The Old City is hosting its first annual Halloween block party today. 

Most of the action will be happening on the corner of Central and Jackson Avenues.  The block party is an adult event, but don't worry, those with families in tow will find plenty of appropriate activities in nearby Market Square.  For those who can attend, the Old City block party will offer a great deal of entertainment.

The gates will open at 6 p.m. on Friday, and live music will start at 7 p.m.  Performers include Roman Reese, The Highscore, and Brendon James Wright and The Wrongs.

Drinks, provided by Cherokee Distributing, will be available to those of age.  All party-goers 21 and up will be able to get wristbands to facilitate inebriation if they bring a valid I.D.

The highlight of the evening should be the costume awards, which will be given out at 10 p.m.  The prize for best costume is $1,000.

The Halloween block party is part of a larger effort to get more people into the Old City.

"It's going to be good," said Tim Daniel, a board member and local business owner, as he distributed posters around the district.

The Old City has seen a lot of growth recently, with popular new businesses opening their doors, like The Crown & Goose, The Knoxville Pearl, and Woodward Books.

Some businesses will stay open late the night of the big party, hoping that some Old City newcomers will be charmed.

There has also been residential development in the Old City lately, with many warehouses and former businesses being converted into urban lofts.

The block party is one of many activities the Old City will be sponsoring in the future, but it is one of their biggest events so far.