The arrival of summertime means many of our local city centers will host free, live concerts.
Friday night, Mission Plaza in downtown San Luis Obispo will transform into a rocking party.
Every Friday from now until early September, musicians will take the stage in the plaza.
You have 15 chances to catch the live performances. Some of the groups include Fialta, the Damon Castillo Band and Moonshiner Collective.
Concerts in the Plaza has some changes this year. The summer concerts are now B.Y.O.C. or, "bring your own cup."
Downtown SLO CEO Rachel Maiorino says they are implementing the change to comply with the city’s new ordinance banning single-use plastics at public events.
"It’s going to be a big endeavor but we think this is a worthwhile cause to pursue and keeping an environmentally friendly area and making our community better," Maiorino told KSBY.
Concert-goers can buy a flexible, fit-in-your-pocket silicone cup for $10 at the event and they are encouraged to bring them along throughout the summer concert series.
"If patrons don’t want to purchase [a reusable cup] and don’t remember to bring theirs they can also get Firestone Walker beer cans or Jean Marie Cidery cans," she said. "Chamisal Vineyards wine will also available in thick-wall Govino cups, which are reusable. They’re great to take to the poolside, to a picnic, so we encourage people to take those home too and divert waste from the waste streams."
You’re also welcome to bring any cup you already own from home.
"If you have a coffee cup that’s pint size hopefully you can take off the lid, fill it up and enjoy that during concerts," Maiorino said.
The Molly Ringwald Project, an 80s cover band, will kick off the 23rd season of Concerts in the Plaza Friday at 5 p.m.
Other local communities are also kicking off summer concert series.
Templeton hosts its Concerts in the Park Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Solvang also has concerts on Wednesdays in Solvang Park from 5-8 p.m. There are also some shows on Fridays.
The Paso Robles Concerts in the Park series started Thursday with the R&B band The Brass Factory. Enjoy live music in City Park every Thursday night.
Head to Santa Maria on Sunday for a live performance by Dylan Ortega in Rotary Centennial Park from 1-3 p.m.
Grover Beach also has live music on Sundays for its Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts Series from 3-6 p.m. in Ramona Garden Park.
Mark your calendars for June 16 when Atascadero’s Saturday in the Park summer concert series begins.
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