Greektown at Sundown closes Monroe for summer foodie series

Starting this weekend, Monroe Street in Greektown is about to be transformed into a pedestrian-only, walk-able plaza, where visitors can dine al fresco and listen to live music through Labor Day. Billed Greektown at Sundown, this summertime effort is organized by the Greektown Preservation Society and Dan Gilbert's Rock Ventures. Participating restaurants include Greektown staples like Santorini Estiatorio, Pappy’s Grill, Golden Fleece, Krema, Plaka, Astoria Bakery, Pizza Papalis and Red Smoke Barbeque.

Also on the menu: street performers, interactive art installations, and window displays throughout by IKEA, dPOP!, Detroit’s Hellenic (Greek) Museum and a pop-up gallery showcasing award-winning photographer Eric Perry's “Forward” project of the Detroit Slow Roll. The gallery will be open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday at 567 Monroe.

To be expected, traffic will get that much more maddening, as streets will be blocked on Monroe between Beaubien and St. Antoine will be closed from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Sunday, and also on Labor Day.