Summer Begins In Temecula With Music, Motion, Beauty: 5 Things To Know

TEMECULA, CA — Last week was a crazy one in Temecula. The city continues to make national headlines, the latest news coming out of the Temecula Valley Unified School District. If you need to hit the pause button, below are five escapes right in our own yard this week, June 19-25.

1. It's an excellent week for outings because the summer solstice arrives Wednesday, June 21. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice — when the Sun is at its highest position in the sky — is the day with the longest period of daylight and shortest night of the year. Get outside and enjoy the start of summer in Temecula.

2. At last count, Temecula has 39 city parks with a bevy of amenities for all ages and interests. There's probably one in your neighborhood, so no need to take the car. Walking or biking to the park can rejuvenate even the weariest of souls. See the full list of city parks here (all are free to use). If you need more space, the nearby 400-acre Vail Lake Resort at 38000 Highway 79 South is an option with its 40 miles of trails that attract hikers, runners and mountain bike riders alike. Dogs are allowed on leash. Get more info here.

3. It's been nearly 60 years since the Beatles first set foot on U.S. soil but all these decades later the iconic band still has a massive fan base of young and old alike. If you enjoy a little "Love Me Do" be sure to check out the Temecula Amphitheater on Thursday, June 22, for a free concert by Beatles tribute band Britain's Finest. The event is part of Temecula's Summer Concert Series that continues through July. Gates for Thursday's show open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The Temecula Amphitheater at the Community Recreation Center is located at 30875 Rancho Vista Road.

4. Looking for music and wine? Temecula Wine Country venues are in full swing with lots of swaying and shimmying this week. There are just too many musical events to list here but the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association put together a calendar. Whether you like a little soft rock with your Cab or some country funk with your Syrah, check out these performances.

5. Pack snacks and blankets for a free movie under the stars at Harveston Community Park on Friday, June 23. Family-fun activities start at 6:30 p.m. and the film — "Finding Nemo" (2003) — screens at dusk. The movie tells the story of an overprotective clownfish, Marlin, who, along with a blue tang, named Dory, searches for his missing son, Nemo. Along the way, Marlin learns to take risks and comes to terms with Nemo taking care of himself. The film stars the voices of Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe and Geoffrey Rush. Harveston Community Park is located at 28582 Harveston Drive.