The arrival of summer is as good a reason as any to celebrate the past. With warm weather in mind, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is hosting a Block Party on Friday, June 17.

Admission is free to all five of the center’s museums from 6-9 p.m.

This is an opportunity for Park County residents to rediscover the local museum. The party, sponsored by Wells Fargo, spills outside the center’s front entrance onto the lawn, with live music, games, activities, a beer and wine bar, and more.

The band Free Spirit SOUL, a nine-piece soul, funk, blues, and reggae band will perform throughout the evening. This is the second appearance of the Billings, Montana-based band, which played at last summer’s block party as well.

Inside the museums, Buffalo Bill Center staff will be available to chat.

Seven food trucks are planning to be on hand with food available for purchase. Participating trucks include 307 Pizza, The Box (ice cream), CRAV (sushi), Lemonade Stand, Wicked Eats, Topp Dawg Concessions, and Bean Baron BBQ.

Leading into the Block Party, Big Horn Radio Network will broadcast live from the center from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Attendees can enter a drawing for a chance to win one of two family memberships. Also during the Block Party, the center will offer new members Family Membership packages for just $100; that’s $25 off the regular family membership rate.

Points West Market, the center’s store, has special deals and savings opportunities during the Block Party as well. Shoppers enjoy a 10% discount on June 17 — center members 20% (some exclusions apply).

Three Native American artists demonstrate and sell their work in a trunk show in front of Points West Market: Crow artist Della BigHair-Stump, owner and creative designer of Designs by Della; Crow artist Rose Williamson, owner and designer of Lady Pompadour Beadwork and Design; and Little Shell Chippewa fashion designer Carrie Moran McCleary, founder and owner of Plains Soul.

For more information on the Block Party, visit centerofthewest.org/event/block-party.