MARTINEZ, CA – The City of Martinez is launching “Downtown Weekend Nights” starting Friday, May 20 to support and promote a thriving, experience-driven environment in Downtown Martinez.
The program will allow for qualifying businesses to provide live outdoor music, dining and retail to their customers on weekend nights through the allowance of street closures on Main Street and in the surrounding area. Street closures will be in effect every Friday and Saturday night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. or shortly thereafter.
Initially established as a temporary program to help restaurants, bars and retailers bring their operations outdoors when strict indoor COVID-19 restrictions were in place, the program grew in popularity over the last two years as residents and out-of-town visitors flocked to the Downtown to enjoy outdoor dining, retail and entertainment. Taking notice, the City Council decided to make the program permanent giving it a new name – “Downtown Weekend Nights”.
For the most part, residents will not notice much of a change from the program that has existed throughout the pandemic, except for the reopening of streets on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Businesses are required to apply with the City, submit detailed plans for use of the City street, and pay an application fee. Once permitted, businesses will have to renew annually or when there is a need to update their plans. Businesses with outdoor amplified music will be required to end promptly at 9:00 p.m. or face revocation of their permit.
Current businesses participating include Del Cielo, Bar Cava, Barrelista and Roxx on Main Street. Street closures for these businesses will occur on:
- Estudillo Street between Marina Vista Avenue and Escobar Street
- Estudillo Street between Escobar Street and Main Street
- Main Street from Castro Street to Ferry Street
“The City of Martinez had to pivot significantly when the pandemic hit to be able to allow restaurants and businesses to provide their services to the community in a safe way. Due to the hard work and dedication of City staff and the local business community, the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program grew to be a cherished program,” said City Manager Eric Figueroa. “We are looking forward to seeing our community continue to enjoy “Downtown Weekend Nights” in its new, long-term capacity.”
Important Outdoor Dining and Retail Program Reminders:
- By order of the Martinez Police Department:
- Do not park or drive your car in any areas or parking spaces that are blocked off with a barricade(s) or marked with “No Parking” sign(s). MPD WILL BE ISSUING CITATIONS.
- Do not move City barricades or fences in the public right-of-way
- Do not congregate on adjacent private property or in the 17-foot emergency access lane located within each street enclosure
- Do not bring your own chairs or other furniture for use on the sidewalk or in the street
- Do not move the chairs and tables or other items provided by the participating businesses
- Adhere at all times to Federal, State, County and City regulations
