Kite Night takes flight at the Fall River pier this week. Here's what to expect.

FALL RIVER — We're in the midst of the dog days of summer, and the kids have used those two nails-on-a-chalkboard words every parent loves to hear — "I'm bored" — at least once so far.

May we suggest they go fly a kite. No, seriously.

Summer in the city just got a bit sweeter. This week, Fall River kicks off its first-ever summer-long Picnic Performances at the Pier series to celebrate the recently opened Senator Thomas Norton City Pier.

Each themed night will consist of two hours filled with family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, raffles, and more. This week's theme is Kite Night.

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The summer series is sponsored by the City of Fall River and the Fall River Redevelopment Authority, in partnership with Viva Fall River and the Narrows Center for the Arts.

Here is what you need to know before you go:

When and where is Kite Night?

Kite Night takes flight this Thursday, July 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Senator Thomas Norton City Pier, 600 Davol St., Fall River.

A man walks at Senator Thomas Norton City Pier in Fall River, which will host Kite Night this Thursday, July 13.
A man walks at Senator Thomas Norton City Pier in Fall River, which will host Kite Night this Thursday, July 13.

What can we expect at this week's event?

Molly O’Leary and John Fernandes will help kick off Picnic Performances at the Pier with a live performance, as guests enjoy a kite demonstration, free arts and crafts and community activities with groups such as the Tony Medeiros Entertainment, Audubon Society, Greater Fall River Re-Creation and the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River, as well as a raffle to win family admission packages to the children’s museum. And don't forget to grab a free kite for the kiddos while you're there, available while supplies last.

What's on the menu?

Come for the fun, stay for the food. There will be several options for hungry guests on site from local spots such as Green Jar Cocina, Mario's Lebanese Bakery and Pop's Brick Oven Pizza. If you're just looking for a refresher or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, Del's Lemonade and What's Up Cupcake has you covered.

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Will there be a fee for admission?

You can't beat the cost to attend this family friendly community event. Kite Night, and all Picnic Performances at the Pier, are free and open to the public. The only thing you will need money for are food vendors.

Where can we park?

There's parking available along Davol Street, as well as the nearby Heritage State Park lot on Water Street. And you can't beat that Taunton River view as you trek along the boardwalk from Battleship Cove to the festivities.

Can't make it? Check out these other Picnic Performance events

Summer is a busy time. All booked up this week, and bummed you'll be missing out on Kite Night? No worries. You still have an opportunity to catch three follow-up events in the Picnic Performance series.

You can drop by Thursday, July 27, for a Fall River City Pride Night live performance from the Louie Leeman Band, as well as free City of Fall River swag, a special appearance by Miss Fall River and Miss Fall River Teen, and a raffle to win Battleship Cove admission.

On Thursday, Aug. 10, the pier will host "Aloha Fall River!" Highlights include a Hawaiian luau performance by Roots Run Wild and an event raffle to win a membership and art supplies from the Greater Fall River Art Association.

And finally, the Summertime Fun & Games night on Thursday, Aug. 24 will feature a live performance by 6L Camino, outdoor games — such as a giant Connect Four, corn hole and giant Jenga and more — giveaways, and an event raffle to win a three-month family YMCA membership and goodies.

A selection of food trucks and free community activities can be found at all events, which will take place at the same time, from 6 to 8 p.m., and at the same place.

Stay informed

For more details and live updates on vendors as each Picnic Performance at the Pier draws near, click the event link on the Viva Fall River Facebook page: Picnic Performances event page.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River to host summer-long Picnic Performances at the Pier