Wilkinsburg CDC to host Two-Way Street Fest

The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation will host an event Saturday to celebrate and promote local businesses.

The third-annual Two-Way Street Fest takes place on Wood Street between Penn and Franklin Avenues.

“It’s a nice day to get out, talk to each other and to have a positive day of fun for the community,” said Tracey Evans, executive director of the WCDC.

Wood Street is expected to soon be converted to a two-way street, Evans said.

The reconfiguration will help to improve access to small businesses along Wood Street and to promote pedestrian traffic, she said.

The event is free and open to the public, starting at 11 a.m. Last year, more than 1,000 people and 100 vendors participated.

This year, Wilkinsburg restaurants, including 9 Cafe and Revival Chili, will be serving up food. Nonprofits Trash to Thrash will set up a miniature skate park and talk to kids about restoring old skateboards, and Protohaven will host hands-on activities to teach kids maker skills.

Live music performances will start at 11:30 a.m. and include the One Harmony Drill Team, magician Jonathan Tai, K-Theatre Dance Project, Barrels to Beethoven Youth Ensemble, DJ Illeso, Live from the City and drum group Timbaleza. There will also be bounce castles and other activities for kids and families.