Summit Downtown, Inc. (SDI) brings back its free Arts & Cars Festival on Sunday, Sept. 20, stretching along Springfield Avenue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The annual event runs between Beechwood Road and Summit Avenue. It pairs a juried outdoor art show, co-sponsored by the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, with a classic and custom car show operated by Peotter's Auto Body & Spa. Admission is free.
Nancy Adams, executive director of SDI, called the festival a showcase for downtown Summit in an announcement Friday, Sept. 18. "Every year, the Arts & Cars Festival reminds us why downtown Summit is such a fantastic place to visit," Adams said.
Art show and car show
Regional artists will display and sell fine arts and crafts along Springfield Avenue. The car show, featuring classic, custom and modified vehicles, opens at the Bank Street and Summit Avenue check-in point. Cars must arrive by 9:30 a.m.
Owners who pre-registered by Sept. 17 for $20 are eligible for People's Choice voting. Day-of registration costs $25 but does not qualify for the People's Choice category. Three trophies will be awarded: People's Choice, Best in Show and Most Unique. Peotter's will also select a Top 10, with those vehicles receiving decals.
Live music lineup
Three acts rotate on the main stage at Beechwood Road and Springfield Avenue:
- Candice Lee, 10 a.m.–noon
- Rusty Monks, noon–2 p.m.
- Big Train, 2–4 p.m.
The Beer & Wine Garden in the Bank Street parking lot features Jeiris Cook from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Matt Mattheiss from 1:30 to 4 p.m. DJ Paul Fessock, known as Mr. Socks, plays at the train station from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Food, drinks and football
Food Truck Alley lines up Just Delicious Kettle Corn, Puras Paletas, SandWiCheRia, Jack's Surf & Turf and Pizza Vita.
The Beer & Wine Garden opens at 11 a.m. Attendees 21 and older can buy a wristband for alcoholic beverages. Drink tickets are cash only, sold at the entrance at Lyric Park on Beechwood Road.
A giant screen will broadcast Sunday football, including the Jets game, starting at 1 p.m.
Kids' activities
Children's attractions include Krazy Kevin juggling on a unicycle, balloon artist Shawn Yaney, Master Yoo's Martial Arts, games with Robot Revolution, miniature car racing, mini-golf, face painting, airbrush tattoos and a photo booth sponsored by St. Patrick School. Local nonprofits will also run interactive games on-site.
What else is nearby
The Summit Farmers Market is open the same day at 22 DeForest Avenue from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A full schedule and festival map are available at summitdowntown.org. SDI's Street Sounds live-music series continues on Friday evenings through Oct. 30.
