Draft City Music Fest Announced for Downtown Green Bay

GREEN BAY, WI- (WGBW) – Leicht Park in downtown Green Bay will be home to two free music-focused events during Draft Week! The events were announced Wednesday during a press conference in downtown Green Bay. The events are being called the Draft City Music Fest and are being hosted by the City of Green Bay and On Broadway, Inc.

Brian Johnson, President of On Broadway, Inc., said Draft City Music Fest is a little something for the Green Bay residents to look forward to during the NFL Draft.

“ The concept of a music festival obviously is not foreign. And it’s something that a lot of other draft communities do. It’s something that we saw an opportunity to attract people to the downtown area in particular. Especially the residents of our community, right? They show up for events throughout the entire year. We want to create an experience for them that they can participate in as well,” said Johnson.

He added that it will also be a fun event for visitors to Titletown during Draft Week.

“ We know the stadium area will be activated and lively. We want folks to be able to experience the other parts of Green Bay. And sometimes you have to provide a carrot to get them to go into parts of your community that they wouldn’t organically travel to. We think our downtown is a very special place,” Johnson said. “And when visitors come here, we really want to leave them walking away with a memorable experience where they can say, ‘Hey! I visited Green Bay. It was a really great experience. I can’t wait to go back!’”

In addition to residents and visitors in Green Bay, Johnson told people attending the press conference to announce Draft City Music Fest that he hopes the NFL takes heed of all Green Bay has done for the event.

“ Green Bay has elevated this to a new level. We might be the smallest market, but boy!  We are committed. We are committed in a way that other cities sometimes have a hard time understanding, but we understand it. It’s because it’s who we are. It’s our identity, and we’re going to deliver a really great experience,” Johnson enthused. “We know that when the NFL leaves here, they’re going to say we want to be back because Green Bay did it better than anybody.”

Draft City Music Fest: Draft Kickoff

The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation is the presenting sponsor for the Draft Kickoff on Wednesday, April 23rd, from 4 pm to 11 pm. Attendees will hear national musical acts, receive glow giveaway items, and participate in activities. There is a family zone including a play area and food and beverage tents. Fireworks presented by Festival Foods will light up the nighttime sky just before the music headliner takes the stage. 

“We’re thrilled to set the stage for the draft’s first trip to Titletown,” said Mike Hooper, WPS president. “The Draft Kickoff presented by WPS Foundation will boost economic development throughout the region while allowing football fans of all ages a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of the draft. We’re proud to support this event as part of our commitment to strengthen the communities we serve.”

8th Round Downtown

The excitement continues on Saturday, April 26 at Leicht Park for the 8th Round Downtown, from 5pm – 11pm. There will be an array of activities, like almost half a dozen musical acts, including another national headliner, food, beverages, and more. 

“We have something very special planned to showcase the energy of our City as we welcome visitors and local residents to experience our City’s downtown during Draft Week,” said Mayor Eric Genrich, City of Green Bay. “To ensure these festivities are free to our community and visitors, sponsorships will play a vital role, which is why we’re so grateful to the WPS Foundation and Festival Foods for their support!”

All music acts will be announced at a later date.

If you have an interest in sponsorship and assisting in the success of these events, please contact James Andersen at (920) 448-3384 or James.Andersen@greenbaywi.gov for the many ways you and your business can be involved. All sponsorship opportunities can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Music and food vendor opportunities are available for the Draft City Music Fest. Limited vendor spaces are available.