Every festival has their centerpiece attraction — the quirky and unique element that helps it stand out. Locust Street has its Beer Run. Brady Street has its dog yoga (maybe not the centerpiece yet, but let’s make it happen). And Center Street Daze has its cart races.
Similar to some of the fashion choices we see during the Locust Street Beer Run, the creativity on display as teams roll down Center Street can be awe-inspiring. Also like the Beer Run, it’s a weird and wonderful tone-setter for a daylong event that’s meant to celebrate the neighborhood.
This year’s party on Center Street between Holton and Humboldt is once again organized by the Riverwest Business Association and takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. The cart races get underway at noon, but they're far from the only activity planned for the day.
For the second time, the festival will hold its Mannequin Model Competition presented by forMartha. Whether you’re a fashionista or an upcycler (or both), this facet of the festival puts a whopping $113 on the line as folks get the chance to dress a mannequin in their own unique style. If you want to be a part of the competition, check out forMartha’s Facebook page and make sure you’re available to place your entry between 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday.
If games are more your thing, there are a few chances to play around throughout the day thanks to the good people at the Uptowner. For a $20 entry fee, you can join the outdoor pool tournament and snag an Uptowner t-shirt in the process. In-person registration closes at noon Saturday, with competition running from 1 to 7 p.m. The corner bar will also have giant dice, cornhole and beer pong set up for anyone looking for a billiards alternative.
When you aren’t tossing bags or ping-pong balls or shooting stick, there will be plenty to see as you amble around, including the usual wide selection of vendors selling food, drinks, crafts and other wares. You can also check out the motorcycle showcase sponsored by Create Moto Repair Shop and The Daily Bird, or — our obvious favorite — the many music options at four stages scattered throughout the festival.
Take a look at the full entertainment schedule below and find more information on this year’s festival on the Center Street Daze website.
Center Street Daze music schedule
Club Timbuktu Stage
- All day between sets — Headway DJs
- 3 p.m. — Stix and Dogs
- 5 p.m. — Majestics
Jazz Gallery Stage
- 1 p.m. — Big Style Brass Band
- 2:30 p.m. — Trace Ellington and Friends
- 5 p.m. — Trove with Special Guest Jason Fabus (also featuring changeover music from Jazz Gallery’s free improv workshop)
- 8 p.m. — Kenan Serenbetz, DPCD, Shawn Alan Hurd, Kati Katchever (post-festival show at the Jazz Gallery)
Quarter’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
- 1 p.m. — Offtide
- 1:45 p.m. — Secondhand Souls
- 2:30 p.m. — First Cousin Once Removed (William Edmund O’Neill III and Michael Brumm)
- 3:15 p.m. — Sludge Hawking
- 4 p.m. — The Women
- 4:45 p.m. — Taco Tuesday
- 5:30 p.m. — Mark Adams Son of Bill
- 6:15 p.m. — Billy Dreamer
Uptowner Stage
- All day between bands — DJ Julian Gross and DJ NME
- 1 p.m. — Cream City Players
- 2 p.m. — Bristlehead
- 3 p.m. — Taxmen
- 4 p.m. — Wilson Blues featuring Steve Cohen, Leroy Airmaster, Bill Stone
- 5 p.m. — Static Palm
- 6 p.m. — Passion Park
