DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE- Tenn (WVLT) -- The sun is setting on one of Knoxville's most popular music festivals.

AC Entertainment announced they will not host the Sundown in the City free concerts in Market Square.

While many are sad that Sundown will not be rising again this summer, some businesses close-by say it actually hurt their business, and they're happy it's not coming back.

A lone guitarist playing "The Eagles" is the only music playing in Market Square, a quieter but fun atmosphere as usual.

Across from the stage is Bliss Home, which was a high-traffic area for concert-goers during sundown's hey-day.

"In the last couple of years, it's been getting a little outta control, a little outta hand. Been dealing with crowds more than handling customers," said store manager Annie Ford.

"Honestly, I think it's a pretty good thing," said Fizz manager Jenna Hancock.

Hancock says the scene changed when Sundown bands hit the stage.

She says there was excessive drinking and a smoke-filled haze, and she had to close the store early to avoid the crowd.

"Sundown was one of those places that got congested with the wrong crowd. We just want it to be a friendly, inviting place that you can bring your family to," said Hancock.

"I was very disappointed. Sundown in the city's been an integral part of downtown for so long," said Preservation Pub owner Bernadette West.

West strongly supported the concert series, and says her pub definitely saw a bump in business on those summer nights.

"It helped all the businesses. Not only in the Square, but also downtown, all down Gay Street and the Old City," said West.

Even though there won't be any Sundown shows, west says there's a stage for a reason, and the music will continue.

AC entertainment says they are still committed to providing downtown Knoxville with acts. As for a return of the summer series, they say never say never.

Sundown in the City was started in 1998 to attract more people to downtown Knoxville, and it worked.

Some of the big headliners who performed in the early years of Sundown on Market Square...John Mayer and Steve Winwood.