Block Party

 
 

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY!

Join us for the 13th Annual Block Party on Thursday, September 17 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on North Pleasant Street in Downtown Amherst. This beloved community event promises an evening of fun, entertainment, and celebration of all things Amherst.   

The Annual Block Party is a cherished tradition, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to our dynamic downtown. This year’s event will feature an exciting lineup of live music and performances, showcasing local talent and captivating acts. Attendees can look forward to aerialists, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and a variety of street performers that will delight audiences of all ages.  

In addition to the entertainment, local restaurants and retailers will line both sides of North Pleasant Street. Downtown Amherst boasts a diverse array of dining options and unique shops and services, making it the perfect destination for a night out. Whether you’re enjoying a meal, discovering a new favorite store, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at the Block Party.  

This event is FREE and open to all!   

DETAILS 

When: Thursday, September 17 at 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm    

Where: North Pleasant Street in Downtown Amherst  

Presented by: Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the Town of Amherst, Amherst Cultural Council and supported by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, Amherst College, and UMass Amherst. 

PARKING 

Walking, biking, and utilizing public transit into downtown is encouraged. Parking will be available and accessible at:  

  • Boltwood Garage (70 Boltwood Walk)  

  • Amity Street Lot (26 Amity St)  

  • North Pleasant Street Lot (43 N Prospect St)  

  • Town Hall Lot (61 Main St)  

  • Spring Street Lot (Spring St)  

  • Pray Street Lot (15 Pray St)  

  • Amherst-Pelham Regional High School (21 Mattoon St) - FREE  

Find more information about parking in downtown including rates and enforcement hours at  amherstma.gov/parking  

ROAD CLOSURES  

North Pleasant Street will be CLOSED from the Amity/Main intersection to Hallock/East Pleasant Street at Re-Alignment Park beginning at 12:00 pm until 10:00 pm. On-street parking will be prohibited.   

Additionally, there will be limited access to North Pleasant Street via Cowles Lane, Kellogg Avenue, and via the North Pleasant Street (behind CVS) Parking Lot beginning as early as 12:00 pm. Access will be fully restricted by 3:00 pm with no vehicle movements allowed.    

During this period, North-South directional vehicle traffic must use Triangle Street or Hallock Street to North Prospect (South only). Boltwood Walk will also remain open for passage between Main Street and Kellogg Avenue. 

Questions about the Block Party? 

Contact the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID)  staff at marketing@amherstdowntown.com or (413) 345-2945. 

Business Looking to Participate?

Application deadline: Friday, July 31

Please note: space is limited, and we may not be able to accommodate every applicant. Priority will be given to downtown businesses and arts and cultural organizations. For-profit businesses outside the BID district will be asked to pay a $300 booth fee, which goes directly toward subsidizing this annual Amherst tradition.

Applications will be reviewed after the deadline closes. Please allow a few weeks for a response.

APPLICATION LINK: https://forms.gle/Ut1p11H8KkXszCKT7