Uptown 23rd is set to come alive this Saturday, April 11, as Cruisin’ 23rd takes over the district from 4 to 8 p.m. with a free, family-friendly block party celebrating the Route 66 Centennial. Presented in partnership with the Friends of Uptown Foundation and Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYA L Class XX LAP Group, the event invites the community to gather for an evening of music, shopping and classic Mother Road nostalgia. Cruisin’ 23rd will feature live music from DJ LiTEBRiTE, a classic car show and a wide range of activations throughout the district, all designed to highlight the culture and legacy of Route 66 in Oklahoma City. Dozens of local vendors and makers are expected to participate, including OK Yummy, INTESA LLC – Oropel, Coal Creek Winery, Heavenly Kernels, Renalyn Arts, Trio Craft Co., Jasmine Jones Art, Sky Grace LLC, The Vibe Studio OKC, Our Blood Institute, Theresa Hultberg, Okay Chess Club, Stonecloud Brewing Company, Christy’s Creations – Homemade Bakeshop, Anna Humes and Lauren Mitchell, Clint Stone, Egg and Ca Phe, Cheba Hut, Dime, ThruMyEyez, Ya Dig?, Andretti Indoor Karting Games, Art by Kbee and more. Food options will also be available throughout the event, including personal pizzas served by Pizzeria Gusto. In the lead-up to the event — and continuing during the festivities — visitors can take part in the Cruisin’ 23rd Passport Program. Participants can explore the district, collect stamps from local businesses and return completed cards to the Friends of Uptown tent during the event for a chance to win the Ultimate Uptown Giveaway. A winner will be drawn during the block party. After the event wraps, the celebration will continue with an official afterparty at Yours Truly starting at 10 p.m. Organizers also extended thanks to OU Big Event volunteers for helping prepare the district, along with local businesses that supported and provided meals for volunteers. Cruisin’ 23rd is part of Uptown’s broader Route 66 Centennial programming, with additional events planned throughout the year. Up next is a Route 66-themed Cheer Zone during the OKC Memorial Marathon on April 26, presented in collaboration with the Asian District Cultural Association. For more information, to get involved or to explore sponsorship opportunities, visit uptown23rd.com/route66. The post Cruisin’ 23rd brings Route 66 celebration to Uptown Saturday appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less