Gilbert Regional Park is shutting its gates on March 16th for The Smoke Show: BBQ and Country Music Roundup. An expected wave of fans is set to descend upon Gilbert, Arizona, transforming the park into a smoky, song-filled hotspot for the day.
With the event preparations kicking off earlier in the week, some areas of the park will be off limits starting March 13th. According to a statement from the Town of Gilbert, “Gilbert Regional Park Great Lawn/Amphitheater will be closed to the public for event set-up. All other park amenities will remain open.” Visitors can still access other amenities, but come the weekend, it's a full closure. Despite the disruption, no roads will be shuttered for The Smoke Show – but, locals should brace for increased traffic in the park's vicinity come event day.
Thursday and Friday see the closure expand, roping in several parking lots while keeping the playground, splash pad, and other courts open. For those planning a visit, expect to ditch the usual parking for the pickleball or park overflow lots at the entrance. The park aims to strike a balance, maintaining access where possible while setting the stage for what's gearing up to be a sizable shindig.
When Saturday hits, the entire park is strictly off-limits from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the town's officials announced. On Sunday, March 17, the park will continue to restrict access to the Great Lawn, Amphitheater, and several parking lots, as the teardown of the event rolls out.
For the lowdown on what The Smoke Show entails, including who's serenading the crowds, where to stash your car, and what's a no-go in terms of items, future attendees can find all the necessary details on the event's official website.
