Oregon City residents have two reasons to head out on summer weeknights: live music on Thursdays at a historic landmark, and free laundry nights on Wednesdays for neighbors in need.

The city's Concerts in the Park series opens July 9, with a "Hometown Night Kick-Off Party" at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, while the nonprofit LoveOne continues its weekly free laundry events at Brax Laundry on Molalla Avenue every Wednesday through July.

The July 9 opener is a double-header featuring two Oregon City natives. Hailey Verhaalen, a country singer who earned a "yes" from all three judges on ABC's American Idol, shares the stage with Eel Sallad, a Pacific Northwest Americana rock band led by Dallas Lee. Music starts at 6 p.m., earlier than the series' usual 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

The six-week series runs every Thursday through August 13 at the interpretive center at 17th Street and Washington Street. The concert site opens at 4 p.m., food and beverage sales begin at 5 p.m., and music runs 6:30–8:30 p.m. Parking is $5, cash only. Admission is free.

Oregon City Parks and Recreation encouraged residents to bring lawn chairs and blankets and grab dinner from local food vendors onsite.

A few blocks away at 927 Molalla Ave., LoveOne holds free laundry nights at Brax Laundry every Wednesday from 6 p.m. The Clackamas County nonprofit provides laundry, a hot meal, toiletries, socks, and referrals to support services.

Volunteers ladle out food and hand out supplies outside while machines run inside.

LoveOne was founded in 2012 by Dave McAdams after he watched a fellow patron at a laundromat run out of quarters. McAdams died of cancer in 2020 at age 45. Executive Director Brandi Johnson now leads the organization with a small staff and dozens of volunteers.

"The core of what we do is building those relationships and establishing trust with folks," Johnson told The Oregonian in 2022.

Since its founding, LoveOne has cleaned more than 493 tons of free laundry, provided food to more than 40,000 neighbors, and helped more than 270 people into housing, according to the organization's website.

Brax Laundry is owned by Brad and Max Sabo, who host LoveOne events multiple times a month.

The remaining July Oregon City dates at Brax Laundry are Wednesday, July 8; Wednesday, July 15; and Wednesday, July 22. Events start at 6 p.m.

Upcoming community calendar

Concerts in the Park (End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, 17th & Washington, Oregon City. Free admission, $5 parking cash only):

  • Thursday, July 9 – Hailey Verhaalen & Eel Sallad (Hometown Night, 6 p.m. start)
  • Thursday, July 16 – Nevermind (Nirvana tribute)
  • Thursday, July 23 – Jeff Miller & The Congregation
  • Thursday, July 30 – Conjunto Alegre
  • Thursday, August 6 – Rockit Radio
  • Thursday, August 13 – Eagle Eyes (Eagles tribute)

LoveOne Free Laundry (Brax Laundry, 927 Molalla Ave., Oregon City, 6 p.m. Wednesdays):

  • Wednesday, July 8
  • Wednesday, July 15
  • Wednesday, July 22