Main Street Organizations (and Downtown Associations) around the US work to bring together their communities and support local businesses. One way they do that? Community-oriented events that highlight the incredible retailers and restaurants that make up their most vibrant thoroughfares. While Main Street organizations work with TicketSignup for a range of event types, from summer music festivals to holiday brunches and even 5K’s (using RunSignup registration), the most ubiquitous event for Main Street organizations just might be the “Walk”.
What is a Main Street “Walk”?
The Main Street Walk can go by many names (like a Stroll) and include different elements (as seen below), but the key element is providing a hook to get people to spend time (and hopefully money) at retailers. For example, community members may purchase a ticket in exchange for free wine samples at each store, or they may have access to one cocktail at each of the streetway’s restaurant partners.
Why Host a Main Street Walk?
Simply put, a Main Street Walk drives traffic to local retailers and creates a lively downtown experience for local residents. Walk attendees are likely to spend money locally on the day of the event and remember their favorite retailers to return to later in the year.
Today, we’re looking at an array of Main Street Walks, from Wine to Valentine(s)!
The Main Street Wine Walk: Tried and True
The Wine Walk is a classic format, with retail locations throughout the Main Street area offering wine samples to ticket holders as they arrive at their location.
Main Street Monroe April Wine Walk
Downtown Monroe stores offered wine samples and food pairings to ticket purchasers, with tickets ranging from $30 (general admission) to $40 (early admission), as well as a designated driver ticket.
Downtown Perry offers 20 wine samples (with bonus add-ons for VIP tickets). To keep people engaged, stores offered extended shopping hours and promotions.
Olde Towne Uncorked Main Street Clinton
Clinton, MS invited shoppers to downtown businesses with shops offering wine (and non-alcoholic equivalents) along with hors d’oeuvre.
The Main Street Beer Walk: For a Happy, Hoppy Evening
Wine might be elegant, but nothing screams “downtown fun” like beer. These walks offer beer (and other more casual beverages) to downtown visitors.
Historic Downtown Perry Beer Tasting
Downtown Perry keeps their beer walk local, with a selection of beers from Georgia (and beyond), offered in samples at participating businesses.
Downtown Watertown Beer & Seltzer Walk
Downtown Watertown invited the community to taste a carefully curated array of specialty craft beers and seltzers while perusing shops and restaurants.
The Main Street Brunch Walk: Champagne, Mimosas, Daytime Shopping
If the combination of wine and shopping can bring people downtown, some Main Street Organizations take it to the next level with a daytime version: brunch drinks!
Champagne on Main: Brunch, Savor & Shop Windsor
Downtown Windsor’s makes a day of it, allowing attendees to pick a restaurant to start with for brunch before heading out for dessert and champagne tastings at local retailers.
Main Street Morning Mixer Watertown
Downtown Watertown entices locals downtown on a Sunday with samples of brunch-style cocktails at bars and pubs throughout the downtown district.
The Main Street Holiday Walk: Themed Main Street Events
This is where the Main Street Walk gets really fun. While the main elements (samples and shops) remain the same, holiday walks take things to the next level with festive themed events.
New Roads Main Street Boo & Brew
New Roads Main Street keeps their Halloween Walk accessible with a low-cost ticket to access the celebrations. Food and beer can be purchased as-desired.
Downtown Windsor Ugly Sweater Wine Walk
Downtown Windsor’s festive wine walk includes 10 tastings and swag for all attendees. Technically, ugly sweaters are optional, but why wouldn’t you wear one?
Downtown Watertown Sweet Stroll for Valentines Day
For Valentines day, Downtown Watertown leans in on the sweet, with 12 participating businesses offering a sweet to downtown walkers.
The Main Street Food Walk: Snacks on Snacks
Think beyond the beverages. Chocolate makes for delightful samples, but snacks of all sorts would be a hit (and more family-friendly than the alcohol-focused versions).
Main Street Clinton Chocolate Walk
Downtown Clinton expands beyond the beverage walks, with Olde Towne businesses welcoming guests with special chocolate treats.
The Interactive Main Street Walk: Art and Shopping
Downtown Windsor Chalk on the Walk
This Downtown Windsor Walk takes the creative cake. Rather than getting a sample, attendees share their talents with a chalk-art contest creating a colorful walk for local businesses.
For Main Street Organizations, the options for fun, retail-focused downtown walks are are endless!