Toledo Advances to Public Voting Phase for National Grant

The City of Toledo, in partnership with ConnecToledo, Metroparks Toledo, and community partners, announced today that Toledo is one step closer to bringing a free, neighborhood-centered music series to four Toledo parks beginning in 2026. The proposal has advanced to the public voting phase of the Levitt Music Series Grant competition, a national program that supports vibrant, community-driven outdoor concerts nationwide.

If selected, Toledo could receive up to $120,000 over three years to host an annual Levitt Music Series, featuring 7-10 free outdoor concerts with local artists across diverse music genres. Concerts would take place at Danny Thomas Park, Junction Park, Glass City Metropark, and Promenade Park, connecting downtown and central-city neighborhoods through music, culture, and community pride.

"This grant opportunity is about celebrating Toledo's neighborhoods," said Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. "Our city parks and Metroparks are the perfect spaces to celebrate community and culture through music."

The Levitt Music Series will differ from existing concerts by being community-led and culturally inclusive, reflecting the voices of residents who live near the parks. Programming will be guided by a Cultural Advisory Group comprised of neighborhood representatives, ensuring that genres such as gospel, Tejano, hip-hop, punk, funk, and soul are featured alongside regional acts from across the Great Lakes.

"This is a chance to create cultural experiences that speak directly to the Junction neighborhood," said Alicia Smith, Co-Founder of the Junction Coalition. "By centering neighborhoods and the residents who call them home, we will strengthen the pride we already feel in our neighborhood."

Call to Action: Vote Now Through September 15
Community support is critical. Toledo's proposal is now live on the Levitt Foundation's website, and the public is encouraged to vote:

1. Text: Send TOLEDO to 877-409-5525
2. Online: levitt.org/vote

Voting is open September 5-15, 2025. The number of votes Toledo receives will directly influence whether the city is selected as a finalist.

"This music series will bring the success we've seen downtown with Party in the Park out and into our neighborhoods," said Christine Michaels, CEO of ConnecToledo. "The true measure of our success is how we bring more people, more voices, and more diversity into experience Toledo's resurgence."

The Levitt Foundation will announce grant recipients on November 18, 2025.