August 17 will mark the 4th annual Downtown Block Party. Among festivities like mural painting, booty shaking and creation stations galore, you'll bump into your downtown neighbors, shop local vendors and so much more.

To fuel attendees creativity and community bonding, festival planners have partnered with a few local establishments to arrange for lots of nibbles and libations to be available during the party, not to mention the plethora of foodie establishments within proximity.

Here's just a rundown of some of what you can expect as far as culinary delights during this year's Downtown Block Party.

Justin Mayfield, member of the production team and head of nonprofit and Downtown Block Party partner, Local Life tells me, "At the party we want to make sure each vendor does well while having as diverse and affordable menu as possible." This year's participating establishments include the return of Hilltop Pop Shop who will be serving up their natural icy treats in ‘sicle form that always include sweet, savory and herbal concoctions from as locally sourced as possible ingredients.

Chef Hudson of Maxwell's Speakeasy will be representing with some dressed up classics like a smoked pulled pork sandwich on fresh baked Grand Central Bakery potato buns served up with a green apple slaw that can be used to garnish the sammie or enjoyed on it's lonesome and bourbon bacon baked beans. Sides of all can be purchased separately or enjoyed together for a cool $10. Maxwell's is also one of the several dine-in options within just a block radius and will be open their usual hours with happy hour occurring from 9 p.m. until midnight for late night noshing.

AmeRAWcan Bistro will also be onsite serving vegetarian friendly fare though menu items had not been confirmed when I inquired.

Mayfield adds, "We also want to encourage people to grab food at the nearby restaurants. Within one block in any direction from the party there are such options as Over the Moon Cafe, Stink, Puget Sound Pizza, the new Bee Sharp Coffee House and AmeRAWcan Bistro's actual restaurant." For attendees not hankering to conquer a whole pizza pie, Puget Sound Pizza will be serving pizza by the slice during the party.

If you're feeling thirsty, there will be not one but TWO beer gardens ... of sorts anyways. For those who can partake in the adult beverages there's the usual beer garden while this year Downtown Block Party planners decided to do a little something special for the young ‘uns with a ROOTbeer garden. No adults allowed (unless accompanied by a minor!) Not only will the rootbeer overfloweth from the taps, but kids can look forward to the resurgence and revitalization of Boxton, last years mini village made from boxes is planned to be incorporated into the youth friendly beverage garden.

While the true mission of the Downtown Block Party is to celebrate the neighborhoods diverse character and walkability as well as encouraging the community to connect and engage in creative projects together, part of that is highlighting the flavors of that community. Food and drink have been brining the masses together for eons after all.

Downtown Block Party is held in Opera Alley Aug. 17 between 4-10 p.m. Check out more event details like sponsors, music line-up and more at www.dtowntownneighbors.com.