Greeley’s Friday Fest 2021 is a go. Here’s what we know about it.

Greeley’s Friday Fest is set to return May 28, 2021. Courtesy photo.

By Kelly Ragan

Friday Fest is back, baby.

The Downtown Greeley Promotional Association made the announcement Tuesday.

“The lifting of limitations on outdoor gatherings is what makes this possible” said Alison Hamling, Chairperson of the association, in a news release. “Of course, if our numbers spike and we start overwhelming our health care system again things could change, but as it stands today, we are moving forward.”

When will it start?

The Friday Fest season will begin with two bands May 28, according to the release — which means it’s not too late to reclaim this decade as the next roaring 20s. We deserve it.

Other classic events include the Greeley Blues Jam Kick off June 4, a Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce takeover June 11, the Greeley Stampede Kickoff celebration June 18 and more.

Folks can expect the season to run through September 17, with OktoBrewfest in Lincoln Park wrapping up the festivities on the last weekend of September.

What music can we expect?

For the most part, we don’t know yet. According to the release, bands haven’t been contracted yet – but you can stay updated through the Greeley Friday Fest Facebook page and the Downtown Greeley website. The NoCo Optimist, of course, will also keep an eye out for you.

 Sponsorships are still available, allowing businesses or services to have a booth on the 9th Street Plaza during the events. For more information on sponsorships, contact Alison Hamling at alison@greeleydowntown.com.

“We strongly encourage vaccinations to help ensure this season will be possible and we will not have to cancel,” Hamling said in the release. “The ability for people to spread out on the plaza according to their own comfort level is another factor that will help these events be successful and enjoyable for everyone.”

Blues Jam Line Up

• Ronnie Baker Brooks, a Chicago blues guitarist and well-respected solo act, is the headliner. 

• Southern Avenue, founded by Ori Naftaly, a guitarist from Israel who lives in Memphis and has a significant following here thanks to his numerous appearances at the Jam and at The Moxi in downtown Greeley.

• Jimmy Hall - Harmonica player known for his work with Wet Willie, which had the huge hit “Keep On Smilin’ in 1974. 

• Johnny Sansone - Veteran and multi-instrumentalist from New Orleans. 

• Erica Brown and the Cast Iron Queens - Brown, another Greeley favorite, brings her women group with Emily Nelson, an artist with Greeley ties. 

• The rest are King Cake (formerly the Movers and Shakers), Kerry Pastine and The Crime Scene and the Grace Kuch Band. 

There will be a second stage, although that will be smaller and may just feature some local acts, enough to “keep the music going,” DeWitt said, while the Main Stage prepares for the next act.

Other new stuff includes a Kansas City sanctioned barbecue contest, beer tasting and a whiskey and cigar event.