GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Marking its eighth year, Hear Grand Island announced its upcoming summer concert series, which will include fireworks, larger bands, and additional activities for children.

"When you see 5,000 people having a good time you’re like this is what we do this,” Hear Grand Island founder Brent C. Linder said.

Hear Grand Island has partnered with Happy Brush, Grand Island Public Library, the 4th Street Festival and more. 

The executive director of Grand Island Tourism, Brad Mellema, said the program has brought benefits beyond the economic growth for the city.

“Festivals and music and food begin to create a culture for a community. In a lot of ways Hear Grand Island and these kind of events that happened in Nebraska," Mellema said. "It’s okay we can rock and roll.”

The full lineup for the free concert series will be announced next week. The concert series will run from May 31 to Aug. 2.