TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo’s beloved riverfront concert tradition is making a comeback this summer, as ConnecToledo announces the 2025 “Party in the Park” series, promising free live music and a strong focus on local talent.
The newly revamped event is a nostalgic nod to the summer concert series held downtown in the 1980s and ‘90s. But while the format recalls the past, the approach this year brings something fresh: instead of national headliners, all performers will be local musicians.
“When I saw that whoever the promoter was last year pulled out, I was a little nervous that there wasn’t going to be anything,” said Toledo resident Seth Sorkin. “So I’m glad to see that something’s back.”
The decision to go all-local was intentional. Organizers say the series is designed to celebrate the depth of talent that exists within the Toledo music scene—and to make it accessible to everyone by removing the cost of admission.
Corey “Big C” Coley, founder of the popular Toledo band Distant Cousinz, applauded the move, calling it a big win for the community.
“Some of them [local acts] are better than the national acts, and everything, so I’m very, very elated and happy about it,” Coley said. “Now, you get to watch us on a full screen and I think the experience will be so much better.”
Coley, who has performed throughout the city for years, likened past performances in bars and smaller venues to watching a movie on an iPhone—while this series offers musicians and fans alike a “full-screen” experience.
Supporters of the change say the concert series is not only a chance to showcase Toledo’s rich musical talent, but also to bring the community together in a new way.
“I think that lends itself to our community, so I think it’s great that we’re supporting our community bands,” said longtime concertgoer Sam Hammons. “There’s a lot of great musicians in town.”
Even those who miss the excitement of big-name performers say they’re looking forward to something different.
“I think that’s great for them, you know, it just helps them spread all their music,” said resident Sylvia Lewis, who has attended several of the city’s past concerts.
With free admission, a focus on Toledo artists, and a riverside setting, “Party in the Park” is poised to become a summer staple once again—this time with a spotlight on the homegrown talent that has long powered the city’s music scene.