BEVERLY, MA — Even for a fun event that mostly sells itself this year, Beverly Main Streets is making a big push to help ensure that this weekend’s Downtown Block Party is a memorable bash after last year’s rainout.
“We’ve definitely got a lot of momentum going on from Arts Fest this year just a few weeks ago,” Beverly Main Streets Community Engagement Manager Becki Greene told Patch. “Last year’s Arts Fest was a big success even though we got a ton of rain that day too. But this year we had even more people. The vendors were happy and it had people looking forward to the Block Party.”
The Block Party is in its 11th year with Greene saying that it has a “longstanding following in the community.” Even so, as Beverly Main Streets looks to reestablish its efforts to draw residents and visitors to downtown businesses after a rain-dampened 2023, she said that the organization has redoubled its marketing efforts and social media outreach with the help of funding from North of Boston.
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“A lot of people look forward to this event this year,” Greene said. “Even if we do nothing the public would come out in droves.”
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There will be six bands on two stages and runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation with beer and food sold separately.
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While children are welcome, the Block Party is generally more geared toward adults.
There is a Wandering Stage with the Erinn Brown Band playing at 5:30, Tiltawhirl at 6:45 and True North at 8 p.m. There is also a Winter Street Stage with Jazzy Jas playing at 5:30, The Gallerist at 7 and Candlepin Slim at 8.
A new element this year is a collection of Cirque performers, including a juggler, LED lights performer, magician, fairy troupe and a hooper. Those additions were made possible with the help of a Mass Cultural Council Community District Investment grant.
Greene said the new Executive Director Erin Truex has been instrumental in the fundraising and the grant acquisition efforts with the help of an active and connected Board of Directors and event committees.
“The team is really strong this year,” she said. “I feel we are turning over a new leaf and that’s contributing to the strength of our events.”
Limited tickets remain for the “Shipwrecked!” VIP party. The nautical-themed VIP party will feature a photo op with pirate actors, food from Sala Restobar, a private bar, touch tanks with sea life from Salem Sound Coastwatch, a private music show from the Dad Bods, karaoke and access to Chianti throughout the event, including air conditioning and private bathrooms.
Costumes are highly encouraged with tickets also including two free drinks. VIP tickets can be purchased here.
This year’s sponsors include the city of Beverly, Power Home Remodeling, Endicott College, Coastal Windows & Exteriors, The Current Beverly, and A&A Services, with appreciation to previous sponsors Institution for Savings, M&T Bank, Temkin Financial Group, LLC, Aligned for Life Chiropractic, The Cabot Lodge, Transylvania Moving Company, Glovsky Counselors-at-law, The Greater Beverly YMCA, Salem Five, and Jubilee Yacht Club.
Residents and visitors should be aware of street closings and parking restrictions on Saturday.
Cabot Street will be closed from its intersection with Federal Street to its intersection with Pond Street. The closure will begin at 3:30 p.m. and end at 10:30 p.m.
Street parking using pay-to-park kiosks is available on the section of Cabot Street that is not blocked off and along the side streets east and west of Cabot. City parking lots can be found by following the large P signs on Cabot Street. The lots have handicapped spaces. They are marked on the map. More parking information can be found here.
The Current will be providing additional parking to anyone with a handicap placard. Spaces are limited and can only be used during the Block Party hours (5:30 to 9:30 p.m.).
(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
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