Downtown Bainbridge will be hosting the first American Bluegrass and Folk Festival in Willis Park Square on Saturday, May 12. 

The festival will replace previous years’ summer block party and feature six different bands.

The bands include Cordovas, Jaime Wyatt, Jeb Tabb, Smoke & Steel, Evan Barber and the Dead Gamblers and Evergreen Family Band.

Special events coordinator, Megan Wimberley said the city has been tossing around ideas about having a festival for a while, but the interest wasn’t there, yet. However, the culture around Bainbridge has changed, Wimberley said and the idea was brought up again at their most recent merchant’s meeting by The American.

The American told Wimberley they were willing to be a presenting sponsor if it was something that could take place.

Wimberley, along with the other merchants agreed and have projected that between 500-1,000 people will be in attendance downtown, including out of town guests. Wimberley is especially excited about the possibility of having so many visitors. She said she sees Bainbridge as a sort of “hidden gem” and wants others to experience what Bainbridge has to offer.

Wimberley worked with consultant and musician, Jeb Tabb, to put the festival together. Tabb and his friend helped put together the Briar Patch Music Festival, so they were able to sit down with Wimberley and recommend musicians and swap ideas.

The festival will offer free admission, but guests are able to purchase a ticket to the VIP tent for $50 by calling 229-515-3078. The VIP tent will offer a scratch menu available from the American along with Georgia Craft beers and premium wine from the American or Clay Street Bar and Billiards.

There will be additional food vendors, but Wimberley wanted to make sure they didn’t take away from the downtown business, so Isaac’s, All N’ One Seafood, Great Wall, The American and The Bean will all be open for food as well.

Wimberley said she can’t say enough how excited she is. She’s wanted something like this for a long time and hopes everyone takes advantage of next Saturday’s activities.

The performances will begin at approximately 2 p.m. and will last until 11 p.m.