North Bend’s downtown blocks will be the scene of dancing in the streets, mighty men, cute pets and colorful kids when North Bend Downtown Block Party returns this weekend.

The party is 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 17, taking place on two city blocks closed to traffic.

There is no admission charge for the event, which showcases an overflowing itinerary of music, activities and vendor booths of all types.

Just as last year, the block party will feature a Kids Area sponsored by Encompass. The Kids Area will include games, a dunk tank, a build-your-own-car raceway, putt putt golf, a rock climbing wall, an obstacle course, a hoop shoot and a hula hoop contest.

A full slate of local musical talent, scouted by Danny Kolke of Boxley’s, runs throughout the seven-hour event and climaxes with a performance of classic tunes by Shelly and the Curves. The complete schedule can be found at Facebook.com — search for North Bend Downtown Block Party.

The roster of special events promises to be as wild as last year’s schedule. The events include a donut eating contest hosted by George’s Bakery, a cheeseburger-eating contest hosted by Twede’s Cafe (call 425-831-5511 to enter).

There is also the dog fashion show hosted by Pet Place Market, a doggy spa hosted by U Dirty Dog, barbeque demonstrations by Cascade Spa and Stove, an artists’ alley sponsored by Snoqualmie Valley Arts, a strength competition sponsored by Alpine Fitness, a recital performance by Cascade Dance Academy, a teen skater film activity sponsored by the Voice and a “boarder alley” skateboard demonstration.

T-shirts are designed by Brent Cook, owner of Front Row Graphics, and will be available for purchase.

Sponsors of the block party are Cook Real Estate, Down to Earth Photography, Emerald City Smoothie, Encompass, Front Row Graphics, Jolene’s Hair & Skin Care, North Bend Shell, North Bend Theatre, Party Hoppers, Rainier Asphalt & Concrete, Sallal Water, Scott’s Dairy Freeze and Straight Chiropractic.

The block party organizing committee includes Stacey Cepeda of Encompass, Gina Estep of the City of North Bend, Jolene Kelly of Jolene’s Hair & Skin Care and Cindy Walker of Emerald City Smoothie and North Bend Theatre.

For more information, call 425-888-7640.