Market Street Arts & Entertainment District

The Market Street Arts and Entertainment District (MSA&ED) in downtown Mount Airy, North Carolina, serves as a hybrid arts and entertainment & social district, offering a vibrant blend of culture, creativity, and social experiences, making it a hub for cultural enrichment and community interaction.

Social District

Social districts are areas where people can walk with open containers of alcoholic beverages in a contiguous area. A social district may include both indoor and outdoor areas of businesses within the defined district during the days & hours established for the district.

MSA&ED Hours

Sunday – Thursday • 11 AM - 11 PM

Friday & Saturday • 11 AM - Midnight

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Social District?

The North Carolina General Assembly passed Session Law 2021-150 in 2021 allowing cities to create “social districts” where individuals over 21 can buy an alcoholic beverage from ABC permitted establishments (i.e. bars, breweries, restaurants) and consume to-go drinks within a designated common area and within participating businesses.

What is required of ABC permitted businesses in the social district?

An ABC permittee located and selling alcoholic beverages within the social district must meet the following requirements under North Carolina law:

The permittee must:
- only sell and serve alcoholic beverages on its licensed premises.
- only sell alcoholic beverages for consumption in a container that meets all of the following requirements:
  - The container clearly identifies the permittee from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased.
  - The container clearly displays a logo or some other mark that is unique to the social district in which it will be consumed.
  - The container is not comprised of glass.
  - The container displays, in no less than 12-point font, the statement, "Drink Responsibly – Be 21."
  - The container shall not hold more than 16 fluid ounces.

What is required by customers & visitors in the district?

Purchase your beverages ONLY from permitted businesses.
Please enjoy your beverages ONLY within the MSA&ED boundaries (see map).
Be responsible for your behavior. Follow all rules associated with the district.
Do not bring or refill your own cups, only MSA&ED cups can be used in the district (see photo).
Do not bring your own alcohol, or sit in your parked vehicle to drink.

Can I take my drink into another business?

Customers may take their drinks into any ABC permitted establishment on Market Street. For example, you may buy a drink (in a designated outdoor cup, pictured below) at Kate's Cocktail Lounge and take it into Thirsty Souls or White Elephant.

MSA&ED Cups

MSA&ED Boundaries

Upcoming Events

LOCAL ARTISAN MARKET

Mount Airy Downtown, Inc. invites local artisan vendors to be a part of our vibrant Market Street Arts & Entertainment District! The district is a space for local vendors to showcase their talents within our community. Check out our featured vendors for the 2024 season and submit an interest form below if you'd like to join us!

Want to be a Market Street Vendor?

Requirements