The Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s 2013 Top of the Park program recently came to a close, but those suffering from withdrawal—in terms of enjoying free live music (as well as available-for-purchase food and beverages) in Ingalls Mall—may take comfort in the 9th annual Townie Street Party, happening Monday, July 15 from 5-9:30 p.m.

Intended as a pre-Ann Arbor Art Fair community gathering, the Townie Street Party also raises money for the educational and community outreach programs of Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original. (The Terrace, a tent with a private bar, complimentary refreshments and premium seating, is open to those who donate $50 to become a Townie Friend of the Fair.)

But it also offers locals the chance to see what the area’s youngest artists (grades 3-8) are cooking up, by way of the Kids’ Art Fair.

“We have a limited amount of space, but siblings are allowed to share tables,” said Street Art Fair director Maureen Riley, who noted that the juried work of 93 young artists will be exhibited at 72 tables this year. “ … The hope is that the experience develops Art Fair artists for the future. … Children who are good at sports have so many avenues outside of the school system to practice and play. Kids in the arts just don’t have that same level of extra curricular participation and opportunities.”

Attendees of all ages, meanwhile, will have the chance to make something (courtesy of various local organizations) at the Townie Street Party’s Art Activity Zone.

“The Humane Society comes out, and families can tie dye their own bandana for their puppy or kitty, and the kids really enjoy doing that,” said Riley. “People will have the chance to make their own bubble wands. … And the Leslie Science and Nature Center will be bringing an owl, and the kids will get to create a mask. … And people always making a tile, through Motawi Tileworks.”

This year’s music lineup kicks off with folk duo Seth & May (also known individually as Seth Barnard and May Erlewine) on stage at 5:30 p.m.; roots music local favorite Dragon Wagon at 6:45 p.m.; and jazz/fusion/jam band The Macpodz will anchor the evening, starting their set at 8:05 p.m.

“(The lineup’s) eclectic,” said Riley. “They are acts that go from folk and bluegrass to jam band this year. But at the same time, they’re not so radically different that if you enjoy one, you won’t enjoy the other.”

Two Wheel Tango “has donated a spiffy bike that will be raffled off,” Riley said; and all downtown parking structures will be open, charging the usual rates, and attendees—take note, locals—may, on this day only, park on the street at bagged meters.

“Everything that makes up the Townie Party is there by popular demand,” said Riley. “ … And one thing about the Townie Party is that everything is covered. Even if there’s a bit of inclement weather, it doesn’t shut us down. … We happen, rain or shine. It would take a big storm to close us down.”

Jenn McKee is an entertainment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.