gal Jenny
9:00 PM: Fireworks sponsored by Sevenzocks Property Maintenance and Landscaping
Late Night Movie at the Pool Friday, August 2, 8:15 PM Elm Avenue Pool Complex
Join us for a late-night movie under the stars! The movie will start at approximately 8:15 p.m. Free admission after 6:00 p.m. Help us pick a movie! Simply vote for your favorite at the pool.
National Night Out
Join us as the Town of Bethlehem takes back the night with one of the largest crime prevention gatherings in the United States. Visit here for up-to-date information regarding the event.
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