Third Thursdays returning with new additions
Downtown Manchester is bringing back 3rd Thursdays this summer! Every third Thursday each month starting in June and running through September, come downtown from 5 to 9 pm to enjoy pop-up artisan and vendor markets, food specials, fun activities, live performers and businesses open late. Like last summer, 3rd Thursday activities are a great way to spend the time between shopping at the Farmers Market in Chi Bro Park and enjoying the free Gazebo Concerts in Wurster Park.
Organizers have made some changes from last year based on feedback from participants. This year they are adding a 20′ x 40′ public shade tent with tables and chairs near the pop-up market on Adrian street. It will serve as a place to eat and relax while enjoying live performances. Organizers are doubling the size of the vendor market so that there will be 30 to 40 vendors at each event. Free kids’ activities including bubbles,, chalk, games, and hula hoops has been moved to the pedestrian alley between Comerica Bank and Dance With Heart Studios. And while there were free hayrides at two 3rd Thursday events last year, this year there will be hayrides at every event.
This year organizers have added an International Food Crawl. Franks Place, Kellie’s, Over the Edge, Village Tap, and Two Black Sheep will each offer a different special international dish during each 3rd Thursday. Patrons will be able to get their meal to go and eat under the shade tent while enjoying the 3rd Thursday entertainment.
Last year for one month, 3rd Thursday included a historic walking tour. This year there will be a different walking tour every event. Each one will cover different areas and different topics.
The first 3rd Thursday this year will be June 20. In addition to the Artisan & Vendor Market, International Food Crawl, tent covered public seating area, Kids Alley, a free Photo Booth, Sidewalk Sales, Business Expo, and the Face Painting & Henna by The Facepaint Faerie, and $1 flowers at the Flower Garden all from 5 to 9 pm, there will also be free hayrides around the Downtown from 6 to 8 pm.
History buffs will enjoy the Historic Walking Tour. This month’s tour will be ”Downtown Manchester Commerce in 1867 – The Boom Years” from 6 to 7 pm. Participants should meet in front of Comerica Bank at 6 pm. The Blacksmith Shop will also be open with demos from 4 to 8 pm, the Kingsley-Jenter House will host the Manchester Area Historical Society open house from 5 to 9 pm, and the Masonic Hall will have an Open House from 5 to 9 pm.
Live performances include Juston Brady at 5 pm, Dave Berger & Darcy MacConnell at 6 pm, John Louis Good at 7 pm, and Billy Joe Hunt at 8 pm. From 5 to 9 pm there will also be 3D Chalk Art by Chris M. Monaghan & friends, Singe the Fire Twirler – Mandy Claire, Shannon Seidelman & Divine Shimmies Belly Dancers, and Live Art by Zack Alexander of Shake Rattle N’ Roxx Spray Paint Art.
Be sure you stop by downtown Manchester Thursday, June 20 from 5 to 9 pm!
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