ST. LOUIS — A new event is coming to downtown St. Louis this spring.
The inaugural City Social will be held on April 29 from 4-9 p.m. Washington Avenue will be blocked off between Tucker Boulevard and 14th Street for a giant block party showcasing the music, art and culture of St. Louis.
The party will be split into three sections: Music Row, the Kickback Corner and Art Alley.
Music Row will feature local bands and musical acts to get people moving, and street performers to add some energy. The street performers will include acrobats, stilt walkers and hula hoopers.
On the other side of the party is the Kickback Corner for people looking to relax with friends. There will be additional seating, relaxed DJ music and a selfie room pop-up exhibit.
Down 13th Street from Washington Avenue to St. Charles Street will be Art Alley. The live art installations will feature local artists that organizers said are "sure to wow and inspire."
"We're so excited to kick off what we hope becomes a favorite annual tradition in St. Louis," said Sarah Arnosky Ko, Vice President of Greater St. Louis, Inc. "We invite everyone who lives, works or just likes to visit Downtown to come out and gather, dance, enjoy a drink with friends and support our local businesses and artists."
Greater St. Louis Inc., Spire, Square and Cash App came together for the event. It was coordinated in partnership with the Downtown Engagement and Public Safety Initiative which is working to give people more reasons to come to downtown St. Louis.
With the onset of the pandemic, very few businesses could say business was booming.
"Clearly we didn't get as much Cardinals or Blues traffic or event traffic as we would like to have,” said Michaela Hogue of Rosalita Cantina’s Restaurant.
Now cue 2022, a year that seems to be bringing back the action.
"There's people walking around more. City Museum traffic is bringing a lot of business our way,” Hogue admitted.
It's why staff at the restaurant is getting excited about a new venture just announced Monday.
Police and private security will be on hand to keep the peace.
"When there are more people on the street, fewer incidents happen. This is one way we’re getting more people on the street in downtown,” Arnosky Ko added.
It’s welcomed news for businesses who are sure to benefit from the extra traffic.
"We’re still working on the specials that we want for that weekend…It definitely brings a positive atmosphere, aspect to downtown,” Hogue said.