I have never been more excited for summer than this year. Ryan says I am like this every year, but this is different. The winter seems to have been extra cold, extra snowy, and just extra wintry.
The fact is, my toes are pedicured and my flip flops are on, and they aren’t coming off unless I need to put on my dancing shoes for the free Friday Fest in Greeley.
If you’ve been living under a rock, or haven’t been paying attention to HeidiTown’s Facebook page, you’re well aware that Friday Fest is a Friday night party that takes place in Greeley during the summer. There are bands, dancing, art, bubbles, adult beverages and much more. Haven’t been? You’ve been missing out, but that’s okay, you’ll go this year.
The entire lineup of 20 (yes, twenty) bands won’t be revealed until May 3 at Greeley Festivals on Facebook. Also, keep an eye on the HeidiTown Facebook page because each week I’ll be reminding you of the event as well as posting what band(s) are on the schedule for that Friday.
In the meantime, there are a few things I can tell you. Colorado’s Queen of Soul, Hazel Miller, is kicking off the Greeley Blues Jam on Friday, June 2, a tradition not to be trifled with. Another custom that cannot be changed is that Funkiphino will be at Friday Fest on July 28 to kick off the Arts Picnic (July 29-30). I have danced the night away several times to this band’s funky tunes and can attest that they are loads of lively entertainment.
Some familiar faces will be gracing the stage this year, and there are some new faces too, plus a couple big surprises are waiting for festival goers.
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The plan is for some outlaw honky tonk, country, swamp-funk-bayou-soul, high energy new grass and bluegrass, a couple of great tribute bands, Southern rock, classic rock and more. Dancing shoes? Check.
Way back in 2011, Greeley became the first Colorado community with a Go Cup District. This means that people can drink alcoholic drinks openly in this district, which is downtown. That’s right, those teetotalers who founded Greeley are rolling in their graves. The point is, I can walk around outside at Friday Fest, beer in hand. I told you Greeley was FUN!
And Friday Fest isn’t just about the music or Go Cup, although those are big pieces of the puzzle. Entertainment abounds from Spectra Circus performers to live art performances to bubble machines. Those bubble machines seriously entertain the photog in me! In addition, face painters and balloon artists will ply their trades and fire spinners will wow the crowd.
All this free excitement starts Friday, May 5 with a bit of salsa music for Cinco de Mayo (I can’t disclose which band, but I can disclose that I will be there). Friday Fest will continue every Friday through September 15. Festivities get underway at 6 p.m.
With twenty Fridays to choose from, you have no excuse not to attend at least once. I’ll see you there!
Friday Fest
Downtown Greeley
May 5 through September 15, 2023
Fridays at 6 p.m.
The best part? Friday Fest is 100 percent FREE to attend.
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Post sponsored by Greeley’s Downtown Development Authority, but my excitement for this free event is genuine as I have been a number of times over the years. If you’d like your event or festival featured on HeidiTown.com, email me at TheMayor@HeidiTown.com.
