By Kaitlyn McMullin on Jun 19, 2026

The Show Goes On: La Verne's Summer Concerts & Movies Survive Budget Cuts

Residents say concerts and movies in the park build community as City leaders weigh future costs and funding options.

Community News

The Silverados, an Eagles tribute band, plays during the June 29, 2025, Concert in the Park at Heritage Park in La Verne. Photo courtesy City of La Verne

As families spread blankets across the grass at a La Verne summer concert in 2014, Wendy Hughes and Peggy Kovacs had no idea their daughters' chance meeting would lead to a friendship that still endures 12 years later.

Today, residents like Hughes and Kovacs say the City's free concerts and movies in the park offer benefits that are difficult to measure in dollars.

For almost 40 years, the La Verne Heritage Foundation and the City of La Verne have partnered to offer free summer concerts and movie screenings in its parks. Earlier this month, City officials discussed the cost of Parks & Recreation programs as part of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget process, exploring options such as additional sponsorships, participation fees and other funding sources to help offset expenses.

The City Council ultimately approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budget on June 15 without eliminating the programs, meaning concerts and movies in the park will continue as free community events this summer.

However, the discussion highlighted broader financial pressures facing the City. Officials projected a budget gap in fiscal year 2026-27 and warned that future budget decisions could become more difficult as personnel costs continue to outpace revenue growth. As City leaders revisit spending priorities in the years ahead, residents and officials alike may face questions about how community events are funded and what role they should play in the City's budget.

(First photo) From left, Peyton Hughes and Amber Kovacs at a 2014 concert at Heritage Park in La Verne. (Second photo) From left, Amber Kovacs and Peyton Hughes at a 2025 concert in the park. Photo courtesy Wendy Hughes

For Hughes and Kovacs, the value of the events is personal.

Every summer since their daughters met, the two families have returned to celebrate the friendship that began at a City concert.

"If it wasn't for the concert in the park and the dads talking, our daughters would have never met," Hughes said. "If it wasn't for community events, friendships would never blossom."

Jocelyn Arellano Campbell said she has attended concerts and other City events for years, first with her children when they were young and continuing as they have grown older.

“Events like this are nice to bring the neighbors out to enjoy the music,” Campbell said.

La Verne resident Laurie Biernacki agreed. "One of the things that makes this community so special is the free events that bring neighbors together. There’s a chance to catch up, meet new people and remind us why we love living here."

Several residents described the events as an important part of community life, however, opinions varied on how well the events serve the community.

"It's important to show diversity because the population is not only Caucasian," said A. Salomon, who has attended La Verne concerts and movies in the park the past three years. "I go to other cities because of the diversity in their programs."

Parks and Recreation Supervisor Chad Peterson said staff works to balance variety with budget limitations when selecting performers.

"We do try to mix it up," Peterson said. "We have limited funds to pay for the concert, so depending on the bands and the cost, we do try to mix it up a bit."

Residents fill the lawn at Heritage Park in La Verne to catch The Silverados, an Eagles tribute band, during the City of La Verne Concert in the Park series June 29, 2025. The free summer event series draws crowds of around 300 for live music in an outdoor setting. Photo courtesy of City of La Verne

City officials say the programs are made possible through a combination of public funding, partnerships and sponsorships.

According to Peterson, concerts cost between $800 and more than $3,000, depending on the band and booking fee. Movie screenings cost between $300 and $1,400, including licensing and screening fees.

After accounting for sponsorships and other revenue, the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget projects a net city cost of $3,449 for concerts in the park and $1,374 for movies in the park.

Peterson said the Police Officers Association pays for movie licensing, a resident rents the movie screen at a reduced cost, and the Heritage Foundation helps secure bands. Sponsorships also help cover performer expenses.

The free concert series receives support from local businesses, organizations and community partners, including CalRecycle, Detroit Auto Body, Gilead, La Verne Brewing, La Verne Construction, Sanders Towing Inc., Team Lorge Real Estate – Fine Homes & Luxury and TK Print Management.

As officials consider future funding options, one possibility discussed has been charging admission or participation fees.

Campbell said that would likely change how often she attends.

“I would not have paid for them,” Campbell said. “The bands are good, but they aren't Pasadena Pops or Hollywood Bowl good. I might pay $5 for a fundraiser, $10 tops.”

She added that attending with children, who may need to leave early, makes paying admission less appealing.

"I think putting a price tag on something that has always been free would be a tough sell, especially when everyone is already feeling the squeeze of rising costs and recently higher water bills," Biernacki said.

For Kovacs, the discussion ultimately comes back to what the events provide beyond entertainment. "It would be so sad," she said. "[We would lose] camaraderie, community. It's almost like a reunion."

Peterson agreed that the programs serve a broader purpose than simply providing music or movies.

“I think it’s a great thing for the community,” Peterson said. “A community event to get the community outdoors doing something that the City can provide for them throughout the summer.”

What to Know Before You Go

Admission is free.
Concerts are family-friendly.
Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash at all times.
Parking can be a challenge. Arrive early for the best spots on the lawn or be prepared to walk a bit.
Restrooms are available at the park.