First Thursdays Concerts in the Park bring thousands of music lovers to West Mt. Vernon Park to experience live music surrounded by historic architecture, family and friends. And all for Free! Just Look for the Monument and Listen for the Music! The shows start at 5:30 and run till about 8:45. Food and drink are available and you’re welcome to bring lawn chairs, your own food, and friends for these free shows.
Schedule:
(all appearances subject to change-check back often)
- May 2nd 2013:
The Lone BellowThe Great American Canyon Band
Bobby Long - June 6th 2013
Alpha Rev
Goldspot
Ivan & Alyosha
- July 4th 2013: TBA
- August 1st 2013: TBA
- September 5th 2013: TBA
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where are First Thursdays?
First Thursdays happen under the Washington Monument in West Mt. Vernon Park located at Charles and Monument Streets. Here’s a Google Map.
What if it rains?
The Concert will only be cancelled if rain, or threat of rain is heavy enough to pose an imminent or immediate health threat either to the audience or the performers. In other words, we’ll get wet if we have to—but we aren’t going to find out if the stage is a lightning rod.
How’s parking?
There are several garages in the area. One of our favorites is next to the Tremont Plaza hotel. It’s an automated garage that accepts credit cards. There is an exit onto Charles Street just a few blocks south of Mt. Vernon Park. There is also an attended surface lot at Charles and Eager and and unattended surface lot that takes credit cards behind the Hippo and Eddie’s Supermarket on Eager, just take Morton Street, which is an alley street. While the show starts at 5:30, many of the parking restrictions in Mt. Vernon expire at 6pm.
Can I take public transportation to First Thursdays?
Several MTA bus lines run up and down Charles Street and the park is just a few blocks from the Center Street light rail station.
Is there food and drink available?
Yes! The Brewers Art sells beer and wine and Cazbar’s serves a wide variety of food with a middle eastern twist. Alcohol may only be purchased from vendors in the park during the concert so please don’t bring your own into the park.
Where do I go to the bathroom after I have a beer from the Brewers?
There are several port-a-pots located at the west end of the park. We endeavor to make sure there are enough to serve the crowd, but sometimes there can be lines.
Can I take pictures?
Cameras are allowed. Please be respectful of the artists and limit the use of flashes and other lighting devices. We love to see your pictures so let us know where you post them and we’ll take a look. Who knows, we might want to use them on the WTMD website!
Can I bring my dog?
While pets are normally allowed in the park, we would like to suggest you leave your pets at home. As First Thursdays attendance continues to grow it becomes more difficult to accommodate pets in the park and we would ask for your cooperation in keeping First Thursdays a fun and safe event for everyone.
Are First Thursdays family friendly?
Absolutely! Children are welcome and have a great time. We do recommend earplugs for younger children.
OK, what happened to October’s show!?
This year we’re doing five shows instead of six for a couple of reasons. First, we expect to be in our facility somewhere between the middle of September and the middle of October. We’re planning a bunch of events to celebrate the opening the new WTMD and we’ll be inviting you to them over the summer. Second, Rec and Parks and the other organizations that maintain the park are planning to do some major renovation of the grass and they need the maximum amount of time to make sure it grows strong.
Thanks to our sponsors who help make the music happen
