This Friday, the Kent community will experience the sounds of the ‘Round Town Music Fest. More than 60 artists will perform at several venues in the downtown area.

Kent is known for its festivals throughout the year, and this one has a little bit of everything. It began as the Kent State Folk Festival in 1966 and has since turned into a more eclectic affair. You’ll see folk groups, rock bands, jazz and more.

It’s also a great way to bring the community together. Events like this create a neutral setting for a great time with great people.

But the festival isn’t only a community builder for locals. It’s an experience for Kent State students, as well, especially freshmen.

These events are a way to explore downtown and get to know your home-away-from-home.

It’s the fourth week of school and you shouldn’t be going home every weekend to see your old high school friends. Stay in Kent and travel downtown for an adventure. Go to the restaurants, coffee shops and bars to hear some live music with friends. You may even introduce yourself to some new ones.

The downtown area has so much to offer — more than it has ever had in the past — so enjoy it while you can.

The festival can also be a great experience for upperclassmen. If you haven’t attended a festival like this before, what’s stopping you? Go. Take in the fall air, walk into a bar and let the music flow.

Now that we are a quarter of the way through the semester, let’s take a break to relax and stroll downtown for the ‘Round Town Music Fest. The fun starts Friday night and all shows are free to attend.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board, whose names are listed above.