by Ryan Rosenbaum, Executive Director, CHCA

This is my first summer as executive director of the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

There were a lot of things that attracted me to this job and more importantly, to this neighborhood. The vibe, culture and people are so unique here that it literally feels like a city within the city. One of the highlights of this area are the free events that last throughout the summer.

By the time you read this, we will have concluded our third of seven concerts in in Pastorius Park. In its 68th season, it is the longest running outdoor concert series in the city of Philadelphia. We have welcomed more than 2,000 attendees thus far.

For me, it was really enjoyable to see people bring their dogs, their kids and in some cases their full-course dinners, as they took in a diverse set of bands and instrumentalists in June. I come to most of the concerts and other events in Chestnut Hill. I bring my wife, my daughter and my folks because I truly believe in the fun being created here in Chestnut Hill. Please don’t hesitate to say “Hi” as I’m usually seated near the CHCA Welcome Table in the back for the concerts.

The concerts run for four more weeks (every Wednesday from 7:30pm – 9pm). Get there early for the best spots. Once again there is NO charge to attend.

The schedule for the rest of the summer is: Alo Brasil on July 6, Wesley Stace & The English U.K. on July 13, Laurin Talese on July 20 and RUNA on July 27.

With the conclusion of the summer concert series in July comes the August outdoor movie series. Every Friday night in the month of August, the CHCA will host a free outdoor movie series at the Water Tower at 200 E. Hartwell.

Last year, the series attracted hundreds of moviegoers. This year, moviegoers can bring their own food and drinks or they can buy them from a variety food trucks that will be stationed around the Water Tower.

This year’s movies will be: “Inside Out” (PG) on Aug. 5, “Creed” (PG-13) on Aug. 12, “Zootopia” (PG) on Aug. 19, and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (PG-13) on Aug. 26th. The movies start at 8 p.m., but the CHCA suggests arriving at 7 p.m. in order to purchase food from the trucks.

Other upcoming Chestnut Hill events include the Chestnut Hill Bocce Club’s 4th of July celebration, which will start at 9 a.m. at the Water Tower Recreational Field and Petapalooza on July 10 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Germantown and Highland, sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Business Association.