GAINESVILLE, Ga. (May 5, 2021) – Starting this Friday, May 7, Main Street Gainesville is bringing back to downtown Gainesville the First Fridays concert series.
“Having the historic downtown buildings filled with all of our favorite small businesses just feels like home; we love living life downtown. After a year of limited community gatherings, we’re excited to be back together again having a good time on the square,” said Main Street Manager Nicole Ricketts.
The 2021 series runs through September and will feature a different band the first Friday of every month on the historic Gainesville square. Events are free and open to the public.
“First Friday concerts are held with the goal of bringing our community downtown to support our small businesses,” Ricketts said. “Our hope is to give our retailers a boosted night of shoppers, our restaurants a full evening of patrons, and to remind the community about all the great services and businesses that make up the fabric of downtown.”
Kicking off the series this weekend, headliner Bob Seger Tribute will play from 8-10 p.m. after talent with Let There Be Rock School opens the show at 7 p.m.
The following bands/artists are scheduled this summer:
• June 4: The Soul Purpose Band
• Aug. 6: Fly Betty Band
• Sept. 3: Jonathan Ingram
Shows are slated from 7-10 p.m., with the main stage located at the corner of Main and Washington streets.
Set up your chairs/blankets on the lawn starting at 6 p.m., then grab a bite and/or beverage downtown or at a nearby vendor, like The Inked Pig (barbecue) or Frozen Frenzee (cold confections).
“To continue creating a safe environment for everyone, we will paint circles in the streets to create designated seating areas for people to enjoy the concert socially distanced,” Ricketts said.
Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Longstreet Clinic will also be on site encouraging people to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and assisting with scheduling vaccination appointments.
In celebration of Gainesville turning 200 this November, be sure to visit with City staff who will be slinging some Gainesville trivia and prizes at the Main Street tent. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase some cool Main Street- and Gainesville-branded merch.
Free parking is always available at the Main Street Parking Deck, 301 Main St.; and Hall County Parking Facility, 225 Green St. SE – both within walking distance to the square.
For updates, “Like” and follow @DowntownGainesvilleGA on Facebook or Instagram, or visit gainesville.org.