Block Street Block Party won’t host 2018 event, plans return in 2019

Block Street Block Party / Staff photo

The third Sunday in May is going to be considerably less colorful this year.

That’s because the businesses behind the highly successful and much beloved Block Street Block Party in Fayetteville today announced they won’t host their annual street party in 2018.

From the press release announcing the decision:

After much discussion amongst the voluntary staff of business owners from Block Avenue, the event will be taking 2018 off to restructure and reorganize. The next Block Party will take place on May 19, 2019.

Construction on the street in recent years has filled some of the formerly vacant lots that used to house vendors and activities during the festival, and that has contributed to the need to restructure the event, organizers say.

“Block Party has become a flagship event in our community, and has grown so rapidly, we’ve decided to take a year to reset the way we do this,” said Hannah Withers, president of the Block Street Business Association. “Our street is physically changing so quickly, that space and safety has become a major concern in planning this free community party.”

The event, which began as a way to celebrate the end of a construction project on the street in 2011, featured live music, beer gardens, local arts and craft vendors, and lots of activities along the street. It had grown in recent years to draw an estimated 12,000 people to Block Avenue, and was organized and staffed by businesses along the street and volunteers.

“We have created many memories over the years, and worked with so many other organizations in Fayetteville, that we’re proud to say that this event has reached its capacity, and needs to be reevaluated to continue in a safe and fun way that still embodies the spirit of our downtown,” Withers said.