The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will honor veterans, active duty military personnel and first responders with a celebration on Saturday evening.

“Love Local — Red, White and Brews” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Suffolk Center, 110 W. Finney Ave. Attendees will enjoy local barbecue, local craft beer tastings and performances by local favorite bands.

The bands Stolen, Just Us and The Cool Tones will perform their favorite songs on Suffolk Center’s Birdsong Theater stage. MoMac Brewing and Nansemond Brewing Station will provide free tastings and pours for purchase before the show and during the two intermissions.

Three Brothers Distillery, another local favorite, will create signature craft cocktails for the event: “Lover’s Punch” and “Fall into Love,” according to the press release.

The Suffolk Ruritan Club will provide their tasty barbecue and offer free barbecue dinners to attending veterans, active duty military and first responders that purchase a ticket.

“The Ruritans are all about helping our veterans, and we are honored to provide them with a down-home BBQ dinner.” Jimmy Franks of the Suffolk Ruritan Club stated in the press release.

The event is just a “small token” of appreciation for the sacrifices these men and women have made for their country, according to Executive Director Susan Lawrence.

‘It is very important to honor the men and women who serve or have served in the military,” Lawrence wrote in an email. “They willfully work hard to protect our country, its values and the freedom we often take for granted. They literally put their lives on the line.

“A simple ‘thank you’ does not seem enough,” Lawrence continued. “So, this year the Suffolk Center has teamed up with three local bands and the Suffolk Ruritan Club to offer our military community a discounted concert in their honor and a free meal to enjoy with purchased ticket. It’s just a small token of our appreciation for their huge sacrifice.

“We will also offer this same benefit to our local heroes, our first responders, who work hard to keep our community safe. We live in a better place because of each of them, and we salute them all.”

Tickets are $20 to $25, with a special 10-percent discount for veterans, active duty military and first responders. All tickets will cost $5 more when purchased on the day of the event.

Reserve seats by calling the box office at 923-2900, going online to suffolkcenter.org/lovelocal or by visiting the Suffolk Center at 110 W. Finney Ave.