Dancing on Main Street

What is Dancing on Main Street?

The annual Dancing on Main Street event is a music and food festival, featuring local bands and promoting the downtown pubs, taverns, and restaurants. The event is FREE to the public. This event has become a summertime favorite for Amherst and the surrounding communities.

Who organizes Dancing on Main Street?

Dancing on Main Street is organized and hosted by Main Street Amherst, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, as a way to create awareness of, and promote, all that downtown Amherst has to offer.

When and where does Dancing on Main Street take place?

The annual Dancing on Main Street event takes place the first Saturday of August. The festivities kick off at 3:00 pm and go until midnight. The festival is located in Downtown Amherst along Park Avenue and Church Street, with the main stage at that intersection.

Is there an admission fee?

No, the event is an absolutely FREE event! Generous sponsorships from many downtown and local companies, as well as many volunteers from the Main Street Amherst membership and our Amherst community allow the event to remain free to the public. Because there is free admission, we ask that you don't bring in outside food or beverages. Many of our downtown taverns and restaurants offer food and drink specials outside during the event. Main Street Amherst sells beer, Mike's Hard Lemonade products and bottled water so that you do not have to pay an admission fee.

What type of music is featured?

Dancing on Main Street features a variety of music every year including country, rock, soul and funk among others - all performed by your favorite local bands. Some of the favorite bands we've had are: The Naked Monkeys, The Roadhouse Band, Men of Steele, Dan Swift and Friends, The Tim Blake Band, and others.

Are downtown shops and stores open during the festival?

Many of our retail establishments stay open late for the convenience of festival attendees. It's more fun to browse through our shops with the music playing outside and the crowds having such a great time. Everyone is in a friendly, fun mood. The Amherst Cinema is also open, so you could plan a complete fun day with the family by listening to the music, having a supper outdoors, and then taking in a movie! And look at the gas you'll save by doing it all in one place - beautiful downtown Amherst! Of course, all the taverns and restaurants will be open all day and late into the night for your entertainment and enjoyment. Be sure to check out their specials for the day -- Most will have food outdoors in front of their establishments, each with something different to offer.

Should I bring my kids?

Yes! Dancing on Main Street is an event for all ages. While there are not activities geared just for kids, the children will have fun listening to the music, enjoying the food, and watching all the people. Families come back together year after year to enjoy the music during the day, have an open-air supper, and then gradually as the day winds down and the sun sets, the smaller kids seem to disappear as the music amps up and the teens and adults take to the streets to dance and enjoy the later hours of the festival.

Can I bring a cooler with outside food or beverages?

Sorry, no. All Dancing on Main Street proceeds from beverage sales and vendor fees go to pay expenses so we can keep the event FREE. No coolers - please support the taverns and vendors who offer a wide variety of festival foods all along Park Avenue and Church Street.

Where should I park?

Please use the downtown public parking lots off Tenney Avenue, and the on-street parking on Tenney Avenue, Cleveland Avenue, and South Main Street. There is also parking available on Maple Street and other smaller parking areas surrounding downtown. If you live close to downtown, maybe get a little walking in and avoid finding a parking spot.

If I am from out of town, where can I stay?

We have a beautiful new B&B right downtown, 5 Corners B&B, just a block from the event. There are also several motels and hotels within just a couple of miles of downtown Amherst. You can also visit the Lorain County Visitor's Bureau website for maps and lodging options.

What kind of seating is available at Dancing on Main Street?

The event is hosted on the streets of Downtown Amherst. We have benches and folding chairs in front of the main stage, and you will find wrought iron benches along the sidewalks of downtown. Our dining tents offer tables and folding chairs where you can sit and eat a meal with your family, too. You are welcome to bring your own folding lawn chair (please no chaise seats) to sit and listen to the music.

What else should I bring with me?

A lawn chair, if you wish, cash, sun accessories for yourself and the kids (hat, sun block, sun glasses), your family, and a fun attitude!

Can I volunteer to work at Dancing on Main Street?

YES - YES - YES! Volunteers are an integral part of the Main Street Amherst organization and at all of our events throughout the year! We love our volunteers! Dancing on Main Street would not be possible without all of our Main Street and community members who donate their time to work before, during, and after Dancing on Main Street. To volunteer, please call (440) 984-6709 for more information or sign up online from the Dancing on Main Street page. Dancing on Main Street volunteers play a key role, working with the public to ensure a safe, secure and enjoyable event for all who attend. Volunteers work in a variety of areas from selling tickets and tee shirts, to pouring beer and helping in set up and clean up. Volunteering is fun and a great way to meet new people while helping Main Street Amherst, a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization!

What are the requirements for volunteering?
The minimum age for volunteers is 16. Younger volunteers are welcome, but we ask that they work along with Mom or Dad. Volunteer areas will coincide with age appropriateness. Volunteers under age 18 will need a signed parent release to work. Volunteers must be able to withstand heat and sun, as the event is outdoors, even though we provide tents and coverings for most volunteer areas.

How long do volunteer shifts last?
Volunteer shifts are typically two hours. Set up and clean up shifts may be a little longer. Dancing on Main Street begins at 3 pm, but volunteers begin working on the set up for the festival at noon, clearing the streets of cars and setting up for the event. (Any set up assistance you can offer is great!) The event continues until 11:30 pm, when tear down begins; our goal is to have most volunteers out of the area by 12:30.

Do I get anything for volunteering at Dancing on Main Street?
Along with that "warm and fuzzy" feeling for helping out one of the largest community events in Amherst, all volunteers will receive a free Dancing on Main Street T-shirt, free drink tickets, and the opportunity for lots of fun and to meet new people.

What happens after I fill out the on-line volunteer form?
Your information will go to the Event Chair who will contact you about specific requirements for the volunteer job and shift (or committee planning) for which you are interested volunteering.

Will I be trained to perform my volunteer job?
Most of our volunteer opportunities require little or no training, but a Main Street Board member will contact you before the event to give you instructions and answer any questions you may have. We will also be on-hand during the festival to assist you in any way possible.

How can my band perform at Dancing on Main Street?

If you are interested in playing at Dancing on Main Street next year, send us your press kit or CD. We keep submissions on file for one year, and review new bands beginning in February. Electronic submissions are not accepted. Send your submission to: Dancing on Main Street, 255 Park Avenue, Amherst, OH 44001

How can my company become a sponsor or vendor for Dancing on Main Street?

Please contact the director of Main Street Amherst or call our office at (440) 984-6709 for information about becoming a sponsor or vendor. Sponsors are entitled to many advertising perks and opportunities that make the event even more beneficial for them. Vendor opportunities are limited - please contact us early about vending at this event.

If you have more questions about Dancing on Main Street, just give us a call: (440) 984-6709 Main Street Office.