Arts & Festivals: The art of the party

Sometimes a party is more than a party—more than just refreshing drinks and tasty food and hanging out with good friends. Sometimes a party turns into the chance to create and share and delight in something transcendental, meaningful and magically glittering.

That is, at least in part, the idea behind the R Street Block Party. Now in its third year, the outdoor street festival sets itself apart from similar events by marrying sophisticated live art and music. Oh, and it’s also great for little ones with kid-approved activities.

“This is not a super-crazy, out-of-control party because it’s family friendly,” explains Trisha Rhomberg, the event’s co-creator and organizer.

This summer’s festivities, scheduled for June 24, are expected to attract upwards of 3,500 people to one of the city’s burgeoning art corridors, outside of the WAL Public Market.

And the bill looks impressive. There’ll be food trucks from Pizza Supreme Being, Masa Guiseria, Slightly Skewed and Fat Face, and adults can sip on beers from the likes of Fieldwork Brewing Co. and Bike Dog.

The emphasis however, will be on art. Rituals of Mine will perform a DJ set, and there’ll be live music from Doombird, Sunmonks, Salt Wizard and Mondo Deco. Then there’s the Kids’ Zone, curated by Society Church and Verge Center for the Arts, as well as live art curated by Gallery1810 and an epic Makers Mart featuring handmade goods from more than 40 local and regional artisans.

For Rhomberg this artistic bent is key. This isn’t just about providing a place for adventure-hungry people to dine, shop and be entertained; it’s about providing a space for creativity.

“I want to make it an opportunity for makers because that’s where I got my start back in the day,” Rhomberg says. “The overall vibe is about independent artists—about exposing people to new artists, whether that’s visual, music or makers. It’s about what’s new.”

3-8 p.m., Saturday, June 24; Free; 1104 R Street; www.rstreetblockparty.org.