While people in other parts of the country sweltered through June, savvy Highline residents bided their time, patiently waiting for Independence Day.

They knew that after the Fourth, summer sun would finally arrive around here. Now that the Fourth has passed, the parks departments and arts commissions of our communities are seizing that small window of weather opportunity to present free outdoor music, movies and theater for families.

Here’s a rundown on summer fun in our parks. Be sure to check our Diversions section each week for updates.
And remember, there is no better place than outdoors in Highline on a sunny day.

Burien
Wednesday Night Music at North SeaTac Park. South 128th Street and Des Moines Memorial Dr. in SeaTac. 6:30-8 p.m. On rainy evenings, call 206-988-3700 after 5 p.m. to learn if the concert has been relocated. For more information, visit www.BurienParks.net or call 206-988-3700.
July 18— Johnny Conga and “Loco Mambo.” Afro-Cuban/Caribbean Drumming and Latin Jazz.
July 25—“Coco Loco.” Latin Fiesta.
Aug. 1—“Bottle Rockit.” Rock Party Band.
Aug. 8—“Boys of Greenwood Glen,” Bluegrass.

Thursday Night Music at Lake Burien School Park. Southwest 148th Street and 16th Avenue Southwest. 6:30- 8 p.m. Contact information same as above.
July 12—“The Black Crabs.” Rockabilly.
July 19—“Show Brazil.” Brazilian Bossa Nova.
July 26—“The Winterlings.” Americana/Folk.
Aug. 2—“Pearl Django.” Gypsy Jazz.
Aug. 9—“Verlee for Ransom.” Alternative Pop Rock.
Aug. 16—Shan Coleman. Reggae Pop.

Saturday Shakespeare in the Park. Dottie Harper Park, Southwest 146th Street and 4th Avenue Southwest. 7 p.m. Presented by Greenstage. Bring blankets and folding chairs for seating and boxed meals and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the performance. Contact information same as above.
July 28—“The Taming of the Shrew.”
Aug. 4—“Henry VIII.”

Des Moines
Wednesday Beach Park Summer Concert Series. 22030 Cliff Ave. S. 7-8:30 p.m.
July 11—Michael Powers.
July 18—“The Coats.”
July 25—“Sedentary Sousa Band.”
Aug. 1—“Crème Tangerine.”
Aug. 15—“Toucans Steal Drum band.”

Friday Shakespeare in the Park. July 13-- “12th Night.” Beach Park, 22030 Cliff Ave. S. 7-8:30 p.m. Presented by Seattle Shakespeare.

Other Free Beach Park events. Sponsored by Des Moines Arts Commission.
Aug. 4—Poverty Bay Poetry Slam. 2-4 p.m. Everyone is welcome to read.
Aug. 8—“Des Moines Got Talent.” 7- 8:30 p.m. A talent competition made up of local talent that auditioned in May.
Aug. 18—Poverty Bay Arts Celebration. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Normandy Park
Sunday Summer Concerts. Marvista Park, South 200th Street and 4th Avenue Southwest. 5-6:30 p.m. Free iced coffee.
July 22—“Rosin in the Aire.” Bluegrass
July 29—“Gothard Sisters.” Celtic Music and Dancing
Aug. 5—“Nowhere Men.” Beatles Music
Aug. 12—“The Tempos.” Big Band Swing.
Aug. 19—“The Not-Its!, Kid’s Pop, and “The Rumba Kings, Latin Music.
Aug. 26—“Raucous.” Classic Rock.

SeaTac
Friday Music in the Park. Angle Lake Park, 19408 International Boulevard. 7-8:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Additional parking is available at Alaska Airlines. Located just north of park.
July 13—Scott Lindemuth. Jazz Guitarist.
July 27—Kellee Bradley. Acoustic/Folk/Rock/Pop.

Wednesday Music in the Park. North SeaTac Park, South 128th Street and Des Moines Memorial Dr..
July 18— Johnny Conga and “Loco Mambo.” Afro-Cuban/Caribbean Drumming and Latin Jazz. 7-8:30 p.m. SeaTac Parks and Recreation and 4Culture are co-sponsoring this event with Burien Parks.

Tukwila
Summer Outdoor Cinema Series. Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S. Outdoor seating begins at 8 p.m. Movie begins at dusk. All shows are rated PG. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Movies are free but two cans of food per family member are requested to help support Tukwila Pantry. Concessions also available. For information, call 206-768-2822.
July 20—“Hugo.”
July 27—“Dolphin Tale.”
Aug. 3—“The Adventures of Tintin.”
Aug. 10—“The Muppets.”

Peanut Butter & Jam Family Entertainment Series. Outside the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S., next to spray park. Noon- 1 p.m. Just for kids. Pack picnic baskets and blankets and watch kids dance and sing to favorite performers.
July 20—Casper Babypants.
July 27—Bubbleman.
Aug. 3—Eric Ode.
Aug. 10—“The Not-Its!

Other fun events
There are lots of other fun events planned for this summer. Some charge an admission while others don’t. Watch for more details in the Times/News or at www.highlinetimes.com.
July 20-- Des Moines Classic BBQ.
July 20- Aug. 31—Cedarbrook Lodge Jazz on the Lawn.
July 21-- Des Moines Classic Car & Boat Show
July 21-- Waterland Parade.
July 21—Olde Burien Block Party.
Aug. 15—Celebrate Des Moines Caribbean Style.
Aug. 17–19-- Flute Quest, Saltwater State Park.
Aug. 18—Pie Joust World Championships. Burien.
Aug. 25-- Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival.