It’ll be hard to find a reason to say “There’s nothing to do” this summer.

The Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department has a series of special events planned at the city’s parks throughout the warm-weather months.

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Mains said the special events are part of the department’s goal to bring more recreation opportunities to the city.

“We are always working to bring more recreation opportunities to our parks,” Mains said. “Over the past three years, we have been working to gradually increase the areas where we have these activities. The main reason we have been able to do this is the support of the city manager, city council and the planning director.”

The summer events will kick off with the first Covered Bridge Jam June 20 featuring the Thursday Night Boys. The Covered Bridge Jams will be held each Saturday night from 7-9 p.m. until the end of August.

“We will have rock ’n’ roll, bluegrass and gospel,” Athletics Director David Nanney said. “We will have all different acts so that everyone can enjoy the jams.”

The jams will be held at the new Covered Bridge Park stage — the “perfect” spot for outdoor performances, Mains said.

“We see this as an ideal spot for families to come and enjoy activities,” he said. “It is perfect with the beautiful stage, the historic Covered Bridge and the Doe River right nearby.”

The Covered Bridge Jams performance schedule includes:

•  Thursday Night Boys, 7 p.m. June 20;
• Bullseye Band, 7 p.m. June 27;
•  Independence Day Celebration, noon-4 p.m. July 4;
•  Retroville, 7 p.m. July 11;
•  Blue Carpet Corner, 7 p.m. July 18;
•  40 West, July 25;
•  The Mayberry Deputy and John Goad and New Hawkins Co. Grass, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1;
•  Sacred Harmony, 7 p.m. Aug. 8;
• Hollow Ground Bluegrass, 7 p.m. Aug. 15; and
•  ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, 7 p.m. Aug. 29;

Two other events are planned for later in the summer. In August, a movie night is planned for the Covered Bridge Stage.

“We will probably host this after school has started back so we can advertise it through the schools so more kids can know about it and come,” Mains said.

The other event is planned for late summer and will be a Party in the Park at Kiwanis Park. The party is being held in partnership with Northeast Community Credit Union. The party will feature live music, inflatables and other activities.