Family Day Music Festival moves to Woodruff Riverfront Park downtown

For the first time in its history, the 30th Annual Family Day Music Festival moves the free concert to Woodruff Riverfront Park in downtown Columbus.

Presented by Davis Broadcasting Inc., the 2-8 p.m. Saturday event at 1000 Bay Ave. features R&B, hip-hop, jazz, gospel, blues and Southern soul on four stages.

Greg Davis Jr., director of marketing for the company, said he’s looking forward to the concert that may attract 6,000 music lovers to the downtown area.

“It’s going to be something for the entire family,” Davis said on Thursday.

Each year, the music festival is held as part of Black Music Month in June. Over the years, it has been used to introduce new artists to the Chattahoochee Valley. More than 15 major artists are performing at the event this year.

Top artists in the lineup are R&B star Kelly Price, gospel superstar Israel Houghton and Southern soul star Theodis Ealey. Some hip-hop stars include DJ Luke Nasty, Da Pretty Boyz and others.

Organizers thought the new location would be very inclusive after the broadcasting company held its “Jazz on the River Concert Series” on the river last year.

“We think that it’s an awesome place to showcase the city,” Davis said. “We will have ample food vendors on the bridge. Streets will be closed off so festivalgoers will be able to enjoy a wonderful free concert out on the river.”

The event was held in the east parking lot of the Columbus Civic Center for the last two years. Cooper Creek Park served the music festival for 27 years.

Dillingham Street will be closed for the festival. Free parking is available at the RiverCenter parking deck, 919 Broadway; Front Avenue parking deck, 1028 Front Ave.; and Bay Avenue parking deck on 12th Street.

Festivalgoers may bring water to stay hydrated, along with chairs, blankets and umbrellas. Banned items include grills, tents, coolers, alcohol, pets or assistance animals and anything that could be used as a weapon.

Visitors to the festival are encouraged to arrive early for the event. Davis said a tribute to Fort Benning and veterans will be held at 1:55 p.m. Saturday. The National Anthem is to be sung by one of the local talent show winners.

“It’s going to be a great event from start to finish,” he said. “We just want people to come out and enjoy the day.”

This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 5:59 PM with the headline "Family Day Music Festival moves to Woodruff Riverfront Park downtown."