The Newcastle Community Activities Commission reviewed its 2025 Concerts in the Park series at the Aug. 20 meeting, praising the variety of acts and noting logistical issues with vendor supplies and parking that commissioners said merit planning changes for next season.

Why it matters: The summer concert series is a recurring community program that draws residents to city parks and affects local traffic, vendor revenue and future programming decisions.

Commissioners and staff reported generally positive feedback. Amy, the city events and recreation staff member, said vendors and performers were “absolutely wonderful to work with” and that staff received “very good feedback” overall. Several commissioners said the fourth concert—an act described by staff as different from the usual cover bands—generated more unsolicited social-media buzz and attendee praise than other nights. Amy identified that fourth act as having been “extremely well received, from a city perspective.”

Operational issues flagged. Commissioners raised recurring parking and arrival congestion for events. Commissioner Allison Lee and others suggested exploring a shuttle from larger parking sites (Hazen High School, Risen parking) or staged arrivals to ease neighborhood parking pressure. Staff said the park was not designed to handle the traffic events draw and stressed the need to work with partners to manage load-in and attendee parking.

Vendor experiences. Staff said food vendors were generally pleased with attendance, although one vendor on the final night ran out of product and issued refunds. Amy said vendors appreciated city staff and volunteer help and that future efforts should better match preconcert activities to staffing availability. Public works staffing shortages (injuries and illness) limited staff ability to support extra preconcert activities this season; Amy recommended engaging community groups and student organizations to provide preconcert activities that do not require city staff to operate.

Programming choices and themes. Commissioners and staff supported continuing theme nights in future summers. Commissioners reported mixed feedback from attendees—some liked the themed nights and variety, others missed particular band styles—so staff recommended continuing to balance variety while considering themes that are easy for residents to participate in (for example, a single-color theme for fundraising tie-ins).

Discussion vs. action: The meeting recorded discussion and informal direction to staff for future planning; no formal motions or votes about the concert program were recorded during the Aug. 20 meeting.

Next steps: Staff have begun building a 2026 concert spreadsheet and will continue vendor scouting and community outreach; commissioners were invited to add band suggestions and help recruit community groups for preconcert activities.