Need to Know: Your Guide to Day on the Town, Green Living Fair

Driving through Birmingham this weekend? Unless you're a shopping or green-living enthusiast, you might want to avoid the intersection of Old Woodward and Maple on Saturday.

Downtown Birmingham streets will be closed for the day for , the annual citywide sidewalk sale, and the , the third annual showcase of green-living products sponsored by . The day promises to be busy: In the past, the events have drawn a combined crowd of 10,000.

Planning on checking out the deals and green products today? Here's what you need to know.

Described as a 12-hour "power sale," Day on the Town invites Birmingham merchants to bring their wares into the streets and sidewalks of downtown Birmingham, selling them at deep discounts all day long.

The day also includes a Kidz Zone, complete with entertainers, face painting and an arts and crafts station, live entertainment on four stages and a Children's Bike Parade. Gearing up for the next month, several classic cars are also scheduled to be on the scene throughout the day.

“Day on the Town is a huge day for retailers in Birmingham,” said John Heiney, executive director for the (PSD). “It’s important for shoppers to support their downtown businesses.”

If you go:

• When: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday
• Where: Old Woodward from Willits to Brown, and Maple from Bates to Peabody
• Road closures: Old Woodward Avenue will be closed to traffic from Willits to Brown, and Maple Road will be closed from Bates to Peabody.
• Parking: Parking in city garages and at meters will be free.
• Entertainment: Featured bands include: Motor City Brass Band, Mark Randisi, Sara Covetta and Company of Strangers. The day will also include performances by several youth groups, including the Axis Music Academy, Village Youth Theatre and Dance City. WWJ-AM 950 will be present throughout the day with giveaways and more.
• For the kids: The Children’s Bike Parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall with a bike-decorating contest, followed by the parade through city streets. The Kidz Zone will be set up at Maple and Old Woodward from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• For more information: Call the PSD at 248-530-1200 or visit the PSD's Facebook photo album Preview! DAY ON THE TOWN 2011 for a look at the deals from various Birmingham retailers.

Looking for some ideas on how to “green up" your life? Let downtown Birmingham and hundreds of area eco-friendly businesses be your guide during the .

The event will feature more than 100 booths exhibiting eco-friendly products for you and your home—from organic foods, to conservation advice to natural cleaning products—as well as free games and activities for children.

If you go:

• When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Where: Old Woodward Avenue between Maple and Brown and Merrill Street between Old Woodward and Pierce
• Road closures: Old Woodward Avenue will be closed to traffic from Willits to Brown. Merrill Street will be closed between Old Woodward and Pierce.
• Parking: Parking in city garages and at meters will be free.
• For the kids: The event includes free activities and games for kids all day long.
• For more information: Contact The Community House at 247-644-5832.