'Stranger Things' Block Party Set In Downtown Douglasville

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — In honor of "Stranger Things Day" Nov. 6, the Douglasville Convention and Visitors Bureau is transforming downtown into the fictional Hawkins, Indiana for a Stranger Things Block Party.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the town's biggest landmarks and participate in various "Stranger Things" activities. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday and run through 11 p.m.

A primary stop will be at the Palace Arcade, where fans can listen to hits from the 1980s — the time period in which the show is set — and check out cutouts of some of the show's most iconic characters. The former laundromat, located at 6501 Church St., was transformed and used for filming as the arcade in the actual show.

In addition to the arcade, there will be multiple selfie spots and "Stranger Things" landmarks throughout downtown. The classic "Stranger Things" alphabet Christmas lights will be in the Gap Space behind O'Neal Plaza, which will also be turned into the Upside Down; Melvald's General Store will be set up at Advance Auto Parts; Benny's Burgers will be at HRC; the Douglas County Sentinel office will turn into the Hawkins Post; and the city's public services building on Courthouse Square will be remembered as Hawkins Police Station.

But beware of the demogorgon chalk art on O'Neal Plaza.

There's also a cosplay contest for those age 14 and older, and costumes must be handmade, original costumes. Contest contestants must be registered and present by 8 p.m. at the Starcourt Mall, a.k.a. the old police station at 6730 Church St. The audience will judge first, second and third place winners.

"Stranger Things" trivia is open to everyone and will take place at the old police station at 8:30 p.m., the Douglas County Sentinel reported.

Two restaurants on Veterans Memorial Highway will be serving Stranger Things themed food Saturday, according to the Sentinel. The Vine Cafe & Market is serving up Eleven’s Waffle Bar. And Kuumba Coffee is serving Demodogs.

The event will conclude with a screening of "Back to the Future" at 6730 Church St. at 9 p.m. For more information, call the Douglasville Welcome Center at 770-947-5920.