Midtown Beach Music Concert Series: Groovin' on the Commons through August 26
Raleigh's about two hours from the nearest sandy beach, but pop over to North Hills on a Thursday evening through the end of August, and you’ll feel a little closer to the coast.
Now in its third year, the Midtown Beach Music Concert Series is back in full swing and drawing thousands with lawn chairs in hand and dancing shoes on their feet to socialize, sip, and Shag.
For 20 consecutive Thursdays, the Commons at North Hills morphs into a micro-mini beach music festival with one band holding court each night from 6pm-9pm, playing and singing the summertime favorites. The Embers opened the season in early spring and are slated to appear again this summer. For their third encore, they’ll close the series on the final Thursday, 8/26. Other anticipated crowd pleasers include Sleeping Booty (7/1), the Tams (7/8) and Liquid Pleasure (7/22), to name a few.
Much like the timeless tunes, age knows no limits at this weekly event. Young professionals, parents with strollers, empty nesters, retirees, teenagers and toddlers all can be found enjoying the free music scene. Drink tents are set up conveniently on the Commons and offer beer, wine, liquor, water and soft drinks for purchase. In addition to the dance floor that is laid down for the event, there is also a small, contained play zone for the little ones.
As the eve gets later and the music winds down, the surrounding restaurants and bars fill up with the revelers. Hot spots include Fox and Hound, Firebirds and Mura -- all with desirable outdoor seating on the milder spring and summer eves. Also, the patio and bar scene at Vivace across Lassiter Mill really gets going on Thursday nights.
With the Renaissance Hotel on the property and popular neighborhoods adjacent to North Hills, the area populates fairly quickly. Add in other Raleigh locals and other not-so-locals that head to Midtown specifically for the Thursday eve fun, and you’ll discover that finding parking may take a while. Parking is complimentary but spaces are at a premium when the concert is in full swing, so plan your time accordingly. And don’t forget your dancin’ shoes.
HelloMetro Tip: You can find a complete list of the upcoming performances scheduled by clicking here. If you know you want to have dinner at some point during or after the show, consider calling ahead to your restaurant of choice with a reservation in order to beat the crowd.
Posted by Angela Risko
