ABINGDON’S NEWEST EVENT HEADS BACK TO THE 1980S WITH A RETRO BLOCK PARTY FOR ALL AGES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2018

Contact:  Amanda Leslie Livingston

                Marketing Manager

                Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau

               335 Cummings Street, Abingdon VA 24210

               (276) 492-2282

High res photo: https://abingdon.sharefile.com/d-s7af8419d1354a2db

ABINGDON’S NEWEST EVENT HEADS BACK TO THE 1980S

WITH A RETRO BLOCK PARTY FOR ALL AGES

Abingdon, VA – It’s time to dig out your shoulder pads and acid washed jeans, because Abingdon is celebrating all things 1980s.  The Totally 80s Block Party, presented by Abingdon Music Experience, takes place Saturday September 29^th from 4:00 to 9:00pm. Abingdon will shut down the street for a free block party featuring a costume contest, kids’ games, street fair, pop-up vintage arcade, and a concert by 80s tribute band Rubiks Groove.

There will be dancing in the street – literally. Main Street will be closed to vehicles between Cummings and Wall Streets, creating a true block party experience.

The Totally 80s Block Party kicks off at 4:00pm with free activities for all ages.  Visitors can browse the booths of the street fair, shop at Main Street stores open for extended hours, take a photo in the 80s Photo Booth, and check out a genuine vintage Delorean car (the same model as the one driven by Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future!). 

Flip-Side Retro Arcade will hold a pop-up arcade, featuring vintage arcade games like Ms. Pacman, Galaga and pinball machines. No tokens required; these will be set on free play!

Moonflower Montessori School is hosting the costume contest and kids activities, including free games, crafts and the chance to paint your own Abingdon-themed canvases.

The Totally 80s Costume Contest takes place at 5:00pm, with prizes for best female, male, child and group costume, as well as a special category for best pet costume.  The Costume Contest will take place next to Greeko’s Grill & Café (217 W. Main St.), and participants should arrive at 4:45 to enter the contest. Winners will receive exclusive Virginia is for Lovers merchandise.

At 5:30pm, head to the dance floor for a Thriller flash-mob led by Highlands Ballet and Grace Studio of Dance. The public is invited to join along, and there will be an open dance to refresh your best Michael Jackson moves, to be announced on the event’s Facebook page.

At 6:00pm, Rubiks Groove takes the stage, with a show that pays tribute to the songs – and pop culture icons – of the 1980s. This high energy, character-driven act will take you back to the best era of music in a complete 360-degree interactive experience with live music ranging from rock to rap performed with videos, costumes, and characters.

Attendees can expect extended hours at the following shops: Foxglove Antiques, Zephyr Antiques, Jerroleen’s Shed, Pretty Little Things, 149 Sweets, Candyland and Necessities.  Wolf Hills Brewing and Bone Fire Smokehouse will both offer beer gardens during the event for attendees 21+, IDs required. Food vendors include: Mama Mia’s, Peppermill, Bone Fire Smokehouse, Chef Heathers Food Truck, Chick N Little, Greeko’s, Blue Hills Market, Anthony’s Desserts, 149 Sweets and Candyland.

For more information visit AbingdonMusicExperience.com

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