Summer in the city is a great time to enjoy a wide variety of programs, events and experiences – everything from music and movies, to swimming and sunning help make Santa Clarita a great place to relax and enjoy the warm weather.

Here are a few happenings the City has planned for you and your family in summer 2014.

Summer Concerts in the Park

2014 marks the city’s 25th annual free Concerts in the Park series, presented by First Entertainment Credit Union and featuring eight of the best acts of the last quarter century. Pack your picnic basket and head over to Central Park every Saturday night this summer, July 12 through August 30 for a free concert in the park. The concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and include a wide variety of musical styles. For more information and a complete schedule, visit us online at santa-clarita.com/concerts.

Summer Beach Bash

In Canyon Country, the City will be hosting our first-ever Summer Beach Bash Party on Friday, July 25 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Luther Drive. The beach party is free and open to the public and will include live surf music, beach games, food trucks and lots of summer fun. Check out santa-clarita.com/events for details.

Head to the Beach with the Summer Beach Bus

The city of Santa Clarita is proud to bring back the 2014 Summer Beach Bus. This service allows community members to enjoy sun and sand in Santa Monica throughout the summer months. The air-conditioned transit ride provides the perfect opportunity for community members to enjoy a relaxing ride to the beach without the hassles associated with driving. Traveling on Saturdays and Sundays from June 7 through August 31, fares are $3 each way for children and adults, and $1.50 each way for persons with disabilities, and seniors 60 years of age and over.

Get Cool and Entertained at the Dive In Movies

What a great way to cool off on those warm summer nights! Enjoy a family movie on our big screen while you float in the pool or lounge on the deck in the “balcony section.” This month, Dive in Movies will present “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2,” on June 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Aquatic Center. Other movies will screen at the Aquatic Center through August. Pre-registration is required; contact the City to register and for the complete movie schedule at 661-250-3700.

See What’s New in Our Old Town Newhall

ArtSLAM – This free event is geared for art enthusiasts of all ages and features art installations and exhibits on the corner of Lyons and Main Street in Old Town Newhall, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ArtSLAM is hosted on the first Thursday of the month.

JAM Sessions – Held on the second Thursday of the month between March and October, the free JAM sessions offer a variety of musical themes and experiences for everyone.

SENSES – Awaken your senses at this monthly themed block party where bands, food trucks, activities, contests, and more get the weekend started right. Each free SENSES event is themed and hosted on the third Thursday of the month, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Visit ThursdaysatNewhall.com for more information on all of these programs.

The city loves to see our families out and enjoying our unique summer events and programs. I hope that you and your family enjoy a safe and fun summer. As always, I welcome your thoughts, ideas and comments. Should you have suggestions or comments, please email me directly at: lweste@santa-clarita.com.

Laurene Weste is mayor of the city of Santa Clarita.