87 / Summer festivals are a gateway to urbanism.

This week, we discuss the potency of urbanism's gateway drug: summer festivals. Culturally, Americans love to frequent farmer's markets, watch fireworks, and attend live arts shows in the park. We often don't realize that these are all functions of a walkable environment (even if often temporary).

Vendor tents are proxies for small shops, food trucks could be permanent neighborhood eateries, and running into friends could be a norm rather than a novelty.

Instead of closing a parking lot or street for one night only, what if we planned our cities to facilitate and prioritize community all year long?

Also: On nostalgia, Pokémon Go, and the Oregon Shakesphere Festival.

Timeline:

00:00 Aly's back.

01:06 Summer festivities and temporary walkability.

02:05 Nostalgia and summertime memories.

02:47 Pokemon Go and gamified outdoor activities.

07:49 Urbanism and community events.

12:18 Navigating festivals and parking challenges.

22:45 Festival fatigue and urban living.

27:07 Our upcoming trip to Ashland, Oregon.

30:03 Wrapping up.