The Reg Lenna Block Party will be held Thursday in front of the Reg at 116 E. Third St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Third Street will be closed between Pine and Spring streets. Submitted photo

It closes some downtown streets in the city.

And for good cause.

It’s July, and the Reg Lenna Center for The Arts is holding its annual Block Party Thursday.

There is no admission for the party, but certain activities, food and beverages require payment, said Len Barry, director of marketing and communications. It will be held in front of the Reg at 116 E. Third St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“We’ve been throwing block parties off and on since 2017. For the first few years we had them in the fall before performances from Black Violin in 2017, and Paula Poundstone in 2019. These served as warm-ups to the events,” Barry said.

After a larger, 3rd Street Beer and Wine Festival in 2019, it was planned to move the festival to a summer Thursday night. “Then the pandemic hit! In 2021 we began having them on a Thursday night in July and have been doing them ever since,” Barry added.

The band Honky Tonk Heroes will perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Reg staff and board will sell beverages. WRFA will broadcast from under the theater marquee at certain times throughout the afternoon, Barry said.

“The musicians are usually the biggest draw, especially if they tour and have followings. The food vendors work similarly with the patrons – appealing to fans of the vendor and people who want to try new things,” Barry said. “We’ve also gotten to the point where some of our patrons just come back for the party every summer no matter who is involved. It’s sort of become a mid-summer event people look forward to that falls between The Yassou Festival, Pride Fest, Juneteenth in June, and the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, Whirlybird and Labor Day in August and September.”

Food vendors include Best of Buffalo by Byron and Hope Smoothies. Art Cloth + Craft will open its doors for shopping and is hosting a do-it-yourself stamped tea towel craft pop-up event for families.

Third Street will be closed between Pine and Spring streets, and the party is supported by Cattaraugus County Bank.