Common Ground Music Festival


The Common Ground Music Festival is an annual week-long music festival that takes place in downtown Lansing, Michigan. The July festival, which began in the year 2000 and attracts 50,000-plus people each year, is located at the Louis Adado Riverfront Park along the Grand River. Co-created by Center Park Productions and Meridian Entertainment Group, it showcases national and regional artists in contemporary and classic rock, pop, alternative, folk, country, hip hop, and R&B music.
A year-round staff of about 10 people plan and organize the festival each year and get help from nearly 200 volunteers during the week of the event. Stage hands and temporary workers are hired to build the temporary structures.
The next Common Ground Music Festival is scheduled for 09–10 July 2021.

History

The Common Ground Music Festival was established as a not for profit 501 corporation, Center Park Productions, in the year 2000. Center Park Productions was created by the Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority in a partnership with the Meridian Entertainment Group, the creator of the festival.
Peak attendance for the week occurred in 2003 at about 87,000 patrons. In more recent years, crowds have been smaller, attracting between 50,000 and 60,000 people.
With the 2020 edition scrapped as the COVID-19 pandemic was to blame, the 21st was deferred to 2021.

Lineups

The festival features music from a wide range of genres, from pop, classic and modern rock, R&B and rap, to country and even blues. Several years have also included comedians. Typically each day of the festival is dedicated to a particular genre.

Local impact

The festival has generated an estimated $50 million+ for the local economy since its inception. More than $400,000 has been raised and contributed to schools, non-profits and other area organizations.

Activities

Along with music the festival features a number of activities such as Ultimate Painting, The Color Run, and a zip-line across the Grand River on festival grounds.