GAINESVILLE, Ga. (June 28, 2023) – Keeping the Independence Day energy going, the City of Gainesville's First Friday Concert Series returns July 7 featuring a performance by Backyard Loveseat.
The southeast Georgia-based band describes itself as playing “a little down-home rock ‘n’ roll with a fat country soul,” according to its Facebook page.
“A band born in Statesboro, Georgia, and raised on Southern rock, we mix classic swampy sound with some of today’s modern vibe,” it states.
The Main Street Gainesville-hosted concert takes place from 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 7, on the historic square in downtown Gainesville.
“First Fridays feel like homecoming on the square; it’s a time where the whole community comes together,” said Main Street Manager Nicole Parham.
The summer concert series continues monthly through September, featuring the following performers the first Friday of every month: Backyard Loveseat (country rock), July 7; Mixtape (variety band), Aug. 4; and Six Foot Ramblers (country folk), Sept. 1. 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,” Parham 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.”
The main stage will be located at the corner closest to Roosevelt Square, at Bradford and Spring streets. Bradford and Spring streets will close by 3 p.m. to allow crews to set up the stage and other equipment.
"We’ll close parking earlier, but by 5 p.m., Washington and Main streets will be closed to traffic, allowing time for food trucks to get in place," Parham said.
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.
Be sure to visit with City staff who will be slinging some freebies and cool Main Street- and Gainesville-branded merch at the “The Gateway”, the Gainesville Convention and Visitors Bureau’s new mobile welcome center.
Find free and covered parking at any one of the following downtown parking decks, all located within walking distance to the square: Main Street Parking Deck, 301 Main St.; Gainesville North Parking Deck, 100 Brenau Ave. NE; and Hall County Parking Facility, 225 Green St.
For updates, “Like” and follow @DowntownGainesvilleGA on Facebook or Instagram, or visit downtowngainesville.com.