The popular and well-tracked Center Stage area, located central to High Point’s Market District, will reset this Spring Market as a pop-up park open to all attendees. Offering a connection point for networking, seating areas for quick breaks between showroom visits, and various programming opportunities, the space will open on Friday, April 1. Home to a number of activations throughout the years, Center Stage is a large outdoor area in between Showplace and the Transportation Terminal. It is historically well-known for Saturday and Sunday evening concerts but has also hosted daytime programming such as Sustainability Stories, Design Oasis, and Crypton Patio, among others.
The open-air space will transform this April into a garden party-inspired park, complete with custom floral wall installation by artist Shane Friesenhahn of The Botanical Mix. Market guests are invited to experience Shane’s live installation throughout the day on Friday, April 1. The backdrop will then remain throughout Market, offering inspirational scenery for both the park and guest selfies alike.
Live music will offer ambiance throughout the lunchtime hours, with seating available for those enjoying the nearby food trucks. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, Eats & Beats returns to offer musical entertainment and complimentary catering. Center Stage will welcome Jukebox Rehab on Saturday evening and Shelby J on Sunday evening.
Several covered seating areas will be available for visitors to enjoy thanks to sponsors Culp and Violino. On Saturday, April 2, Campania will welcome special guest Carson Kressley to Center Stage at 5 pm for a meet and greet and tour of their garden accessories incorporated into the design of the space.
Local company Friendship Plant Co. will be on hand Saturday through Monday to offer Market guests the opportunity to take home or gift a new mini succulent friend, complete with a tiny box for portability and easy traveling. Sherwin-Williams will host the Saturday event, gifting plant souvenirs to all who stop by.
“We delight in being able to transform the blank slate known as Center Stage into a unique offering for Market guests every April and October. We want to keep visitors guessing as to what to expect next in the space, but to come with the confidence they’ll have a memorable experience each time,” comments Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “Whether it’s an educational component, a product interaction, a connection point with other attendees, or a much-needed relaxation stop, we hope Center Stage is a must-see destination for all Market guests.”
The full schedule and additional details for Center Stage’s Pop-Up Park can be found at highpointmarket.org/events/center-stage-park
