STARKVILLE — In anticipation of Mississippi State University”s first home football game of the season this weekend against the University of Memphis, a block party will take place tonight in downtown Starkville.

Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from Washington Street to Jackson Street as vendors, musicians and artists are set to line the usually busy thoroughfare, said the Greater Starkville Development Partnership”s Jennifer Gregory, who helped organize the festivities.

“We hope this event will provide a fun and family-friendly evening for Starkville residents, MSU fans and visiting Memphis fans,” Gregory said Thursday.

Among the event highlights will be a fashion show, put on by all of the boutiques on Main Street, during which Mississippi State Fashion Board models will don “tailgate-wear,” Gregory said.

“Basically, it”s maroon and white-themed clothing that would be perfect for women and child to wear to the ball game,” she explained.

Live music also will be on hand. Local musicians Drew and Jonny, Bill Cooke and Jeff and Jeff are scheduled to perform.

There also will be food tasting, restaurant showcases, cultural dancing, art for sale and a kids village with inflatable jumpers, face painting and more. Mississippi State”s mascot, Bully, also will be on hand.

All activities are free and open to the public. The event begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. Main Street, however, will be closed from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is working with Mississippi State University”s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and the Starkville Multi-Culture Lions Club to put on the event.

The GSDP”s Main Street program coordinator, Robyn Cain, also helped organize the block party. With the success of last year”s Pumpkinpalooza, held on a Friday night before a Mississippi State football game, the GSDP realized local residents, students and visitors were looking for something to do the night before home football games, she said.

“We realized events before home football games are really good and they draw a lot of people, so we”re hoping that our alumni and season ticket holders will come to this event,” Cain said.

The event is the first in the Viva Starkvegas series. Other events in the series include the Bulldog Bash on Sept. 24, the Bulldog Family Frenzy on Oct. 22 and Pumpkinpalooza on Oct. 29.

For more information on the downtown block party or any other Viva Starkvegas events, contact the GSDP at 662-323-3322.