Green Bay announces Draft City Music Fest to kickoff NFL Draft week
Jan 15, 2025
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) - As the excitement around the 2025 NFL Draft builds, Green Bay is preparing to host two major events that will highlight the city’s energy and hospitality.
On Broadway Inc. and the Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation have teamed up to present the Draft City Music Fest, a free, two-night musical festival in downtown Green Bay.
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The festival, which will take place on Wednesday, April 23, and Saturday, April 26, at Leicht Memorial Park, is designed to celebrate the Draft while engaging both residents and visitors in a unique downtown experience.
The Draft City Music Fest kicks off on Wednesday evening with the Draft Kickoff, a family-friendly, glow-themed music festival featuring multiple musical acts, food trucks, and a special fireworks display presented by Festival Foods.
The event will run from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Leicht Park, located near the Fox River.
According to Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, this event is a perfect way to introduce the Draft to the community, offering both a vibrant atmosphere for locals and a welcoming experience for visitors.
"Wednesday night is a family-friendly, glow-themed music festival, followed by Saturday’s event, which will feature multiple bands and a collaboration with local craft breweries," Genrich said. "It’s a chance for our community to enjoy the festivities and for visitors to experience Green Bay in a way they might not expect."
The second part of the festival, 8th Round Downtown, will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will feature more live music, a variety of outdoor activities, and a special beer collaboration between local craft breweries.
The event will celebrate the completion of the seventh round of the NFL Draft, wrapping up the week’s festivities with a grand finale that includes another national headliner musical act.
Local businesses will also have opportunities to showcase their goods during the event.
"We’re excited to bring people downtown, not only for the Draft but also to support our local businesses," said Brian Johnson, President and CEO of On Broadway Inc. "This event will have a significant economic impact and provide an unforgettable experience for both residents and visitors. We want people to have a great time while also supporting the local economy."
The Draft City Music Fest is supported by a range of local sponsors, with WPS Foundation as the presenting sponsor for the Wednesday night event. The festival is part of a larger effort by the city to ensure the 2025 NFL Draft is a memorable experience for everyone.
Mayor Genrich emphasized that these events are a perfect example of Green Bay’s small-town hospitality, which has already earned praise from the NFL.
“The NFL has even told us ‘you guys are setting the new standard for what we want the Draft to look like in other communities,’” Genrich said. “It’s a unique opportunity for Green Bay, and we’re ready to showcase our community to the world.”
The Draft City Music Fest is part of a series of events being planned throughout Draft Week in Green Bay.
To help draw attention to downtown and encourage local businesses, the city is launching the Touchdowndowntown.com website, which will feature deals and specials from local businesses, along with details about the festival.
On Broadway, Inc. has worked closely with city officials and local organizations like Discover Green Bay to ensure the success of the event.
“These are free events, but they wouldn’t be possible without the support of private partners like WPS Foundation and Festival Foods,” Genrich added. “We’re so grateful for their commitment to our community.”
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The excitement surrounding the Draft City Music Fest is alive, with residents and businesses eager to welcome NFL fans and visitors.
As Green Bay prepares to host the NFL Draft for the first time, both locals and tourists are looking forward to experiencing the city’s unique charm through events like the Draft City Music Fest.