The Village of Malverne is bringing back a mix of returning favorites and family-friendly entertainment this summer with its Summer Events Series, offering residents a varied lineup of concerts, live theater and outdoor movie nights intended to bring neighbors together over the next two months.
Village officials are continuing to build on traditions that have drawn crowds year after year while offering popular attractions that have become anticipated summer events. The schedule features orchestral music, tribute bands, children’s theater and an outdoor movie, providing entertainment for residents of all ages while encouraging families to spend summer evenings together in the village.
The series begins on July 18 with the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, whose performances in the Gazebo Park have become a fixture on Malverne’s summer calendar and regularly attract large audiences. The group’s annual concert will once again kick off the summer entertainment schedule, bringing orchestral favorites and patriotic selections.
“We try to keep some of the staples that the residents of the village have come to enjoy year after year,” Mayor Timothy Sullivan said. “That certainly is the case with the Nassau Pops.”
The village’s Midsummer Movie Night will return to Harris Field on July 24, following last year’s successful revival, a showing of “Mufasa: The Lion King.” Residents are once again encouraged to bring blankets or lawn or beach chairs and enjoy this year’s movie, which has not yet been announced, free under the stars. Malverne Little League will once again co-sponsor the event, offering popcorn as well as food, candy and refreshments for purchase at a concession stand.
“The Little League puts a lot of effort into assisting the village with the movie night,” Sullivan said.
For many parents, events such as the outdoor movie and Play In the Park offer a chance to share special experiences with their children in a relaxed neighborhood setting, creating memories that last beyond the summer season.
Another returning favorite is the dance Risky Business, which will perform at Gazebo Park on July 31. The band has become a crowd favorite over the years, with performances that often draw audience members out of their seats and onto the dance floor, making it one of the most energetic and interactive evenings of the series.
“The interesting thing about Risky Business is it’s not uncommon to see people getting out of their chairs, dancing,” Sullivan said.
Families also look forward to the return of outdoor theater to Westwood Park on Aug. 12, presented by the Malverne Community Theater in partnership with the village and the Chamber of Commerce. This year’s production, “Junie B. Jones: The Musical,” marks the theater company’s second year producing the outdoor event.
The musical, which is based on the popular children’s book series, was selected with young audiences in mind. After seeing the strong turnout of families at last year’s production of “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!,’” theater organizers wanted another show with recognizable characters, upbeat music and a story that would appeal to children while entertaining parents as well.
“I look forward to just seeing the reaction of the audience,” David Coonan, president and artistic director of Malverne Community Theater, said. “This is purely entertainment for the community, and it’s an awesome event.”
The outdoor production will once again be staged on a showmobile in the park, transforming the portable stage into a theatrical experience. Despite the challenges of performing in an outdoor setting, organizers say the focus remains on creating an engaging performance at which children can laugh, connect with the characters and enjoy a memorable evening with their families.
The Summer Events Series will conclude on Sept. 4 at Westwood Park, with a performance by the Cold Spring Harbor Band, whose Billy Joel tribute concerts have become another popular tradition in the village. The band performs many of the legendary Long Island musician’s greatest hits, giving residents one final opportunity to gather outdoors before the summer comes to an end.
Village officials say the annual entertainment series continues to showcase the work of local community groups while creating opportunities for residents of all ages to gather, celebrate and strengthen neighborhood connections throughout the summer.
For more information, visit MalverneVillage.gov.
