New Albany's Free Summer Concert Series wraps up Aug. 6, with a mystery headliner nobody has cracked yet. That show kicks off a month of free movies, food festivals and live music stretching across both communities through the end of August.
New Albany: Mystery Concert closes the series
The city's fourth-year concert series ends Aug. 6 from 7–8:30 p.m. at the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Rd. Admission is free. The headliner hasn't been announced, but the city posted a clue in June: "Kick it."
Last year, more than 4,000 people attended the series, according to the City of New Albany as reported by CityScene Magazine. On concert Thursdays, the Healthy New Albany Farmers Market runs 4–7 p.m. at 240 Market St. and the Village Center DORA lets guests 21 and older carry drinks from BrewDog, Hudson29, Mellow Mushroom, Rusty Bucket and Bendi Wok N' Bar between 5 and 10 p.m.
New this season: the city's Community Programs team earned KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certification, CityScene reported in June. Free sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and weighted lap pads are available at an Accommodation Station near the amphitheater entrance. Quiet areas are also set up for anyone who needs a break.
"We love the variety of music the City brings in," New Albany resident Amy Thiel said in an April CityScene preview of the series. "The amphitheater is such a cool venue, and having the food trucks and DORA nearby is an added bonus."
More New Albany dates
Saturday, Aug. 8 — Summer Movie Series: Zootopia 2 at Bevelhymer Park, 7860 Bevelhymer Rd. Gates open at 6 p.m., movie at 8 p.m. Inflatables, balloon benders and face painters included.
Tuesday, Aug. 11 — Free Family Flick Nights: The Lion King at the Hinson Amphitheater. Gates and food trucks open at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7:30 p.m. No tickets required.
Thursday, Aug. 13 — Amp Up the Arts benefit featuring Brass Transit performing The Music of CHICAGO. Gates open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets at newalbanyfoundation.org.
The New Albany Chamber posted Aug. 1 that the full community calendar is available at newalbanychamber.com.
Gahanna: food, tunes and craft drinks ahead
The Gahanna Market at Creekside Plaza runs Aug. 5, from 4–7 p.m. The market returns the first Wednesday of each month through September.
Other Gahanna highlights on the city's official calendar:
Saturday, Aug. 8 — Vettes Rods and Classics at Creekside.
Saturday, Aug. 15 — Live in Gahanna: ProMusica, presented by the Gahanna Area Arts Council, 5–9 p.m. at Headley Park.
Sunday, Aug. 23 — 29th Annual Taste of Gahanna, presented by the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce, 5–8 p.m. at Edison Brewing Company, 785 Science Blvd. The event features 20-plus restaurant and food vendors with live music from Blue Spectrum.
Saturday, Aug. 29 — Creekside Hops & Vines, presented by the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation, 5–11 p.m. at Creekside Plaza.
