HAYWARD — The city's popular downtown summer street party season kicks off Thursday. The theme: "Hot Salsa, Cool Cars."

The event, in its 11th year, will run 5:30-8:30 p.m. on B Street, from Foothill Boulevard to City Hall.

"It's an opportunity to come down and meet your Hayward neighbors for free," said Brian Schott, president of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.

About 125 pre-1973 hot rods and classic cars will line Main Street, with music provided by DJ Joe.

The salsa band Lava will play live music at a wine and beer garden between the Bijou restaurant and bar and the Bank of the West branch.

Vendors will be on the street selling food and representing Hayward businesses and agencies.

Schott said as many as 5,000 people show up for the summer street parties.

"The purpose is to bring people to downtown Hayward and see the merchants that are here and support them, and just to have a good time," he said.

Summer street parties also are scheduled for July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 18.

For more information, go to hayward.org.

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