A swath of downtown will transform into a food and music extravaganza when City Social takes over the intersection of Washington Avenue and 14th Street next Friday, May 16. The street festival, which returns for its fourth year, promises a day of live music, merriment, and delicious food and drinks from the neighborhood’s most popular eateries.
“A vibrant downtown is the heartbeat of any great city,” Greater St. Louis Inc. chief downtown officer Kurt Weigle said in the event announcement. “Events like City Social bring people together, showcase local businesses, and demonstrate the extraordinary energy that downtown St. Louis has to offer the entire region.”
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Here’s what to know before you go..
The Food
Downtown’s impressive culinary scene will be on full display, with vendors from some of Washington Avenue’s most popular restaurants serving up signature dishes. Participating restaurants include Hot Pizza Cold Beer, along with sister restaurants Sugarfire Smoke House and Hi-Pointe Drive-In; Levels Nigerian Cuisine, the excellent West African restaurant and events space; Washington Avenue mainstay Rosalita’s Cantina; as well as Gourmet Soul and The Passport Cocktail Bar & Bottle Shop.
The Entertainment
Several local musical acts will be on hand. Party favorite Dr. Zhivegas (which recently announced that this will be the group’s last year) will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Other musical artists include The HeyDays, Shorty a.k.a. Reggie Son, and Faith Miller. DJ Stazi, DJ Mahf, DJ Merf, and DJ Cuddy will be spinning music between sets to keep the street party soundtrack going.
The festivities run from 5–10 p.m., and admission is free. Food and drink can be purchased directly through each vendor. Attendees should note that this is a family-friendly, rain-or-shine event.
“City Social is about bringing everyone together for food, music, and fun,” says Weigle. “It draws people in, spotlights downtown small businesses and restaurants, and reminds the region downtown is alive and full of momentum.”
