Downtown Greenville concert series return to NOMA Square for 25-plus spring, summer events

Expect NOMA Square to fill with nearly 100,000 people, live music, food, beer and wine over 25-plus weeks as Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive and Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays presented by Pepsi opens up on Thursday, March 14 for a summer and spring outdoor concert series.

This is a free, weekly downtown music event for all to enjoy the sounds of Upstate-based artists and a handful of visiting vocal performers.

Here is what to know about the two downtown music festivals happening at 220 N. Main Street this upcoming season:

Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive

Food trucks, beer, wine, and, of course, live music will line the north corridor of downtown Greenville as Downtown Alive will host genres of tunes ranging from country, pop and blues and so much more.

Twenty-five bands will perform over the concert series, with 17 artists hailing from the Upstate including Linda Faye's Sound, Threesound, Run Katie Run and more.

This concert series takes place on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at NOMA Square, check the performance schedule for all upcoming performances.

Downtown Alive raises money for the Metropolitan Arts Council — a nonprofit arts group in Greenville. The proceeds from drinks purchased at the free concert series will help fund their grant programs and events such as SmartARTS and Open Studios. This event serves as the largest fundraiser for the MAC.

'Arts After Dark' is new at Downtown Alive, to support local artists

New this year is Arts After Dark — a night art market where local artists can sell and showcase their work every third Thursday of the month.

"This addition supports talented, diverse artists, all while enjoying the energetic atmosphere of Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive," said Alan Ethridge, executive director of the Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC).

There will also be numerous theme nights including St. Patrick's Day, Cinco De Mayo, and a Scottish Games night throughout the spring and summer.

Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays

The street concert series will host 28 acts and 26 of those musical performers are from the Upstate area. The concerts will take place between 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at NOMA Square.

From Friday, March 15 to Sept. 27 expect to see the likes of local music legends such as Mac Arnold & Plate Full o' Blues, The Latin Hustle, and Tuxedo Junction who will host on-site shag lessons.

No smoking, pets, skateboards, bicycles or concealed weapons are allowed on event grounds, and all festival patrons consuming alcohol must be 21 years old and show ID at the time of purchase.

– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.