July 4, NARA Park, Acton. Whether fans arrived early for the music of Thirty6 Red, or later for just the fireworks, they were rewarded with perfect weather for Acton’s annual patriotic bash. But many might have found it to be worth the trip just for the food truck offerings, which included traditional barbecue, Indian, Thai, Brazilian, bakery items, and even chocolate covered fruit and cheesecake. As expected, slushes and lemonade were also big sellers.
The Town again offered free bus shuttles to NARA from the Nagog Park shopping center off Great Road, but, with traffic backed up beyond Lake Nagog just to get into the parking lots, this writer turned around and parked at the almost-empty Acton Woods Plaza. For the half hour walk up Main Street, there were more black flies than pedestrians, but that would change later, when throngs of people walked or drove to the fireworks — or watched them from the now-full plaza. Those on bikes could pedal right to NARA on the adjacent Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.
Thirty6 Red performed for an enthusiastic crowd, with many fans dancing next to the stage. The popular band covers many rock songs, and has played with well-known acts such as Rick Springfield, Bret Michaels, Gretchen Wilson, and the late Eddie Money. For a full list of the 2025 NARA concerts, you can go to: acton-ma.gov/306concerts-and-Special-Events.
