Freedom First Down by Downtown Returns with Pod Concert at Elmwood Park

Freedom First Down by Downtown is back with a socially-distanced concert at Elmwood Park, highlighting live music in Downtown Roanoke.

Down by Downtown is a three-day music festival, April 16-18, overflowing with energy with shows at venues throughout Downtown Roanoke. Performances include a variety of genres and flip from intimate acoustic affairs rocking vibes.

The concert at Elmwood Park follows the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon and features pod-style, socially distanced seating to ensure a safe setting.

Sit in the sun at the all-outdoor venue where you and up to a small group of friends can snag space in the grass to yourselves. Pods can have up to four people and hillside grass seating can have up to 10 people. (All groups must maintain at least 6-feet of separation.)

Canned beer bars by Starr Hill and Three Notch’d will allow for fast and safe service, and you can bring your own picnic or snacks. The Elmwood Park concert on April 17 features three regional bands runs and from 6 to 10 p.m.

Tickets are just $10 a person and are on sale now at downbydowntown.com. Ticket sales will be limited to provide a safe space for attendees.

“The Roanoke Outside Foundation developed a model for a safe, socially distanced concert during GO Fest,” said Julia Boas, events director for the Roanoke Outside Foundation. “Down by Downtown continues that model providing a fun and safe event for runners and the community as a whole.”

Listen to the music and help the community as a volunteer at Down by Downtown. Beer-pouring shifts available. SIGN UP

Since 2002, Abbey Road LIVE! has been rocking the music of The Beatles. Initially a tribute to the monumental “Abbey Road” album, the band has expanded its repertoire to include more than 150 Beatles tunes, from all eras of the Fab Four’s career.

Abbey Road LIVE! is not your typical look-alike Beatle tribute act. Don’t expect mop-top wigs and phony British accents. This band is about bringing some of the more complex Beatles music to life in a raw and spirited fashion, while remaining true to the original recordings.

The partnership between Down by Downtown and Freedom First is part of a larger regional economic development initiative of the Roanoke Regional Partnership and Roanoke Outside Foundation, with a goal to add to the vitality of the community and in the process help attract talent and business investment to the Roanoke Region of Virginia.

“Our mission as a financial institution is ingrained in supporting the Roanoke Region,” said Steve Hildebrand, Senior VP of Marketing for Freedom First Credit Union. “Working with Down by Downtown to showcase what a great community this is seems like a natural fit. We are looking forward to three days of great live music.”

Since 2009, Roanoke Outside has been changing the region’s narrative to one that plays to its strength, the outdoor lifestyle. That community culture is attractive to young professionals – a healthy active region with vibrant nightlife that includes live music and diverse food offerings.

The Down by Downtown Music Festival coincides with the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon on April 16-18 and seeks to showcase our community’s strengths. The marathon brings runners from more than 10 countries and 46 states to experience the beauty of Roanoke while competing in America’s Toughest Road Marathon.

Participating venues in Down by Downtown include Elmwood Park Amphitheater, Martin’s Downtown, Big Lick Brewing Company, Starr Hill Pilot Brewery and Side Stage, Three Notch’d Brewing Company, Twisted Track Brewpub, Sweet Donkey Coffee House, and Berglund Center.

Find the full lineup at downbydowntown.com.