Another rocking summer in Downtown Glen Cove has ended with a flourish. The Downtown Sounds concert series has grown and transformed; this year marked new additions to the beloved concerts, transforming it into a street festival style event that is fun for the whole family. The concert series, held every Friday night in July and August, is organized and produced by the Glen Cove Business Improvement District (BID).
For 8 weeks music, food, fun, and people filled the streets dancing and enjoying each other’s company during the performances. It was a successful season- with eight concerts, only one rained out and one ended early due to weather- where dancing was encouraged and singing was hard to resist. Thousands of people joined in on all the Downtown Sounds excitement.
“These concerts were started as a way to get people to Downtown Glen Cove; it should be a place people want to bring their family and make an event out of it,” said Jill Nossa, Executive Director of the Glen Cove Downtown BID. “People are coming to enjoy themselves, but we also want to ensure they’re using the event to support and learn about our downtown’s various local businesses.”
As in past years, select concert nights opened with the Teen Showcase, performances by local talented teens including the Glen Cove schools. Three nights also offered free face painting by Joanie Baloney.
New to the concert series this year were food trucks and a Deep Roots mini market presented by the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce.
The new largest addition was the Downtown Sounds Off the Square stage down the road on School Street and Highland. The Off the Square stage featured smaller local musical acts throughout July.
Local small businesses stayed open so guests could enjoy whatever they are in the mood for. Ice cream, Mexican food, Asian cuisine, and a quick slice of pizza are just some of the options available walking distance from the stage. Attendees could also order takeout right from their chairs or pick up from the Downtown Sounds pickup table using the QR codes placed around town.
The Downtown Sounds concert series will be back again for its 30th year in 2027. The event will continue to expand and grow into a full street festival for a family night out or a fun group excursion. Keep an eye out for everything the Glen Cove Downtown BID has in store to keep downtown Glen Cove groovy.
Thank you to the sponsors who make Downtown Sounds possible: Northwell Glen Cove Hospital, Glengariff Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, CareFirst Home Solutions, Downtown Café, Chris Crosby Foundation, Donna M. McNaughton, P.C., Glen Cove Fitness, Glen Cove Oral Surgery, Lions Orthodontics, London Jewelers, Mary Stanco Realtor, Men on the Move, Minuteman Press, Phillips Lytle LLP, Portledge School, Team EVA, Tempco, Tocolo Cantina, and Village Square Pharmacy.
