Nothing says summer like an outdoor concert. Toss in time with friends, tasty food, beer and wine, and you've got the recipe for a perfect night out. Nissley Vineyards will host its annual Summerfest concert series on Friday and Saturday evenings from July 5 through Aug. 31. Concerts will be held on the lawn at the vineyard, 140 Vintage Drive, Bainbridge.

"We are one of the area's longest-running outdoor music venues, with 2024 being our 42nd season," said Jonas Nissley, general manager. "It's a beautiful, relaxing setting to be enjoyed by dancers, music lovers, wine lovers, beer lovers and anyone who enjoys live music in a relaxing, picturesque environment."

New this year, Nissley will feature family-friendly Friday nights, when milkshakes and non-alcoholic slushies will be served, and face painting will be available. Saturday evening concerts are for people age 21 and up.

Adding the family nights will help bring the Summerfest experience to even more people, Nissley said. "We want to be able to share our venue with people of all ages," he explained. "For many years, children were welcome at our lawn concerts. Later in life, those kids started attending our concerts as adults. We want our venue to be a place where different generations of the same family can enjoy what we offer."

To find bands for the summer concert series, Nissley staff members scout local shows in search of top talent. Many of the performers have been entertaining at the vineyard for more than a decade, Nissley noted.

Summerfest will kick off on Friday, July 5, with a concert by PopScotch. The band performs pop, rock and funk music. On Saturday, July 6, Bunchafunk will entertain. The group plays rock, jazz and funk. Additional highlights include Mama Tried, a high-energy variety dance band, on Saturday, July 13, and the Kracker Beez, a rock and dance cover band, on Friday, Aug. 30.

Each concert will also feature food trucks. On July 5, food will be available from Brotherly Love Scratch Kitchen, Wich Way Sandwiches and Scoop O'Dough. On July 6, food will be provided by Nano Burger, Brewster's Bar-B-Que and Pretzel Spot Cafe.

Guests are also welcome to bring in their own food, Nissley said. Nissley wine will be available for purchase, along with beer from Moo-Duck Brewery.

People are also invited to bring lawn games to set up on the macadam lot, and concert-goers should bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the music. Concerts are held rain or shine unless there is substantial, sustained rain.

Summerfest concerts offer a perfect escape where rows of ripening grapes, shady woods around an old lime kiln and a stone-arch winery provide a beautiful backdrop, Nissley said.

"The venue is a perfect place to gather friends and family or create a romantic night out," he shared. "It's the right balance of fun and relaxing."

For a complete list of concerts and for more information, visit http://www.nissleywine.com/summerfest or follow Nissley Vineyards on Facebook.