POCATELLO — Local residents can bask under the glow of the upcoming Neon Street Fest set for Saturday on the east side of downtown Pocatello.
Organized by Historic Downtown Pocatello Inc., the Neon Street Fest is set to return to the Gate City for the first time in five years. The last event was held in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, attendees are encouraged to don their best neon attire and bring comfortable lawn chairs to enjoy a full evening of activities and entertainment.
Since the closing of the Center Street Underpass, east side downtown businesses have struggled with a decrease in profits and potential foot traffic. The once active Center Street underpass languishes in an incomplete state, with one pedestrian walkway boarded up and the other littered with trash.
In an effort to bolster not only the businesses but encourage Idaho residents to enjoy everything that east side downtown can offer, the Neon Street Fest will once again illuminate the night and offer locals a chance to enjoy a variety of business specials, music and an evening of luminous fun.
The family friendly affair will have street vendors offering up sweet snacks and treats that include popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and cold drinks. Many nearby businesses will be offering food, drink and shopping specials and area residents will also be permitted to take their alcoholic beverages outside to the street during the event.
Live music will be played from atop the Cue & Brews building by Layne Brown from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by The Opskamatrists from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The 200 block and part of the 300 block of East Center Street will be closed off for the event, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the block party style atmosphere.
“We will have neon giveaways for the kids,” said Stephanie Palagi, president and CEO of Historic Downtown Pocatello Inc. “We're making it a really fun carnival and festival type atmosphere. Bring your lawn chairs. Plan to stay throughout the evening or come down and enjoy a great meal at ChubbyZ'. Get a cold beverage. Lisa Villano will have the kitchen open at The Office and the restaurant is family friendly. Grab a great meal. It’s just really a great time to highlight all the businesses that are on the east side of downtown. There's just a dynamic on our east side that we want to make sure folks come and experience if you haven't been for a while.”
In addition to the dazzling Neon Street Fest there will also be a Welcome Back Bengals Street Fest held from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. The event will follow a similar outline, including business specials, rooftop music provided by Perfect Formation and Rev’d Audio along with Idaho State University giveaways.
The first 50 people in attendance will receive special ISU T-shirts, compliments of Lookout Credit Union and guests of the event are encouraged to show up in their best orange and black ISU attire.
Whether you are looking to enjoy a few refreshing drinks, dress in your favorite glowing neon getups, indulge in some fantastic food or simply spend time with your friends and loved ones, there will be plenty to do this August during downtown Pocatello's street fests.
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