McCarter Theatre Center to kick off new season at 7th annual block party this Wednesday

The 7th annual McCarter Theatre Center block party is set for this Wednesday, Aug. 23. File photo.

McCarter Theatre Center will celebrate the start of its 2017-2018 season with its 7th annual community-wide block party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Wednesday, Aug. 23. The event is free and open to the public. The rain date is Aug. 24.

The celebration will take place on the front lawn of McCarter’s Matthews Theatre. College Road will be closed-off for the event between Alexander Road and University Place. The event will feature live music from the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra, a band comprised of top high school and college jazz musicians. Other highlights include backstage tours, spin art, a photo booth, a beer garden, and crafts,  and the opportunity to win prizes.

Attendees will also have access to special ticket offers for season programming, including family friendly artists and productions by the Yamato Drummers of Japan, Cirque Éloize, State Ballet Theatre of Russia’sSleeping Beauty and McCarter’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Food and drink can be purchased at the event from local eateries including The Chilly Banana, The Feed Truck, Gil & Bert’s Ice Cream, Jammin’ Crepes, Maddalena’s Cheesecake & Catering, Mediterra Restaurant and Taverna, Mobile Mardi Gras Food Truck, My Four Suns, Nomad Pizza, Oink & Moo BBQ, Surf and Turf Food Truck, Tico’s Eatery/Juice Bar, and Tower Dogs Food Truck.