Come for the free activities and live performances, stay to support downtown Omaha’s struggling businesses.
On Sept. 5, “Rally on the Route” will fence off 16th Street between Farnam and Harney streets for a block party that will include family-friendly activities during the afternoon and adult-centered entertainment in the evening.
The event, which is being paid for by donations, will run from 2-8 p.m. It’s hosted by the Streetcar Impact Alliance and is meant to encourage the community to support local businesses during streetcar construction.
Participating restaurants in and around the block party area will operate food tents or will have their doors open for people to purchase food and drinks. Alcohol purchased from tents or from businesses within the fenced-off area will be allowed throughout the block party area.
Businesses along the streetcar route have struggled since construction began more than a year ago. A coalition of local bar and restaurant owners launched the Streetcar Impact Alliance in February to bring concerns to the city.
Alliance member and downtown bar owner Clark Ross said the group is excited to throw the block party.
“While streetcar construction has had an impact on local businesses, we’re hosting Rally on the Route to show our city that the greater downtown area is still active, accessible and worth the trip,” said Ross, owner of Mercury.
During the event, Park Omaha will offer $1 garage parking at the Park One garage at 1516 Douglas St. and free metered street parking within one block of the event for the day.