Main Street in downtown Jonesboro will temporarily close on Friday evening as Arkansas State University hosts its 29th annual Paint the Town Red Block Party.
The city announced that the street closure will stretch from Huntington Avenue to Cate Avenue, lasting from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on September 11. Drivers are advised to plan ahead, use alternate routes, and exercise caution in the downtown area.
The block party itself is scheduled to take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy live music starting at 5 p.m., followed by a keynote address from A-State head football coach Butch Jones.
Interim Chancellor Calvin White Jr. highlighted the importance of the event in bringing the community together. “Our businesses, schools, community leaders, alumni, and neighbors come together to celebrate Arkansas State and, most importantly, to remind our students that they are part of a community that supports them and wants them to succeed,” White said.
Held annually, Paint the Town Red marks a week of events leading up to Arkansas State’s first home football game, fostering school pride and engagement. Additional activities will be hosted on campus throughout the week.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend and celebrate alongside the A-State community.