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26 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • May 2023 26 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • May 2023 Make the most of beau ful weather and longer summer days by a ending free outdoor concerts in your neighborhood. Here are six reasons to make outdoor summer concerts your family's new summer me ritual. WRITTEN BY CHERIE GOUGH Reasons to Make Outdoor Summer Concerts a Family Tradition 1. GET TOGETHER WITH FRIENDS WITH LITTLE TO NO PLANNING. A simple text message serves as the invita on. No one has to host. A potluck picnic is a simple way to share a no-fuss meal. Some venues may have food trucks on site for ul mate convenience. 2. PLAY OUTSIDE WITH THE FAMILY. Avoid being couch potatoes this summer. Most concerts are held at a park, so bring along your favorite ball or frisbee and fi nd an open space to play. You're sure to meet people or bump into neighbors. Visit the playground if your kids need to climb. Some venues even off er games and bounce houses to keep children happy and ac ve at the event. While the music is playing, it's natural to get up and dance as a family. 3. NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERTS BUILD COMMUNITY. People of all ages gather together, reminiscent of the piazzas in Italy where me slows, conversa ons fl ow and people share food and smiles. In our su-per busy, over-scheduled lives, it's important to "schedule" some down me. It's good for the kids to see grandparents dancing together and enjoying life—and for older folks to see young families playing together in a posi ve way. 4. SHARE YOUR LOVE OF MUSIC WITH YOUR KIDS. Summer concerts off er a wide variety of musical genres, everything from 80s rock and bluegrass, to country and Big Band. Sharing music with your kids allows you to tell stories and share a piece of your youth with them. It also off ers an opportunity to watch live mu- sicians, point out diff erent instruments and sounds, or just boogie down and be silly together. 5. ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF NATURE TOGETHER. When was the last me you ran around outside, observed clouds, watched the sunset or enjoyed a dinner picnic as a family? It's good for the kids to see grandparents dancing together and enjoying life. 6 6. ALL THE OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERTS ARE TOTALLY FREE! So, what are you wai ng for?