Interactive Fridays in Downtown Staunton

Friday evenings in Downtown Staunton will go interactive on August 26 when the Staunton Downtown Development Associationhosts seven weeks of free live music, art, theater, dance, and games. Activities will be scattered throughout the downtown district every Friday night from 6-9pm through October 7. Friday Nights Downtown is part of the SDDA’s Extended Hours Program, a promotion that encourages later evening shopping and dining through incentives. More than 30 stores and restaurants are participating in 2011.

Friday Nights Downtown is being produced this year by Ampersand Arts, a local non-profit production company known for staging innovative plays, improvisation and dance events. Staunton Parks and Recreation will be contributing to the activities, as well as many local performers. Entertainment is free and family-friendly.

SDDA Executive Director Julie Markowitz has this to say about this year’s Friday Nights Downtown:

“The SDDA is delighted to partner with Ampersand Arts and Staunton Parks and Recreation to provide a truly unique entertainment option. These organizations definitely have a finger on the pulse of a segment of our creative community we would like to showcase. We believe their participation will enrich and expand this increasingly popular downtown program and bring the community together in fun and interactive ways. Our slogan, ‘You never know what you might find Friday Nights Downtown’ aptly describes the creatively eclectic talent that always turns out to support this program.”

This is the third year for Friday Nights Downtown. The SDDA has partnered with a wide variety of local non-profit arts organizations and performers to add a festive atmosphere to Staunton’s historic downtown. Visit www.stauntondowntown.org for more information.

Friday Nights Downtown Entertainment Schedule

Aug. 26

• Hoop de Ville —Beverley St.
• Quentin Clark—Beverley St.
• Gabby Haze—Beverley St.
• Fata Morgana Belly-Dancing —Roaming
• Sidewalk Chalk Activity—The Wharf
• Murder Brothers—Sunspots Parking Lot

Sept. 2

• The Judy Chops—Beverley St.
• Streethoppers Improv—Roaming
• Photo Stand—Beverley St. & the Wharf
• LIVE Pictionary —The Wharf
• Sterling Olson—Sunspots Parking Lot
• Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm

Sept. 9

• Maugy—Beverley St.
• Hoop de Ville—Beverley St.
• Let Us Rec Your Life—Beverley St.
• Quentin Clark—Beverley St.
• Rocktown Rollers—Roaming
• Giant Scrabble—The Wharf
• Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm

Sept. 16

• Scavenger Putt—Beverley St.
• Bolt Swiftpace—Beverley St.
• LIVE Pictionary—The Wharf
• Concrete Dust Bunnies—Sunspots Parking Lot

Sept. 23

• Sidewalk Chalk Activity—Beverley St.
• Let Us Rec Your Life—Beverley St.
• Jason Ring—Beverley St.
• Butoh Dance—The Wharf
• Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm

Sept. 30

• MBC Theater Group—Roaming
• Streethoppers Improv—Roaming
• Photo Stand—Beverley St. & The Wharf
• Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm

Oct. 7

• Scavenger Putt—Beverley St.
• Let Us Rec Your Life—Beverley St.
• Ethan Hawkins—Beverley St.
• MBC Theater Group—Roaming
• Giant Scrabble—The Wharf
• Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm

Entertainment acts and times subject to change without notice. These are rain or shine events.