Sounds Of Summer Concert Lineup Released In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — One of the highlights of the season in Arlington Heights is the Sounds of Summer concert series. Though there are some changes this year, live music is set to return to Harmony Park next month. Starting June 6, concerts will be held every Thursday through Aug. 29.

This marks a change to summers in the past when the concerts were held on Thursdays and Friday. Following feedback from downtown businesses, particularly those that participate in Arlington Alfresco on Friday nights in the summer, along with residents, the Village Board voted to make changes to Sounds of Summer at a January meeting.

Traditionally, the 12 concerts are held on Thursdays and Fridays from June to July. The changes, proposed by Village staff, were made to address confined space at Harmony Park and adjacent streets on Friday nights due to the concerts and Arlington Alfresco, the outdoor dining experience introduced to downtown Arlington Heights in 2020. Officials said having the dual events on Fridays have presented "ongoing challenges for staff and businesses" with big crowds at each. The changes being made at this time are only for the 2024 season.

"This is a difficult decision for me because I enjoy both nights so much. I'm down there almost every concert, so I really it. The best part of my job, I say it all the time, is the smiles I see of people both at Alfresco and the Sounds of Summer," Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said at the time. "I think this is at least a reasonable compromise to at least try for one year to see how it goes."

According to the Village, during some Friday nights, there are 6,000 guests in the entirety of the Arlington Alfresco area, not including Harmony Park, and the number increases to 7,500 when the concerts are held.

RELATED: Changes To Arlington Heights Sounds of Summer Concert Series Approved

As in years past, alcohol is not allowed at the concerts, and officials are also asking residents to leave dogs at home. Saving spaces can begin at 2 p.m.

The 2024 lineup will still include 12 concerts in Harmony Park, with shows going from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Here is the lineup as of May 22:

• June 6 — Boy Band Night (Boy Band pop favorites)
• June 13 — Recaptured (A Journey tribute)
• June 20 — The Throwbacks (50s and 60s rock)
• June 27 — Disco Circus (1970s disco dance)
• July 11 — Motown Nation (Favorite Motown hits)
• July 18 — Petty Kings (Tom Petty tribute band)
• July 25 — Heartache Tonight (Hits from The Eagles)
• Aug. 1 — Gone 2 Paradise (A Jimmy Buffett experience)
• Aug 8 — Billy Elton (Billy Joel and Elton John)
• Aug. 15 — Hello Weekend (Top 40 hits and favorites)
• Aug. 22 — The Chicago Experience (Chicago tribute)
• Aug. 29 — Blooze Brothers (Tribute to Blues Brothers)

Find out more about the Sounds of Summer concert series, including rules and parking information, here.