The Third Thursday event this week is a “Downtown Open Houses” as a kick-off to the holidays.

Many retail shops downtown will be open late from 5 to 8 p.m., including the gift shop at Constitution Square, and others listed below. Stores will have promotions, discounts, and snacks.

Several shops will have artists present for a mini Gallery Hop.

Plaid Elephant Bookstore will host Jarod Mills with Blackbeard’s Woodshop. He makes wooden toys, and will be leading a woodshop called “Meet the Maker” from 5 to 7 p.m.

Bluegrass & Buttercream is doing a cake decorating workshop at 6:30 p.m. The Art Center of the Bluegrass has a rustic pumpkin painting workshop at 6 p.m. Both require pre-registration.

CentreWorks will be hosting a Cookie Party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for parents to bring their kids aged 5+. Kids will be split into teams to create the best cookie art they can and their art will be judged by three very official college students! From there, various points around CentreWorks will be set up with games, art, and other entertainment to keep your kids occupied while you enjoy downtown during Third Thursday. The winning team will get their photo taken and it will be displayed at CentreWorks as the Crazy Cookie Challenge winners! This event is free for all, though we welcome donations. Allergy friendly treats will be provided! RSVP with the QR code on the graphic or email maddy@centreworks.org