It might be the sweetest word in the English language — especially to college students who sustain themselves off of Ramen and whatever else they can find when foraging through their refrigerators.
Free. As in no charge, as in one of the few things we can actually afford.
One of the oldest and arguably best freebies in Gainesville, Free Fridays, has begun to host its summer-long concert series.
The city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department presents free concerts each Friday from May 4 until Oct. 12.
David Ballard coordinates events downtown, including Free Fridays. He said between 500 and 1,500 people usually attend the shows each week.
“We get such an incredible variety of people,” Ballard said. “It seems to fit into the whole downtown party.”
This year, the shows will range in genre from blues to ska and from bluegrass to tribute bands. The Relics, a Woodstock tribute band, once performed at the concert series and drew in a crowd of roughly 3,000, Ballard said.
Libby Rens, a first-year horticulture doctoral student, said she’s been going to Free Fridays for the past two years and loves how it brings the community together.
She’ll often go out downtown after the shows, which she said typically end around 10 p.m.
“It gets everybody out to have a good time on Fridays,” the 26-year-old said.
“Everyone’s on the lawn with blankets and chairs. You can get beer. It’s a really good time.”
