Austin’s Biggest Block Party

by: Jessica Schoenfeld

SOCO
Austin-ites beat on homemade instruments on the street corner, while a small pigtailed girl marvels at her Hey Cupcake. Shoppers, young and old, weave through the plethora of vendors on South Congress Street searching for unique treasures. First Thursday offers locals an opportunity to relish in Austin’s electric culture through art, food and music.

First Thursday is a popular monthly event that takes place the first Thursday of every month along South Congress Avenue. Stores along South Congress stay open late and vendors set up tents to display their work.


Art
Vendors such as Plaid Pigeon and Glassy Knoll presented various types of artwork ranging from blown glass, clothes, jewelry and plants.

“I love coming out to see all the cool art, there is always something new to see at First Thursday,” said Andy Boyle who is a student at Texas State University. Boyle enjoys coming to Austin for First Thursday every month and said he cannot wait to move to Austin so he can experience its culture on a day-to-day basis.


Food
First Thursday offers a smorgasbord of dining options. Sit down restaurants, such as Vespaio and food trucks, such as Hey Cupcake, are available to serve everyone’s culinary desires.

“I love coming to First Thursday because if I want a filet I can get a filet and if I want a corndog I can get a corndog,” said Clayton Hoover who is a student Southwestern University. Although Hoover traveled from out of town to experience First Thursday he said he “enjoys every bit of it.”


People
Many vendors that populate First Thursday bring out a variety of people to experience the Austin culture.

“I’ve been coming to First Thursday since I moved to Austin three years ago and my favorite part about it is the people,” said Blair Haralson a graduate from St. Edward’s University. Haralson said that Austin has a “unique culture that can be seen and experienced at First Thursday.”

First Thursday allows individuals to experience Austin’s culture through art, food and music every first Thursday of every month.