The Downtown Weekender: Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6, 2026

DOWNTOWN MARION — Downtown Marion kicks off September with live blues, storytime, a legendary donut challenge, a family movie sing-along, painting, karaoke and a laid-back Sunday on the patios. Here's what's happening downtown from Friday, September 4, through Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Friday, September 4

7:00 PM – Live Blues with 270 Famous – Shovel City Drinkery – 181 N. Main St., Marion – 270 Famous brings live blues to Shovel City from 7 to 10 p.m. The Greek Village Gyro Truck will be serving outside from 5 to 9 p.m. Free.

Saturday, September 5

9:30 AM – Saturday Storytime with Miss Amanda – Mimi’s Art Hollow – 287 W. Center St., Marion – Mimi’s Art Hollow hosts Saturday Storytime with Miss Amanda from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a craft to follow. Free.

10:00 AM – BRUNCH, PLEASE! A Mimosa-Fueled Throwback Sing-Along – SOLD OUT -- Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen – 320 W. Center St., Marion – The sing-along brunch returns with mimosas, food, throwback songs and a room full of voices belting out the songs people know by heart.

1:00 PM – Backwards Donut Walk – This-n-That Comics and Collectables – 218 N. Main St., Marion – The legendary Marion donut challenge gets put to the test from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will find out whether the story about walking backward while eating a donut is true. Bring friends, bring donuts and take on the challenge. Sponsored by Andrew’s Pastries.

2:00 PM – Sing 2 Sing-a-Long – Marion Palace Theatre – 276 W. Center St., Marion – The Marion Palace Theatre hosts a family-friendly screening of Sing 2. Follow Buster Moon and his friends as they set out to convince reclusive rock star Clay Calloway to join their newest show. Tickets are available at the door beginning at 1:15 PM, and concessions including popcorn, candy, soda and water will be available for purchase. Cost is $3 for Palace members, $5 for non-members and free for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

6:00 PM – Ladies’ Paint & Sip – MaxAiir Inflatapark – 190 W. Center St., Marion – MaxAiir Inflatapark hosts its first Paint & Sip event from 6 to 8 p.m. The $20 cover includes painting supplies and snacks, and the event is pre-pay only, with 32 spots available. Venmo: @stephanie-thacker-11or

Cash App: $sthacker2007. Guests may bring their own drinks. Different painting backgrounds will be available at the event. Country Roads Permanent Jewelry will also be on-site from 5 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m. Kids are welcome to jump for an additional $10 cash or $12 by card. MaxAiir socks are required and are not included in the event fee.

8:00 PM – Karaoke Night – Fable Bar & Co. – 119 W. Huber St., Marion – Karaoke returns to Fable Bar & Co. on the first Saturday of the month from 8 to 11 p.m. Sing a duet, join friends for a group number or take the mic solo. Performers will receive a complimentary seasonal shot of “Liquid Courage,” sponsored by owners Lily and Sophie. Entry is free.

Sunday, September 6

No events are listed on the downtown calendar this Sunday, which makes it a good day to make your own plans. Grab brunch, find a patio, order something cold and stretch out the last part of patio season in downtown Marion.