What’s a successful monthly downtown event?
While the last entry listed a series of neighborhood downtown events, the question is if there is a monthly event that stands out? The First Thursdays block party in Austin, TX (no surprise) comes to mind.
Several thousand people, perusing art, listening to bands, shopping at sidewalk tables in front of dozens of unique stores, and taking advantage of drink and dining specials. At least 44 venues open their doors late on the first Thursday of the month on Austin’s closed-down South Congress Avenue, most until 10 pm (or later), sprinkled with street musicians and artists.
The only criteria for businesses to join is that they agree stay open until 10 p.m. and that they run some sort of special. But, predictably, the businesses with the most foot traffic are the businesses with live music.
Common complaint? Too crowded. Now that’s music to a store owner’s ears.
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San Antonio has first friday – similar event
In Milwaukee every thursday night we have Jazz in the Park that takes place in Cathedrial Square, and it is a very popular event.