After a brief hiatus for Texarkana’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, Downtown Live is back! Scheduled for the second Friday of every month, Downtown Live is a collaborative effort between artists, performers, and downtown businesses. Each month, locally owned businesses in the Main Street Texarkana District stay open after hours to offer visitors deals and discounts while local artists and musicians share their talents with the community. Downtown Live takes place along Broad Street and adjacent streets in the oldest section of Texarkana, USA. 

“Historically, this was the original business district,” says Main Street Director, Ina McDowel. “This area, Broad Street in particular, contains some of the oldest buildings in the community.”

Broad Street is now part of both the Arts and Historic District and the Entertainment District in addition to the Main Street District. Locally owned galleries, shops, restaurants, and other businesses line streets. On the second Friday of each month businesses stay open late to welcome Downtown Live guests. 

“Downtown Live is a way to bring live art and music to downtown,” adds Ms. McDowell. “Area artists set up in one of our downtown galleries or on the sidewalks to create lovely works while the public watches. We have great live music as well.”

Any artist or musician who would like to participate are encouraged to contact Jamie Simmons at Main Street Texarkana. Downtown Live is scheduled for January 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is a collaboration between downtown businesses, local artists, and Main Street Texarkana. For more information or to find out how to participate, call Main Street Texarkana at 903-278-6441, email [email protected], or visit www.mainstreettexarkana.org/downtown-live.html.

Main Street Texarkana, accredited through the National Main Street program, is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization which combines economic development with historic preservation. The Main Street Texarkana District encompasses historic downtown Texarkana, USA and is the only two-state program in the country. Main Street Texarkana is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities. For more information or to become a Main Street investor, visit www.MainStreetTexarkana.org. 

Image 5: Downtown’s newest business, Prodigy Life, will be giving 10% discounts on memberships and guests can register to win a free sauna session during Downtown Live on January 12.