3 Dots’ Pugh Street Shutdown Returns to Engage and Strengthen Community

3 Dots Downtown’s Pugh Street Shutdowns, a series of monthly block parties, returned on Tuesday for a second year, drawing a big crowd to the 100 block of South Pugh Street in State College.

The first Pugh Street Shutdown of the season’s theme was “Secret Planet.” The event showcased Pittsburgh psychedelic folk band Ames Harding & The Mirage and DJ Elbow Knee Knee. Along with the music, the event featured local restaurants and vendors.

Amaris Starseed was one of the vendors at the event with her business The Amaris Starseed Shop.

“It’s been a great event so far,” she said. “I love the vibe that State College has. Everyone here has been very welcoming and I am looking forward to events like this in the future.”

Fernanda Bonafidini was another vendor at the Pugh Street Shutdown with her shop Ataraxia Owl.

“This is the first time I have been a vendor here and so far I have enjoyed it,” Bonafadini said. “It is really nice for everyone to come together in the community.”

Other vendors at the event included Bored Housecat Studio, Claire Connell, HM Art + Design, Off the Record Arts, Jon Vickers-Jones, Rusted Few Trading Co. and Second Season Mittens.

3 Dots Downtown is a nonprofit community cultural center that promotes the arts, local experiences and civic engagement. Erica Quinn, the executive director of 3 Dots Downtown, thought that the event was a great success.

“Tonight was extremely successful because we managed to bring global sounds to small spaces,” she said. “We love to build our relationships with local musicians, artists and businesses to help strengthen our community.”

Quinn said she was inspired to hold the Pugh Street Shutdowns because she wants 3 Dots Downtown to be more accessible to the community.

“These events are really needed in the community,” she said. “Our goal at 3 Dots Downtown is to build belonging and we want to make people excited and engaged to be a part of a vibrant community.”

Corey Elbin, owner of Gorinto Productions, which helps 3 Dots organize the Pugh Street Shutdown, also felt the event was successful.

“The theme of ‘Secret Planet’ managed to bring international sounds and bands to Centre County,” he said. “We are really excited to have it in an outside setting for the community to enjoy.”

3 Dots will host more Pugh Street Shutdowns on the last Tuesday of each month through October with a different theme for each event. The themes will be:

Aug. 29: Evenin’ Hootenanny

Sept. 26: Vintage Vibes

Oct. 31 Spooky Soiree

For more information, visit 3DotsDowntown.com