Alton, Illinois Block Parties - 2011

The Downtown Alton Incorporated organizers host a block party one Saturday evening a month from May through September, and they pay the city $1400 per event to help with various costs associated with these events. The block parties all fall on the last Saturday of the month; however, in May there is a special block party on the first Saturday in honor of Cinco de Mayo. The block parties are held on Third Street between Piasa and State Streets. One change this year is that the city council voted to allow State Street to remain open to vehicle traffic during the block parties, which in the past it had been closed.

There are many booths and establishments offering good food and drinks at reasonable prices. The monthly block parties sometimes follow themes, such as Cinco de Mayo and Jimmy Buffet. This prompts vendors to make and sell food and drinks related to the specified theme for that month.

The block parties begin at 4:00 p.m. with a variety of activities for children. At 6:30 p.m., the bands begin playing. One band will get the honor of playing on the main stage, while a second band will be playing elsewhere in the downtown area, usually near State Street. The bands play until 10:30 p.m. when the event closes, at which time many patrons finish their partying at many area bars and nightclubs. You will want to bring some lawn chairs so you can rest in between dances. Parking is offsite and free.

2011 Block Party Dates

On May 7, the Phins will be playing and on May 28, the Miles Station Band will be performing on the Main Stage.

On June 25, the Glendale Riders will be performing on the Main stage.

On July 30, the Phins return.

Aug 27 (TBA)

Sept. 24 (TBA)

Even if you do not dance, come out and listen to some great music, eat some good food, and visit with friends and family. Alton block parties are for everyone, young and old.

Source: Riverbender.com