‘Eat in the Streets’ program to continue with two-day block party in downtown Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In a continuation of the City of Birmingham’s “Eat in the Streets” program, the 100 and 200 blocks of 20th Street North in downtown Birmingham will be closed for a block party on Friday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 22. The block party will be from 5 to 11 p.m. on both days. The street will be blocked off starting at 3 p.m. on Friday.
The event allows local restaurants to expand their dining areas into the streets and offers an opportunity for Birmingham residents to celebrate the city while social distancing. Participating venues include: Trattoria Zaza, The Yard and Moon Shine from the Elyton Hotel, Café Dupont, Chocolatà Artisanal Chocolatier, Paramount, and Bistro 218. A movie showing and live music will be provided both nights.
“We would like to see 20th Street become a pedestrian mall like downtown areas in other cities,” said Tom Saab, chef and owner of Bistro 218. “This is a good start toward that goal.”
“Eat in the Streets” was introduced in Birmingham’s Avondale entertainment district for a three-day trial run in July. The trial run was so successful that it prompted an additional “Eat in the Streets” in Avondale on Aug. 14 and 15 and motivated downtown Birmingham merchants to host one.
“Dozens of businesses closed and hundreds of people have been laid off due to the economic impact of the pandemic,” Mayor Woodfin Randall L. Woodfin. “As we continue to operate in a ‘new normal’ during this pandemic, we are looking for new ways to serve the public.’’
Attendees must wear face coverings during the event except when eating or drinking. Patrons may order alcoholic beverages but will not be permitted to carry open containers between venues. Participating restaurants will also offer takeout.
About “Eat in the Streets”
The “Eat in the Streets” program was initiated by the City of Birmingham to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the local economy by expanding participating restaurants’ dining spaces for the duration of each event. The pilot program took place in Birmingham’s Avondale entertainment district July 9-11. The second event in Avondale took place Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15. The program promotes social distancing and addresses the COVID-19 public health restrictions on restaurants.
