A major milestone for Greensboro is here.
On Saturday, May 16, the community is invited to celebrate the official grand opening and final ribbon-cutting of the completed Downtown Greenway – a fully connected 4-mile loop encircling downtown. This long-awaited moment marks the realization of a shared vision more than 25 years in the making.
From neighborhood connections to public art, wellness, and urban green spaces, the Downtown Greenway now stands as one of Greensboro’s most vibrant and transformative community spaces.
Quick Look: Know Before You Go
- This is a free, family-friendly event open to all
- The event takes place outdoors – plan for weather and wear comfortable shoes
- Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors
- Parking is available nearby; consider walking or biking to the event
Scroll down for full details and event highlights!
Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 11 am to 2 pm (remarks at 12 noon)
Location: Cairn’s Course (501 Guilford Avenue)
Program & Ribbon-Cutting
The official program begins at 12 noon, featuring remarks from community leaders and project partners:
- Dabney Sanders, Downtown Greenway Project Manager, Action Greensboro
- Susan Schwartz, Executive Director, The Cemala Foundation
- Trip Brown, Co-Chair, Downtown Greenway Oversight Committee
- Marikay Abuzuaiter, Mayor, City of Greensboro
- Nathaniel “Trey” Davis, City Manager, City of Greensboro
- Chelsea Phipps, Greenway & Gardens Program Coordinator, Greensboro Parks and Recreation
Following, attendees are invited to take part in a one-of-a-kind moment – a “super-sized community ribbon” cutting. All are welcome to help cut the ribbon and officially open the entire 4-mile Downtown Greenway loop together.
Entertainment
Enjoy a lively atmosphere throughout the event including:
- Live music by AMRodeo
- Entertainment and interactive performances by CircusEVO
- Face painting
- Photo booth
- Family-friendly games and activities
Partner Organizations
Meet organizations leading the work to expand trails, greenways, tourism, and economic development across our city, region, and nation. Learn how partners at every level are working together to strengthen connections – and how the Downtown Greenway fits into something bigger.
- Downtown Greensboro Inc.
- East Coast Greenway
- Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
- Great Trails State
- Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Greensboro Department of Transportation
- Greensboro Parks and Recreation
- Piedmont Legacy Trails
- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
- Triad Friends of Greenways
Food & Drink
A variety of local favorites will be on-site with food and beverages for purchase:
- Demeter Wine
- Little Brother Brewing
- Rockin’ Moroccan
- Taco Bros
- The Ice Queen
Parking & Access
Consider arriving on foot or by bike along the Downtown Greenway, or park and walk a short distance from these nearby locations:
- First Bank – 101 N. Spring Street
- First Baptist Church – 1000 W. Friendly Avenue
- Greensboro College: main campus – 815 W. Market Street
- Weaver Academy – 100 S. Cedar Street
For those who need the closest parking location, a gravel lot is available at 501 Guilford Avenue (Greensboro College theatre campus). Note, while this is the closest option for accessibility to the event, the lot is unpaved. Please help keep this space available for those who need the closest access.
Event signage and volunteers along the greenway will help guide visitors.
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors – and join us in celebrating this milestone moment for Greensboro!
