CHAPEL HILL - Chapel Hill takes on a different vibe right about now. Many students have left town; the days grow a little longer and sweetly hotter; and time seems to slow down just a bit to let us all linger and enjoy the sunny days and cool nights. Starting Thursday, June 28 those cool summer nights come alive in Downtown Chapel Hill with the Locally Grown Music and Movie Series!

Now in its fifth year, Locally Grown offers the community a series of free live concerts and movies every Thursday on the Wallace Plaza, atop the Wallace Parking Deck at 150 E. Rosemary St. in downtown Chapel Hill. This summer’s lineup includes three concerts of locally-grown music acts and five family-friendly and classic films.

The Locally Grown concert nights feature the New Belgium Brewing Company Beer Garden along with a selection of food from some of Franklin Street’s favorite restaurants. The first FREE concert on Thursday, June 28 at a 7:00 PM brings a powerful showcase of local, women-led bands: Lizzy Ross Band, Mary Johnson Rockers, and Birds & Arrows. On Thursday, July 26, Mount Moriah performs with Skylar Gudasz & The Ugly Girls; two bands who put a non-traditional take on classic American folk and rock. And on Thursday, August 23, Mipso Trio performs with Morning Brigade; both bands are comprised of UNC students whose energized bluegrass and indie music has fans far beyond the campus borders. Gates open at 6PM, shows at 7PM.

Locally Grown movie nights provide entertainment for the whole family with free popcorn, crafts, activities, trivia & costume contests, and more! The FREE movies start at sundown, so bring a chair or blanket, enjoy discounted food specials from participating Dinner & a Movie restaurants, and have a picnic dinner under the stars. FREE parking tokens for movie goers provided by Town of Chapel Hill’s Parking Services!

Music & Movie Schedule 2012:

Thursday, June 28 -Lizzy Ross Band, Mary Johnson Rockers & The Spark, Birds & Arrows

Thursday, July 12 - The Muppets (PG)

Thursday, July 19 - The Dark Knight (PG-13)

Thursday, July 26 - Mount Moriah, Skylar Gudasz and the Ugly Girls

Thursday, August 2 - Back to the Future (PG)

Thursday, August 9 - Gnomeo & Juliet (G)

Thursday, August 16 - Vertigo (PG)

Thursday, August 23 - Mipso Trio, Morning Brigade

Locally Grown is presented by the Town of Chapel Hill’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.