It’s back! Youngstown’s annual birthday party, the Thrive, returns this March for an evening of family-friendly arts activities, games, and entertainment at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in West Seattle. This year, the celebrated, dynamic arts hub is ringing in its 9th year of fostering arts and cultural activities for West Seattle and the city at large. Thrive 9 is a community-fueled night of fun and frivolity that encourages neighbors and friends of the center to come dance, play

The party features the energetic musical stylings of Eduardo Mendonça, award-winning Brazilian singer, composer, and Show Brazil band leader; and Eli Rosenblatt, bringing kid-friendly, multilingual songs in swing, reggae, salsa and samba styles. Also performing is the Dogg Pound Dance Crew, a youthful breakdance group who found their beginnings at Youngstown. Seattle Balloon Arts is back again this year, twisting custom balloons to amaze and astound.

Thrive 9 welcomes families and adults alike, and will feature a lounge area for the 21+ crowd who want a beverage and snack while the kids enjoy making art with Youngstown staff and volunteers as they bounce to the beat of the musical offerings. Guests will enjoy refreshments provided by community partners including Chaco Canyon, Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta, Metropolitan Market, Hilliard’s beer,

Proceeds from the event will benefit critical youth arts programming and facility needs at Youngstown. Tickets can be purchased by visiting brownpapertickets.com/event/1238982. More information: 206-935-2999 or office@youngstownarts.org.