Free Goodale Park Music Series returns this weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A summer tradition is ready to take the stage again in Columbus as the Goodale Park Music Series starts this Sunday.

The free, five-week long concert series is completely free. The event is now in its 14th year and invites locals to picnic in Goodale Park to enjoy music. Organizer Beth Brickweg said it is all about building community.

"Saying hello to your neighbors, enjoying time with your family and friends, being outside is so important to keep the neighborhood alive and really refreshed," Brickweg said. 

The first performance is this Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., and locals like Brian Troth said they look forward to it every year.

"I live in the neighborhood, so I've walked by in the past and just seen people hanging out and having a good time, and the music is generally pretty good," Troth said.

Starting Sunday, there will be a variety of acts including R&B singers, an indie rock band and even a full brass band. Brickweg said the series highlights the importance of giving everyone access to all kinds of music.

“We look to see, you know, what's going to bring the most diversity to the park, what's going to excite the most number of people,” Brickweg said. “Obviously we hope people show up for all five Sundays, but some people might just come out for their favorite band or someone they've been dying to hear.”

Brickweg said the hope is that this event will continue to be an outlet for local talent to perform, as well as a place where everyone can be united in their love of music. 

"I think it's great. We have so many things we can do here in the neighborhood and it's just nice to have something you can walk to and enjoy," Troth said. "Probably the best part of the music series is that you do get to, you know, find people who are local to the area."