(St. Joseph, MO) – Parties on the Parkway will kick off its annual concert series next month in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph Chamber said the concert series gives St. Joseph residents a chance to network with friends and co-workers after the workdays ends, all while enjoying the sounds of local bands and the beautiful, natural scenery of the Parkway system.

The series will start in St. Joseph’s South Side in May and works its way up the 26-mile Parkway system through August. Rockin’ on the River is an encore to Parties on the Parkway, which ends the summer with a bang, with fireworks and two bands, in on Aug. 29.

The Parties on the Parkway line-up for 2015 is as follows:

Thursday, May 14, Missouri Detour, classic rock — S.W. Parkway and King Hill Drive near Benton High School. The rain date is May 21.P

Thursday, June 11, The Souveneers, country/folk — S.W. Parkway and 28th Street. The rain date is June 18.

Thursday, July 9, Echo, rock covers — S.W. Noyes and Messanie, Parkway A. The rain date is July 16.

Thursday, Aug. 13, OxyMoron — across from Corby Pond. The rain date is Aug. 20.

“Parties on the Parkway is an excellent way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Parkway, hear talented local musicians and spend time with your friends, co-workers and neighbors,” said Natalie Redmond, Vice President of Membership for the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. “If you haven’t been out to enjoy Parties in the past, don’t miss it this year.”

All parties are from 5 to 8 p.m., and are free and open to the public. This is a very family-friendly event, with one or more food and drink vendors available and a balloon artist for the kids.

Parties on the Parkway and Rockin’ on the River are presented by Nodaway Valley Bank.