COVID Cancels Concerts In The Park In Manhattan Beach This Summer

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The City of Manhattan Beach has canceled the 2020 Concerts in the Park series due to COVID-19. The summertime concert series is one of Manhattan Beach's most beloved activities and brings thousands outdoors to Polliwog Park for an afternoon and early evening of song, dance, food, and fun. The series usually launches end of June and continues every Sunday until early September. Concerts drew audiences ranging from 4,000 to 12,000 attendees, said Mark Leyman, parks and recreation director for Manhattan Beach.

"I will miss being together with my community, enjoying the music and the joy of being together every Sunday!" Manhattan Beach resident LeeAnn Robinson Told Manhattan Beach Patch. "It was a chance to come together and celebrate life! A feeling of love and peace was always present! Maybe we should all dance in our back yard for an hour each Sunday till Labor Day! It is the right decision! Safety first always!"

"While this decision comes with great sadness, the health and safety of concertgoers, employees and our community remains top priority!" Leyman said. "We thank you for the continued support during these uncertain times and hope to see you all jam out with us in Polliwog Park come 2021!

Past bands and themes have been a "Salute to the Troops," "The Petty Breakers," "Queen Nation," a Neil Diamond tribute called "Hot August Nights," Beatles tribute bands, and other musical styles. The concerts are such a draw concertgoers begin staking out places to sit hours before the actual concerts starts. Folks bring blankets, lawn chairs, beach towels, picnics, and gather together for hours of outdoor fun. Bands play on an elevated stage in the amphitheater and many concertgoers love hitting the pavement up front near the stage for dancing. Other stay where they are and get up and dance.