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Oct 28, 2023

Popular Rose Tree Summer Festival starts its 47th year of free concerts June 21

Thousands of Delaware County residents will be happy to know the Rose Tree

Thousands of Delaware County residents will be happy to know the Rose Tree Summer Festival is about to begin in two weeks, bringing soul, swing, symphonies and more to electrify your senses.

"I’m happy to announce that the concert series is back again this year," Delaware County Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer said. "It opens on Wednesday, June 21, which also happens to be the first day of summer, and that’d be the perfect way to kick off your summer."

She said county officials are really proud of this year's series and the people on the county Parks and Recreation team who work to make it happen.

"It is a staple in this county and so well-attended," Schaefer said. "Thousands of people come to these concerts every single year."

This year's series features 47 concerts, including three children's shows, which is one more than last year. All the concerts are free in front of the amphitheater in Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road in Upper Providence. Parking is also free in the park.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays from June 21 through August 20. Attendants can bring blankets and chairs.

Shows are weather-permitting. No rain dates are scheduled so shows will go on, if they can safely do so. A message will be left at 610-891-4455 if there is a question regarding weather and a show.

"Residents of all ages can come and enjoy them in a very beautiful setting," Schaefer said. "This is the 47th year that we have run this series … So, come, enjoy local music."

Delaware County Parks & Recreation Director Marc Manfre said last year that the festival that draws up to 40,000 over the nine-week season was awarded "Best Annual Festival" by Main Line Today magazine.

VisitPA named it one of the 12 best summer concerts to attend this year in Pennsylvania, along with Musikfest in Bethlehem and the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival.

"We strive to present a wide variety of entertainment — rock, pop, blues, jazz, funk," Manfre said. "We have some new acts — the young jam band called Three Fourteen, the Open Road Band, which plays legends of country. Our milestone concert is June 29 – the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will be making its 30th appearance at our venue."

The season kicks off with the Delaware County Symphony on June 21. Other performances include the Rose Tree Pops, Chico's Vibe, MINAS Brazilian Jazz, Class of ’84 featuring music from the 1980's, Grateful Dead and Ozzy Osbourne tributes and more.

Please note smoking and alcohol are prohibited at the park. Pets are welcome but must remain

outside the amphitheater area. Friendly, leashed dogs can enjoy the shows from the hilltop seating areas.

Spray-on sunscreen and bug repellent must be applied prior to arrival.

Light concessions will be available for sale, and picnics are allowed.

Last year, the festival provided 26 stations for recycling aluminum, plastic and glass bottles and cans as part of Delaware County's effort toward zero waste.

This year's Rose Tree Summer Festival can be viewed at https://www.delcopa.gov/departments/parks/pdf/23SummerFestivalSchedule.pdf.

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