Two free Thursday-evening block parties are coming back to downtown San Mateo's pedestrian mall in September, with live bands, dancing, food from local restaurants and a kids' play area.

September Nights on B Street, co-organized by the City of San Mateo's Parks and Recreation Department and the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, runs Sept. 10 and Sept. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. on B Street, the city announced on social media Aug. 11. Downtown San Mateo is also listed as a partner and sponsor.

The first night features Pure Ecstasy, a Motown and R&B band, with the full block between First and Third avenues open. The Sept. 17 lineup brings Neon Velvet, a Top 40 act, on a slightly smaller footprint between Second and Third avenues.

Both evenings include beer and wine for purchase on-site, takeout from nearby restaurants and family-friendly activities including a kids' play area. Admission is free.

The city's Aug. 7 eNewsletter described the series as a chance for residents to enjoy live music, food and family activities that bring the block to life. The event is a returning fixture on the downtown calendar, though the city has not specified how many years it has run.

Downtown San Mateo's B Street corridor has seen steady evening programming. B Street & Vine, a restaurant on the pedestrian mall, launched its own free jazz nights earlier this summer, drawing regular crowds on a separate schedule. September Nights is a distinct, city-organized street festival that closes the block to vehicle traffic.

The Chamber of Commerce is also hosting a separate September Arts & Culture Fest on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Baldwin and B Street between First and Third avenues. That gives the downtown corridor three late-summer activations across three weeks. Details for all events are available at cityofsanmateo.org/SeptemberNights.