MSVW Block Party is this Friday night

VW independent staff/submitted information

It’s a popular event that draws a large crowd to downtown Van Wert and it’s back this Friday night.

Historic Main Street Van Wert’s annual Block Party is set for 4-10 p.m. The free event promises an evening packed with live entertainment, delicious food, family activities, shopping, and community fun for all ages.

This year’s Block Party features eight local food vendors, a variety of market vendors, a Freedom Cruise Car Show, and live entertainment throughout the evening.

Music lovers won’t want to miss Dave Matthews Tribute Band (DMTB), performing as part of Van Wert Live’s Feel Good Fridays concert series. The nationally recognized tribute band will bring the music of Dave Matthews Band to downtown Van Wert for an unforgettable night of live music. It’s the final installment of the summer concert series.

Families are encouraged to visit the Kids Zone, sponsored by the YMCA, where children can enjoy bounce houses and face painting throughout the evening.

Guests 21 and over can stop by the Beer Tent, sponsored by GreenWay Bank, offering a selection of beverages including Coors Light, Miller Lite, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Garage Beer Lime, and Simply Spiked Lemonades.

Food will be available from a variety of local favorites, including:

• Pull Up & Grill
• Robsagna
• Tom’s Hot Dogs
• What the Taco
• CJ’s Shaved Ice
• Banks & Mia Lemon Shake Ups
• Pork’s Great Lakes Catch & Grill
• Glo & Go

One of the evening’s biggest attractions will be the Duck Race, giving participants a chance to win the $1,000 grand prize. Duck race tickets are $5 for one duck or $20 for a five-duck “Quack Pack.” Tickets may be purchased at the Main Street Van Wert office, 136 E. Main St., or via Venmo, @MSVW136. The Duck Drop will begin at 6:30 p.m. and participants do not need to be present to win.

2026 Historic Main Street Van Wert Block Party sponsors are:

• City of Van Wert
• Van Wert Fire Department
• OhioHealth
• GreenWay Bank
• TekniPlex Consumer Products
• First Federal of Van Wert
• Superior Credit Union
• Danfoss
• Butterfly Meadows Energy 
• GreenWay Bank (beer tent sponsor)
• YMCA of Van Wert County – Kids Zone Sponsor (Bounce Houses & Face Painting)