From TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART
The Toledo Museum of Art will host its annual Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 3 – 8:30 p.m. Block Party transforms the museum’s lawns, courtyards, and terraces into an evening of hands-on creativity and live performance. Guests can expect artmaking stations, roaming performers, food trucks, and a lineup of local and national talent culminating in an 8 p.m. drone show over Monroe Street.
The event is free and open to all.
“Block Party is one of the most joyful days on our calendar,” said Jennifer McCary, chief culture and brand experience officer at the Toledo Museum of Art. “It’s a chance for the whole community to experience the museum not just as a place to view art, but as a place to create, celebrate, and connect with their neighbors.”
Performance highlights
The day’s schedule will feature:
- 3:30 p.m. – Sun Ra Arkestra, Moon Mirror
- 4:45 p.m. – El Corazón de México Ballet Folklórico, Monroe Street Terrace
- 5:20 p.m. – “Key to the Museum” presentation, Monroe Street Terrace
- 5:45 p.m. – DJ Stevie Chanel, Monroe Street Terrace
- 7 p.m. – The Amelia Airhearts, Monroe Street Terrace
- 8 p.m. – Art in the Sky drone show, Monroe Street Terrace
Additional entertainment includes roaming performances by Bird’s Eye View Circus, a collaborative painting project led by artist Dean Davis, and appearances by Ellie the Baby Dragon.
Hands-on art and family activities
From 3 – 7:30 p.m., TMA’s Bowe Family Center and Outreach teams will lead artmaking activities on the Glass Pavilion Lawn, with a sensory-friendly area available in Krebs Courtyard from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. Visitors can also explore the museum’s docent-led Touch Cart, browse the TMA store and Sandra Findlay Collector’s Corner, and view current exhibitions including TMA Forever and Hannah Bowlus: Origin Point.
Community partners
Block Party will feature tables from local organizations making an impact across the region, including Team Recovery, Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Ready to Read program, Mercy Health, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, Live Arts Toledo, BESN X Community, Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, and Jeep.
Taste the block
A curated lineup of local food trucks will line the campus throughout the event, including BD’s Lemonade King, Bean Crazy, a beer truck, City Soda, Deets BBQ, Falafel King, Fat Boyz, Frankly Plant Based Kitchen, Jamaican Spice, Los Pollo Loco, Stacks Chicken, and Snowy Station Shaved Ice.
The TMA’s 2026 Block Party was funded by a grant from the Arts & Culture Fund of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.
The 2026 drone light show is presented by Mr. & Mrs. BatSoupYum.
