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THE MIDLAND THEATRE PRESENTS NEWARK SUMMERFEST 2026, A FREE OUTDOOR CELEBRATION HONORING LICKING COUNTY’S HOMETOWN HEROES



Big Bad Stache and Emily Raff headline free August 1 concert on the Newark Square; local youth performers, Hometown Heroes banner unveiling, and sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses


NEWARK, Ohio (June 15, 2026) -- The Midland Theatre is proud to present Newark Summerfest 2026, a free outdoor community celebration on August 1, 2026 at North Park Place on the Newark Town Square. Festivities begin at 3:00 PM and the evening runs through 10:00 PM. Admission is free and open to everyone.


Newark Summerfest is a city event, and The Midland is honored to bring it to life as Presenting Partner. What happens on the Square on August 1 belongs to this community: a full day of live music, local food, cold drinks, and a moment of genuine civic pride as Licking County’s Hometown Heroes are recognized and celebrated.


“The Midland exists to bring people together, and Summerfest is that mission at its most visible,” said Maryann Crist, Executive Director of The Midland Theatre. “We get to take everything we love about this community and put it right in the middle of the Square. Free, open to everyone, and worthy of the people we are honoring.”


Join Us: Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Local businesses and organizations are invited to be part of Newark Summerfest 2026 through a range of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors stand alongside a free, family-friendly event drawing thousands of Licking County neighbors, with visibility across social media, email, local press, printed materials, and the event itself. Every level of support puts your business in front of the community in a setting built entirely around goodwill.

Sponsorship packages are available at four levels:


$5,000 Presenting Sponsor receives top-tier logo placement on all event materials including flyers, the stage banner, and the event website; the exclusive presenting title “Presented by [Your Business]”; premium booth space in a high-traffic area; stage shout-outs throughout the event; a social media spotlight and custom promotional post; VIP seating; and the opportunity to speak on stage or present an award.


$1,000 Artist Sponsor receives prominent logo placement on signage and materials; booth space at the event; mention in the press release and by the event emcee; and recognition in the sponsor section of the event website and social media.


$500 Park Place Sponsor receives logo on printed materials and shared signage; recognition on social media and the event website; and mention in the press release and emcee announcements.


$250 Round-a-bout Sponsor receives name or logo on the event thank-you banner; a shout-out on social media; and inclusion in the post-event thank-you message to attendees and press.


Businesses interested in learning more can visit midlandtheatre.org/summerfest-newark or contact The Midland Theatre directly at 740.345.5483.


An Evening Worth Marking on Your Calendar

Newark Summerfest 2026 opens with an afternoon of performances from local youth and student bands, giving the next generation of Newark musicians a stage of their own. At 5:00 PM, the Newark High School JROTC will present the colors and lead the National Anthem, followed by the official unveiling of Hometown Heroes banners recognizing Licking County’s first responders, veterans, educators, and community volunteers.


Singer-songwriter Emily Raff takes the outdoor stage from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, bringing her warm, original sound to one of Newark’s most beloved public spaces. Ohio’s own Big Bad Stache closes out the night from 8:00 to 10:00 PM with the high-energy performance they are known for across the state.


Local food vendors and a Budweiser beer truck will be on site throughout the day. No tickets. No barriers. Just Newark, together on the Square.


About The Midland Theatre

The Midland Theatre, Newark’s cultural cornerstone since 1928, stands as a testament to the enduring power of live performance and community connection. Located at 36 North Park Place in Newark, Ohio, this historic Spanish Revival theatre has been enriching the lives of audiences for nearly a century. Originally opening its doors on December 20, 1928, The Midland served as Newark’s premier entertainment destination for 50 years before closing in 1978. Following an $8.5 million restoration by The Longaberger Company completed in 2000, The Midland reopened as a vibrant performing arts venue operated by the Newark Midland Theatre Association, a local volunteer non-profit organization. Today, The Midland continues its mission of making high-quality live entertainment accessible to the entire community through its “Arts for All” philosophy.


The Midland Theatre is supported by the Ohio Arts Council with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Midland Theatre

36 North Park Place | Newark, OH 43055

Facebook: @TheMidlandTheatre | Instagram: @midlandtheatre

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