Discover fun and entertainment in Claremont

Southern Californians, business travelers to Ontario and Pomona, and tourists on vacation in the Los Angeles area looking for a peaceful night out this summer will find the evening weather perfect for strolling in Claremont.

Using Metrolink's San Bernardino line, Claremont is a 50-minute train ride from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and just minutes from neighboring cities, including Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland. Claremont’s historic train depot is located in the heart of the Claremont Village, walking distance to dozens of shops and restaurants and a short bicycle ride away from the Claremont Colleges and shopping along Historic Route 66 California.

With 20 round trips Monday through Friday, 10 on Saturdays and seven on Sundays, a train ride and overnight stay in Claremont makes a quick and convenient local getaway or staycation.

Following are some highlights of Summer in Claremont 2011:

· June 11 and 12 – Mountainside Master Chorale Goes to the Movies
The Mountainside Master Chorale is showcasing Old Hollywood, and raises the curtain with favorite choral selections from films from 1935 to the present day. The concerts will take place at the Scripps College Performing Arts Center. More information at http://www.mountainsidemasterchorale.org/

· “Friday Nights Live” in the Claremont Village – Every Friday Night
All ages are welcome to enjoy bands performing free, live music, including pop, funk and jazz, every Friday night in public venues throughout Claremont’s downtown area. The music series continues through Oct. 28. More information at http://www.thevillageclaremont.com/vilcal.html

· Thursday nights, June 30 thru Aug. 4 – “Garden Groove” Summer Concert Series at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Enjoy great music, picnic dinners and cool Claremont evenings at the Garden’s annual summer concert series. The Garden reopens to guests at 6 p.m., concerts begin at 7 p.m. Tickets available online or at the gate. More information at http://www.rsabg.org/

· July 1 – First Friday Art Walk
Held on the first Friday of each month, this family-friendly arts festival transforms Claremont’s Village into an arts district, featuring the work of visual artists, live musicians, street performers and children’s activities. Participating artists are predominantly from Claremont and surrounding communities. Art exhibits occur at the College Heights Packing House and participating businesses. More information at http://www.artwalkclaremont.com/.

· July 4 – Fourth of July Celebration and Festival
Claremont’s 63rd annual Independence Day celebration is entitled, “We the People…Celebrate!” Community-oriented activities in Memorial Park include a traditional pancake breakfast, festival and food booths, and children’s and family games. The festivities culminate with one of Southern California’s largest fireworks shows and a classic rock concert at Pomona College. Details at http://www.ci.claremont.ca.us/ps.leisurerecreation.cfm?ID=1817.

· “Concerts in the Park” – Monday, July 11 and until September 5, 2011
The concerts are held at Memorial Park and begin at 7:30 pm. The concert series is a tradition in Claremont and features a variety of musical genres including rock and roll, blues, oldies, and reggae. If you will be attending one of the concerts, remember to bring a blanket and chairs for seating. The Claremont Kiwanis Club will be selling refreshments but you may bring in your own food and drink. For more information, email aguzman@ci.claremont.ca.us.

· Sept. 9 – Vintage Village Wine Walk
The 10th annual event will feature wine tastings at businesses throughout the downtown Claremont Village business district. This event sells outs annually; tickets go on sale on August 1. More information at http://www.thevillageclaremont.com/winewalk.html.

Claremont’s weekly Farmer and Artisans Market continues every Sunday morning at 2nd Street and Indian Hill Blvd. The market features fresh local and organic produce, plants, flowers and cheeses, gifts and jewelry made by local craftspeople, used books and more.