MANSFIELD — Warm evenings, lawn chairs and live music will soon return to downtown Mansfield as the Final Friday Concert Series kicks off another summer at The Brickyard.
“I am looking forward to summer, and nothing reminds me that summer is here (more) than the start of the Final Friday Concert season,” said Jamie Lustig Thompson, chief development officer for Downtown Mansfield,Inc.
New acts and new features shape 2026 season
A number of new elements will be noticeable for concertgoers this year.
Guests will see multiple recycling stations throughout the venue in partnership with Blue Scope Recycling, offering a place to dispose of empty aluminum cans and bottles.
The series will also include a rotating food truck lineup at each show, giving attendees the chance to try different local vendors throughout the summer. Black Willow will serve as the featured truck on May 29.
Each Final Friday Concert remains free and open to the public thanks to support from Blue Scope Recycling, The Ideal Electric Company, Ohio Eye Associates, Phoenix Brewing Company, Purdy Construction and Spherion MidOhio.
Organizers encourage guests to bring lawn chairs, while outside coolers remain prohibited.
The 2026 season will feature nine new acts on the Carrousel Properties stage, continuing a tradition that blends fresh entertainment with returning crowd favorites.
Live music lineup spans May through September
The 2026 series begins May 29 and runs monthly through September, with music starting at 5:30 p.m. and the headline act taking the stage at 8:30 p.m.
The headline lineup includes:
May 29: Brooke Yonut, Jazz Connection and Rare Vintage.
June 26: Sorelle, Jevan Cole Band and Master TC & The Visitors.
July 31: Damien Lucio, The Thirsty Travelers and Red Ball Jets.
Aug. 28: Ben Dunn, Nate Williams Band and Zack Attack.
Sept. 25: Jody & Najee, Frank Boyd Jr. and Austin & The Syd Experience.
“Many of this season’s new acts have been on our radar for some time,” said Jennifer Kime, CEO of Downtown Mansfield Inc. “We also pay attention to what audiences respond to and what’s happening across the regional music scene.”
She said the goal balances established favorites with new energy while maintaining quality.
The Final Friday Concert Series began in 2007 with Michael Kelsey and just three shows featuring a single act each night.
Nearly two decades later, the series has expanded to five shows per season with three acts per night, becoming a staple of summer in downtown Mansfield.
Downtown Mansfield, Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on stimulating economic development, improving the appearance of downtown and promoting it as a place to work, live, shop and invest.
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