The monthly street party that’s quickly coming coming to define summertime in Cullman’s downtown is back again tonight, with yet another street-closing expansion that promises to cover even more real estate for an ever-increasing flow of pedestrian traffic.

This month’s installment of 2nd Fridays will see First Avenue closed to traffic for a four-block stretch that runs from Arnold Street all the way to U.S. Highway 278, making it the largest-yet event in the two year-old series, which is hosted jointly by Cullman Park and Recreation and the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce.

How has 2nd Fridays grown so much in such a short amount of time?

“It’s just a great event,” said Chamber Communications Manager Rob Ketcham. “It offers a little bit of everything, for just about everybody. It’s free to attend, and the businesses in the area really have gotten involved. Of course, we hope that people come out and spend a little money and support local business, but the great thing is that there’s so much there for people to just come out and enjoy.”

The summer-long series, which takes over First Avenue in the Warehouse District on — you guessed it — the second Friday of each summer month, offers music on two stages, games for kids and families, food vendors, pop-up shops, an Artists’ Alley, and a drive-in car show that adds tons of eye candy to the overall street scene.

“The cars, I think, are really the thing that attracts just about everyone,” said Ketcham. “It’s a big part of the reason that we keep expanding to close off more of the street.”

This year’s 2nd Fridays will run through 10 p.m. each month, with businesses holding extended shopping hours alongside on-site food and crafts vendors. And, as always, the Festhalle Farmers Market will be open for the duration of the event. 

After today, the streets will close two more times this year: once for the August installment, and then for the final event in September.

There’s no admission fee for 2nd Fridays. Just show up, bring your family and friends, and spend as much or as little as you like. Organizers encourage guests to bring their own chairs and set up shop for a relaxed evening of music, food, friendship and fun.