Summer Entertainment Series in Portage 2008!

• Go to Events Listing 

Continuing Services 

• Avoid lines; buy on-line with our Convenient, Low Cost, Easy, Ticketing System at www.stagetix.com. 
• Concessions for sale at all events.
• Purchase advance tickets at the Parks & Recreation Office accepting Debit/Credit Card payment for tickets to most events.

This year the Summer Entertainment Series (SES) will be celebrating 20 years of providing high quality, affordable, cultural events for residents and visitors of Portage alike.  Some new events are being planned along with the return of some SES favorites.

How did the SES get started?  Community involvement in the Summer Entertainment Series (SES) project originated in the mid-1980’s when residents of the arts community assembled to investigate the possibility of introducing a community-based cultural arts program.  The community demonstrated a strong interest, and the City of Portage immediately responded by taking leadership steps to develop a high-quality program.  Summer entertainment in the parks became a reality in the City of Portage with the grand opening of the Overlander Bandshell at Central Park in 1988.  By 1997, the SES developed into an operation capable of producing as many as 38 performances between June 1 and August 30 annually.  Last year, over 12,000 patrons from throughout Southwest Michigan attended SES events. 

Highlights of 2008 SES events invlude the return of the popular Taste of Portage - June 14, Celery Flats Civil War Reenactment - June 21 & 22, Headliners Classic Rock All Stars - July 11, and Shakespeare in the Park - July 18-27. A new adventure for 2008 is the Portage Party in the Park on August 2.  This family party kicks off at 1:00 p.m. with activities for the whole family.  Beginning at 5:00 p.m. the dance floor opens up with an outdoor dance party through the decades.  This Party is one you won’t want to miss!

There are 32 different and exciting cultural events to discover and explore this summer.  Plan to join us at the many cultural offerings as the City of Portage Summer Entertainment Series proudly presents your Journey Through Summer.