/Elena Cangelosi
/Jessa Timmer
We’re now in the third week of this summer’s Eat Shop Rock event; have you been out to see what’s UP in Uptown? If you missed the last two Thursdays, this week it’s time to get into the summer festival celebration mood, for a fun, free festival happening right here in Uptown. Uptown: Eat Shop Rock is an event that happens every June in the business districts that are within Uptown. Every Thursday, the designated district hosts free live music throughout the district, food and drink specials, including beer tents and free food by local businesses, sales and promotions at the local shops and boutiques, free children and family activities, and more! Each Thursday night is different based on the unique offerings of each business district – so visiting each one allows for four awesome festivals throughout the month of June!
East Hills kicked off the first week on June 4th, and it was a blast! Brewery Vivant provided a beer tent, with all proceeds going to the East Hills Business Association. Many of the shops ran 10-20% off promotions, with extensions for anyone who didn’t want to carry their items with them but still shopped that night. The main stage in front of the Inner City Christian Federation hosted local favorites Jake Stilson & the Bootstrap Boys, Vox Vidorra, and Valentiger. Individuals and families pulled out their blankets and filled the lawn, staying for the full free show while enjoying food and drinks from the area businesses. A second stage at the Blackport Building hosted the Bhodisattva Buccaneers and drew quite a crowd.
Eastown hosted on June 11th with their own unique twist on the event. Bello Spark headlined at the Hublot, opened by Gabrial James Lundy, with chalk, facepainting, and henna on site for families. Area businesses hosted their own bands, with Lux Land playing at The Cakabakery, Rachel Eve at Terra, a live DJ in front of Rebel Reclaimed, Funkle Jesse in the parking lot of The Eastown Veterinary Clinic, and a Vinyl Afterparty at Harmony Brewing Company. Many shops were offering free food samples, raffles, and promotions, including free cupcakes from Connie’s Cakes, raffles and face painting at The Mitten State, free kombucha at Funky Buddha Yoga, and so much more.
This week Thursday, June 18th, Wealthy Street will be hosting Eat Shop Rock from 6-9pm. Come on out to check out their fresh spin on the event! The main stage will be at Lee & Birch on the corner of Wealthy and Eastern, and Ray Ray Townsend is headlining. Elk Brewing will be hosting Stovepipe Stover & Beaumont Chateau. Business promotions include food sampling at Art of the Table, refreshments at Verhey Carpets, specials at Elk Brewing, discounts at Fusion Salon and Wealthy at Charles, and live music and drink specials at Rowsters Coffee. The Festival coincides with Lee & Birch’s one year anniversary, where they will have discounts, drinks, a photo booth, on site hair braiding by Fusion Salon, and free food samples by Erb Thai.
Next week, Thursday, June 25th, the party will be at East Fulton. The main stage will be in front of Hair Carrigan Hair and will feature the Pistolbrides. East Fulton will be putting their own spin on the event with a Classic Car Show!
The last two weeks of Eat.Shop.Rock. have been a blast and these next two should prove to be just as fun! If you missed the last two, come out this week to see the fun variety Uptown has to offer. For more information, and to follow updates, “Like” Uptown on Facebook and follow uptowngr on Instagram. More information can also be found on the website at uptowngr.com.
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