Thursday evening in downtown Hayward was buzzing with live music performances, classic cars, and pony rides for the youngsters.

The last of the summer Hayward Street Party series was held Aug. 21. The shorter days had no effect on attendance, however. The party took place on B Street between City Hall on Watkins Street and Foothill Boulevard.

The performances were varied, ranging from rockabilly to salsa with five stages for music. A mariachi group performed unplanned on the street. The music is just one reminder that, according to Kim Huggett, president of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce, Hayward is one of the most diverse cities.

Restaurants alongside the party were bustling, with guests seated inside, as well as on the patio to enjoy the festivities. Pop-up tents also offered tasty treats for passersby to enjoy.

The classic car show had nearly 150 cars present to be judged as well as attendees to enjoy.

Local organizations were also in attendance for residents to talk to was buzzing and gather information. Hayward Neighborhood Alert, a local business focused on making Hayward a safer place, hosted a booth next to the Hayward Police Department booth, with whom they are partnered, according to Mary Keene.

The Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Improvement District have been planning events in Hayward for 18 years, in an attempt to not only facilitate community involvement, but also to be “more of a university town,” said Huggett.

It is events like this, Huggett explained, that is helping Hayward become a true college town. Combined with the help of the university shuttle that now goes to the heart of downtown, students can not only enjoy downtown in terms of consumerism, but also have more options for employment. The schedule allows for later nights and earlier mornings, running from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.

And while this is the last summer event, more events are in the works for both residents and students to enjoy in the coming months. The annual tree lighting event, “Light up the Season,” at City Hall will be held Dec. 4.

“Just as Hayward is the heart of the Bay, downtown is the heart of the town,” Huggett says.