Two free outdoor concerts, a creek-side science program for kids, a guided nature hike, and a charity golf outing fill the Rochester-area calendar in August 2026.
Here's what's coming up and how to take part.
Rochester Community Concert Band: 'Celebrate America 250!'
The Rochester Community Concert Band performs its fifth annual summer concert on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. on the east lawn of St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church, 2675 John R. Road, Rochester Hills. The program, titled "Celebrate America 250!," marks the nation's 250th anniversary with selections including "The Stars and Stripes Forever," "Glenn Miller in Concert," and "Salute to the Armed Forces."
Conductor and Artistic Director Paul F. DeRubeis leads the all-volunteer ensemble. Narrator and tenor soloist Daniel Greig performs Robert W. Smith's "The Greatest Generation" and David Miller's "Celebrate America!"
"We look forward to welcoming our community each year to this special outdoor tradition," DeRubeis said in a July 22 press release. "As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, this program reflects the spirit, resilience, and shared heritage that unite us all."
Food trucks Tacos Te Amo and The Little Donut will be on site. Admission is free; donations are accepted. The rain date is Wednesday, August 5, at 7 p.m. The concert is supported in part by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and CME Group.
Harmony in the Hills: Island Melody Makers
The next evening, the Harmony in the Hills Concert Series brings Island Melody Makers to the Garden of Hope at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo St., Rochester, on Wednesday, August 5, at 7 p.m.
The five-piece ensemble features Renee Kuczeski on steel drum, Beth Halt on violin, Rick Bibik on guitar, Marlo Williams on bass, and Patricia Fisher on drums. The set list ranges from Jimmy Buffett's "Cheeseburger in Paradise" to Bob Marley's "One Love" and the jazz standard "Take Five."
Admission is free. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket. If weather turns, the concert moves indoors to the Sanctuary. The series is organized by St. Paul's UMC under the artistic direction of Dr. Seung Hee Cho, Director of Music.
Stream Science at Van Hoosen Farm
Stream Science continues every Thursday through August 20 at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road. Museum staff station themselves near the creek from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with hands-on activity kits that include nets, magnifying glasses, and bug boxes, available first-come, first-served. No registration required. Details at rochesterhills.org/museum.
Kids Healthy Hikes at Innovation Hills
A free guided hike for children begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, at Innovation Hills, 2800 West Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills. The event includes a short hike through the park's trails with wellness-themed activities along the way. Registration is required at eventbrite.com. Parking is free with a Rochester Hills Park Pass; those without a pass can park across Hamlin Road at no charge.
OLHSA Golf Fore Change
The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency hosts its eighth annual Golf Fore Change fundraiser on Friday, August 28, at Westwynd Golf Course, 4161 Adams Road, Oakland Township. Registration opens at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The $150-per-golfer fee ($600 per foursome) covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, 18 holes with a cart, and contests and raffles. Proceeds support OLHSA's emergency assistance programs for local families in crisis. Sponsorship pledges are due by Friday, August 7. Register at olhsa.org/fore.
Upcoming community calendar
- Thursdays through Aug. 20 — Stream Science, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm.
- Tuesday, Aug. 4 — Rochester Community Concert Band outdoor concert, 7 p.m., St. Mary of the Hills, Rochester Hills. Free.
- Wednesday, Aug. 5 — Harmony in the Hills: Island Melody Makers, 7 p.m., St. Paul's UMC Garden of Hope, Rochester. Free.
- Wednesday, Aug. 12 — Kids Healthy Hikes, 10 a.m., Innovation Hills, Rochester Hills. Free; registration required.
- Friday, Aug. 28 — OLHSA Golf Fore Change, 9 a.m. shotgun start, Westwynd Golf Course, Oakland Township. $150/person.
