City Of Martinez Launches Downtown Weekend Nights

MARTINEZ, CA — A new program starts Friday night in Downtown Martinez that will allow qualifying businesses to provide live outdoor music, dining and retail to their customers on weekend nights.

Starting May 20, the City of Martinez is launching "Downtown Weekend Nights" to support and promote a thriving, experience-driven environment in Downtown Martinez, city officials said Thursday in a news release.

Street closures will be in effect from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. or shortly thereafter every Friday and Saturday night on Main Street and the surrounding area to accommodate the program.

Initially established as a temporary program to help restaurants, bars and retailers bring their operations outdoors when strict indoor COVID-19 restrictions were in place, the program grew in popularity over the last two years as residents and out-of-town visitors flocked downtown to enjoy outdoor dining, retail and entertainment, Deputy City Manager Lauren Sugayan said.

The Martinez City Council took notice and decided to make the program permanent giving it a new name: "Downtown Weekend Nights."

"For the most part, residents will not notice much of a change from the program that has existed throughout the pandemic, except for the reopening of streets on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons," Sugayan said.

Businesses are required to apply with the city, submit detailed plans for use of the city street, and pay an application fee. Once permitted, businesses will have to renew annually or when there is a need to update their plans. Businesses with outdoor amplified music will be required to end promptly at 9 p.m. or face revocation of their permit, city officials said.

Businesses currently participating include Del Cielo, Bar Cava, Barrelista and Roxx on Main Street. Street closures for these businesses will occur on:

• Estudillo Street between Marina Vista Avenue and Escobar Street
• Estudillo Street between Escobar Street and Main Street
• Main Street from Castro Street to Ferry Street

"The City of Martinez had to pivot significantly when the pandemic hit to be able to allow restaurants and businesses to provide their services to the community in a safe way," City Manager Eric Figueroa said. "Due to the hard work and dedication of City staff and the local business community, the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program grew to be a cherished program. We are looking forward to seeing our community continue to enjoy 'Downtown Weekend Nights' in its new, long-term capacity."

Important Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Reminders From The City Of Martinez

• By order of the Martinez Police Department:
  • Do not park or drive your car in any areas or parking spaces that are blocked off with a barricade(s) or marked with “No Parking” sign(s). MPD WILL BE ISSUING CITATIONS.
  • Do not move City barricades or fences in the public right-of-way
  • Do not congregate on adjacent private property or in the 17-foot emergency access lane located within each street enclosure
  • Do not bring your own chairs or other furniture for use on the sidewalk or in the street
  • Do not move the chairs and tables or other items provided by the participating businesses

• Adhere at all times to Federal, State, County and City regulations