Much the way the Eiffel Tower or the Spanish Steps in Europe draw in a crowd, compare our very own Elmwood Strip to that type of cultural epicenter: There are always people walking along the sunny side of the street—either window-shopping, people watching or simply enjoying what’s left of these summer days. To that end, the Neighborhood Collective is hosting a Block Party on the part of Elmwood between Auburn and Lafayette. The merchants of those shops have organized a fun, neighborly evening of great discounts and sales, refreshments and live music. Specialty store Spoiled Rotten is living up to its name by overindulging partyers with an indoor honey tasting party and a concert with band Blazin’ Halo on the rooftop. Block Club Magazine and men’s clothing store Stache will celebrate their respective grand openings, while ShoeFly has one of its summer sales out front. At the Collective, Insite Gallery will be having a reception for its Summer: Small Works group show; Annie Adams Jewelry will be having a special sale; Tru-Teas will be serving summer-themed cocktails and housing a tee-shirt sale by Michael Margulis; the Science Spot will offer hands-on kids’ activities and there will be Latin American and West African music in the driveway by La Marimba. Come feel like part of the crowd on this small but happening stretch of the city. And if, by chance, you come late or miss some of the festivities, check out the Neighborhood Collective’s weekly event “Wednesday in the Driveway,” a free music series that begins at 6:30pm.

Friday, August 10 from 6-9pm. The Neighborhood Collective, 810 Elmwood Ave. (887-2921).