The 32nd annual Concerts in the Park will return in May

Free concerts in the City of Trees will be returning every Friday starting May 2 at Cesar Chavez Park, the Downtown Partnership announced last week.

This is the 32nd annual Concerts in the Park series that celebrates the community and downtown in the summer. 

The events will run from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The series will only run for nine weeks instead of 12, finishing early this year, so participants don’t have to deal with intense heat in July. 

Downtown Partnership events manager Amelia Chew said the nonprofit has looked towards other outdoor community events and festivals in the region that have adjusted the dates and times to accommodate the hotter summers. 

“We're lucky for us that the weather doesn't really impact the enthusiasm of our concert goers, but we can't, in good conscience, make people stand outside to see a great band in like 115 degree weather,” Chew said. “So that was really the pivotal decision as to why we wanted to shorten it.”

The theme of this year's CIP is to reflect the evolving downtown.

The lineup will feature over 35 local and national artists including hip-hop artist Xzibit, Grammy nominated indie rock duo Phantogram, pop band Winona Fighter, singer-songwriter Jackie Greene and more. 

According to Chew, they’re looking at the evolution of the downtown core over the last 10 years. She said the downtown area used to be a nine to five city center, but now it’s becoming more of a destination of choice.

“We're really trying to evolve with those times and really highlight the changes that this community has made by still hosting a beloved community event,” Chew said. “But, breathing a little bit more life into it, with incredible national touring headliners, with local makers who are up-and-coming, and those who also have been in the industry for more than 20 years. It's a little bit of all of that.”

Downtown Partnership Executive Director Michael Ault said in a press release CIP has always been for the community and for it to be authentic, it has to be reflective of the changes happening

“Thirty two years ago, these [shows] were a vehicle to keep office workers downtown for an hour or two longer after they clocked out at 5 p.m.,” Ault said. “Even with return-to-office orders, we want downtown to be a destination of choice, not obligation, so it’s our responsibility to provide an experience that people want to come to, in-office or not.”

Chew said the diverse genres of music on the lineup reflect the Sacramento community because they’re not always one genre. 

“We're really excited with our lineup,” Chew said. “We have a number of national touring artists, as well as a good portion of artists, being local favorites. We do different genres just to appeal to a greater audience. I think that kind of goes back into being able to represent the community.” 

Chew mentioned that CIP will have vendors from all across the region every week that include retail vendors through a partnership with the World’s Worst. There will also be a glam stand with local artisans, live interactive art, and food vendors.

“We do everything in our power to keep it free and accessible, and really, we can't really do it without our loyal sponsorships, and we're really grateful to have Dignity Health as a presenting sponsor once again,” Chew said.