PHOTO STORY: Niles celebrates return of The NODE

Published 2:35 pm Monday, April 28, 2025

By Max Harden

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NILES — The Niles Outdoor Dining Experience made its long-awaited debut Saturday and community members and business owners alike celebrated all day long.

Niles Main Street DDA hosted a grand opening event Saturday filled with events and live music. The event began with Movement & Mimosas led by Jessica Nelson and refreshing sips from Niles Brewing Company.

Bee Crafty, 103 E. Main St., had e a table set-up for mug decorations and Sport Track Physical Therapy had a new Innovative rehab technology demonstration from noon to 1 p.m.

Games, pop-up fun, music and more will be took place until 10 p.m., featuring local talent from Niles youth before leading to sets from Marc Sucks, Shreddy Tendergrass, Hey Annie, and the headlining act of Abbie Thomas and the Crazy Hearts.

The NODE is the new outdoor gathering space in downtown Niles, built on a former section of 2nd Street. First appearing during the COVID-19 pandemic as a safe space for outdoor gathering, the NODE became a celebrated part of the community, leading to the permanent construction. Features include a fireplace, overhead lighting, tables and chairs for seating and a stage area for performances. Throughout the year, various businesses and organizations will be able to utilize the space for events.

The NODE exists within the boundaries of Niles’ social district, meaning guests can drink to-go alcoholic beverages sold by approved businesses in the space.

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