First Light Block Party

First Light Books is throwing a block party this Saturday, September 26, to celebrate three years as a cafe-bookstore in Hyde Park. It's their second annual neighborhood bash, and it runs from noon until 9 PM at 4300 Speedway, right at 43rd and Speedway. The staff describes the shop as a 'third space' for the neighborhood—the kind of spot they call the area's town square, where you're likely to run into friends and acquaintances.

The day is built around a full bill of live music and author readings. The music kicks off at noon with Blowcomotion, followed by WhoDo from 3 to 4 PM, Adam Ostrar from 4 to 5 PM, Jammy Violet from 5 to 6 PM, daphne tunes from 6 to 7 PM, The Mellows from 7 to 8 PM, and Touch Girl Apple Blossom closing things out from 8 to 9 PM. Between the sets, authors Sarah Bird, Maurice Chammah, Jennifer Chang, Pamela Colloff, Casey Gerald, and Mary Helen Specht will be reading.

Beyond the stage, there will be local food vendors and an airbrush t-shirt session. The party also marks the debut of 'First Draft,' a custom lager brewed for the bookstore by St. Elmo Brewing.

It's free to attend, and the music runs straight through from noon to 9 PM, so you can drop in for a single set or hang out for the whole day. First Light Books is at 4300 Speedway in Hyde Park.