The Moonlight Market on Gay Street officially kicks off its 2014 season tonight from 6pm to 11pm on the popular Downtown strip between High and Third. Local businesses on the street keep their doors open late for special hours, and over 50 additional street vendors pop-up on the sidewalks to sell everything from vintage tshirts to hand-made soaps to repurposed bourbon barrel home decor. If you’ve got the itch for some Downtown shopping, dining, music and entertainment, then this event promised to serve up a healthy dose of exactly that during tonight’s absolutely beautiful weather.
If you need even more reasons than that to attend, then here’s 10, in no particular order:
1. Dan the Baker Pizza at Brioso – Bread and pastry maker Dan the Baker will be hosting a one-night-only pop-up restaurant inside Cafe Brioso from 6pm to 9pm (or while supplies last) where he’ll be serving up pizzas utilizing his own doughs.
2. Robert Mason Ladies Collection – The Robert Mason pop-up shop inside Sugardaddy’s will be unveiling their brand new ladies collection known as Marilyn. The project is a collaboration with local designer Luciano Carfagna and products are produced in Gallipolis Ohio.
3. Cocktails at Cafe Napolitana – If you only know Cafe Napolitana as a pizza-by-the-slice lunch destination, then tonight’s a great night to get acquainted with their recently launched cocktail menu (or their beer and wine menu if that’s more your flavor).
4. Il Mercato at Due Amici – Due Amici is hosting a one-night-only Italian market popup shop on their patio and entryway to their private event space. It will feature a wine bar, retail wines for sale, charcuterie and a mix of fresh and imported products for sale.
5. The Pursuit Truck – Pursuit recently took their show on the road by launching a mobile suit truck, which will be parked tonight at the Moonlight Market. Get fitted or try something on in their dressing room, all inside the back of their mobile store.
6. Free Car2Go Memberships – Haven’t jumped on the car2go bandwagon yet? Then tonight’s the night to sign up. Stop by their booth at the Moonlight Market to waive the $35 registration fee and start your car sharing adventures right away!
7. Willowbeez SoulVeg – Vegetarian food + Soul food = Willowbeez SoulVeg. Entrepreneur Carnell Willoughby launched his mobile food business to bring more healthy options to the streets of Columbus.
8. Manna Banana – There’s always money in the banana stand. Party like a Bluth tonight with your very own chocolate-dipped frozen banana treat from Manna Banana. Segway not required.
9. State & Third – New Downtown retailer State & Third recently opened for business near Columbus Commons, but tonight they’re bringing the shop to you. Check out their sidewalk shop and get a preview of what you can find in their own brick-and-mortar store just two blocks south.
10. Orbit City Bikes – Clintonville-based Orbit City will be offering test rides of their electric bikes at the Moonlight Market. Stop by to try out this fun hybrid-bicycle/moped mode of transportation.
Hope to see you there tonight!
For more information, visit www.moonlightmarketcolumbus.com.
Disclaimer: Walker Evans is a volunteer event organizer for the Moonlight Market. And he wants to see you there tonight!