‘Downtown Thursdays’ To Bring Family-Friendly Fun To West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Downtown West Orange Alliance. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Downtown West Orange Alliance is excited to host creative programs, music, and outdoor dining on select Thursdays in the downtown this summer for residents and visitors to enjoy. The first event kicks off June 23. Registration is encouraged to receive updates and special promotions from the participating West Orange businesses. The events are free, family friendly and open to all.

West Orange residents, surrounding communities and visitors beyond are invited to come eat, shop, and take part in special programs the entire family can enjoy. Spend the whole evening, or drop by for a shorter visit that fits your schedule.

In addition to Thursday, June 23, more events will be held July 14, July 28, and August 11 starting at 5p.m. and ending at 8p.m. at designated locations in the downtown. Event highlights include a block party, ice carving, touch-a-truck, crafts, games, lots of music and of course outdoor dining.

The upcoming four West Orange Downtown Thursday events are outlined below:

Thursday, June 23

• Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
• Location: 55 Kingsley Street, West Orange, NJ
• Activities: Crafts, Food Truck, Games, DJ
• Rain Date: June 30

Thursday, July 14

• Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
• Location: 30 Main Street, West Orange, NJ
• Activities: Ice Carving, Costumed Characters, DJ, Outdoor Dining
• Rain Date: July 21

Thursday, July 28

• Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
• Location: 87 Washington Street, West Orange, NJ
• Activities: Touch-A-Truck, Cupcake Decorating, Games, DJ
• Rain Date: August 4

Thursday, August 11

• Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
• Location: 3 Mississippi Ave, West Orange, NJ
• Activities: Live Jazz, Food Tour, Outdoor Dining
• Rain Date: August 18

A goal of the Downtown West Orange Alliance is to help shine a spotlight on local businesses that while always can use more support, this year in particular will certainly benefit from boosted engagement with locals, surrounding communities, and other visitors as we move forward after several challenging years.

“There is an increased sense of excitement this year. People who are looking for more shared experiences will absolutely have an incredible time joining us for Downtown Thursdays in West Orange,” said Meg Brill, Executive Director of the Downtown West Orange Alliance. “We are sure everyone will find something to love on your Thursday nights out in downtown West Orange. We are also always looking for new ideas to enhance our programming and we welcome feedback on what attendees would like to see added in the years to come.”

Laiquan Harvey-Davis, owner of restaurant How Delish, will be participating in this Thursday’s Downtown Thursday event after participating last year as well. She shares, “Since we opened our shop during the pandemic, many people in the neighborhood had no idea we existed. Now that people are getting out more, we get to meet more people from the local community. Downtown Thursdays allow us to connect to not only residents near our shop but West Orange community beyond. We know the plant-based (vegan) lifestyle is new to many, so this year we are pleased to offer samples of selected vegan deli meats and desserts. Hope to see you Thursday!”

About Downtown Thursdays in Downtown West Orange

Downtown Thursdays was started in 2016. The Downtown West Orange Alliance created the initiative to encourage more local shopping and dining in downtown West Orange. Unique, free programming is also curated for each location. The event is held on select Thursday evenings during the summer months. More information can be found at www.dowtownwo.com by searching the downtown events tab or via Downtown West Orange on Facebook.

Registration is not required but is it encouraged in order to receive updates on the event and more information are participating organizations and businesses.

Register here: https://wodowntownthursdays.eventbrite.com/

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com.