​Third Thursdays in Historic Downtown Summerville

Nominated by Summerville D.R.E.A.M.

Every third Thursday, downtown Summerville throws itself a party. Shops and restaurants stay open late and offer Third Thursday special events. Arts and crafts vendors set up in the pedestrian mall for the Art Walk, and the Town Square hosts special events, including musical entertainment.

Summerville D.R.E.A.M. began hosting Third Thursday three years ago; however, the event has really taken off in the last 18 months. Many businesses report that Third Thursday is their biggest revenue day, with one business saying it tripled its sales from the previous year.

Planning the monthly event is the responsibility of Summerville D.R.E.A.M's retail committee members, who work constantly to find fresh and fun activities to attract people with different interests. Their work is paying off, and downtown Summerville is receiving positive attention. Readers of the Summerville Journal Scene recently chose Third Thursday as the Best Free Entertainment Venue in Summerville in the paper's Reader's Choice Poll.

Third Thursday is a street festival atmosphere that continues to get bigger and better. It is an excellent example of the business community working with community groups to create something special once a month in the downtown area. Through the event, Summerville D.R.E.A.M. has introduced many Summerville residents, neighbors and tourists to the downtown historic area. School and community groups have a place to gain exposure and demonstrate their talents. Businesses have a chance to reach out to new people who were not previously aware of them.