Local restaurants, vendors, musicians, and performers will take over downtown Amherst on Sept. 15 for the fifth annual Celebrate Amherst Block Party.

The event, organized by the Amherst Business Improvement District, will close down N. Pleasant St. between 5 and 9 p.m. from the intersection of Amity and Main St. to Kendrick Park.

The favorable weather predicted for Thursday night may draw as many as 5,000 people to the event, according to Sarah la Cour, executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District.

“It’s sort of a regional attraction at this point,” she said.

La Cour added that the block party will include circus characters, trapeze performers and light displays. There will also be three stages along the half-mile route to host live music and a DJ.

In years past, attendees have showcased their own musical, dance and artistic talents at the block party as well.

“We encourage it to be organic, and that’s always fun,” said la Cour.

The event also presents an opportunity to bring together Amherst families, visitors and college students, according to la Cour. “It’s a fun, safe night,” she said. “And the students are a great part of that. That’s part of the fun, and why it’s such a great community event.”

Hannah Depin can be reached at [email protected].