Specific details about Lawrence’s first annual Mid Summer Night on Mass are solidifying: face painting by Purple Palette, a street juggling show called Dingus’ Showcase, and a block party outside the Bourgeois Pig are some highlights.
Replacing the long-running Summer Sidewalk Sale, Mid Summer Night on Mass starts at 4 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. on Friday, June 23.
The block party outside of the Bourgeois Pig at 6 E. Ninth St. will start at 4 p.m. Called Lil’ Pig Block Party, that event features live musicians, such as The Whiffs, 95 Sweetbird, Thimastr and DJ Jon Harrison. That portion of the street will be blocked off.
Traditionally, the sidewalk sale had an exclusive focus on downtown businesses. Members of Downtown Lawrence Inc. (DLI) decided to revamp that tradition to make the event more dynamic and inclusive.
“The idea was to bring a wider appeal to the event, so people could come down and take advantage of not only the sales but also maybe some deals at restaurants … and then have some fun with the entertainment,” said Andrew Holt, DLI’s executive director. “This is the first year that we’ve done it this way, and we hope in the future … it’s going to become a huge signature event.”
People can stroll the streets and partake in drink and food specials at participating restaurants and retail discounts at the sidewalk-style sales, which will be sprinkled downtown. Nearly 40 downtown businesses are offering specials for the event. People can check the Mid Summer Night on Mass website, msnonmass.com, for specifics.
“This is a situation where you can get some great deals and have some really good experiences in the downtown businesses, whether it’s getting a great deal on merchandise, or it’s having a great meal, and taking advantage of the promotions that the restaurants are having,” Holt said. “It’s important for the community to come together and have just a fun time celebrating Lawrence, particularly downtown Lawrence.”
Parking will be free after 1 p.m. Friday.
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Chansi Long (she/her) reported for The Lawrence Times from July 2022 through August 2023. Read more of her work for the Times here.
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