Cap'n Seabeard was among the local musicians who performed as part of this summer's inaugural Music On Main series.

Music On Main is bringing more flair to downtown Menomonie this summer. The newly-launched live music series is connecting downtown businesses and local artists to offer the community another reason to get out and about on Friday nights.

While Menomonie is certainly no stranger to regular live music – including the weekly Ludington Guard Band performances on Tuesdays and the Music Over Menomin series at the public library on Thursdays – local nonprofit Downtown Menomonie wanted to create a new summertime series to draw folks out going into the weekend.

With downtown area businesses putting on their music venue hats for Music On Main, folks can hit several live shows and get in on sidewalk sales and activities throughout each event date. On Friday, July 12, folks were welcomed to The Spirit Room at The Mabel Tainter, Zymurgy Brewing Co., Raw Deal, and the Silver Dollar for live music from local artists Cap’n Seabeard, Mythical Strings, and others, while 10 businesses held special sales and activities.

Businesses are getting creative with their Music On Main entertainment and sales too, including event-exclusive discounts, sidewalk sales, and features such as food trucks and live window models. 

“Our big goal over time is for (Music On Main) to be an indoor and outdoor event, and potentially shut down Main Street for it,” said Becca Schoenborn, Downtown Menomonie executive director. “For now, we’re starting by closing side streets, and for the August date, we’re hoping to have more activities and an outdoor stage somewhere downtown.”

The final date of the series’ inaugural season, Friday, Aug. 9, will run from about 4-8pm throughout the downtown area. Keep up with Downtown Menomonie to see what activities and artists will be featured in August.

Learn more on Downtown Menomonie’s website and Facebook.