A map of vendor spots for the first Why Not Wednesday event. Image via Downtown Fresno Partnership

Fresno’s Why Not Wednesday vendor street fair launches this week, restoring more food options for Downtown Fresno.

Visitors to the event can expect a similar atmosphere to ArtHop events, with food vendors, pop-ups, food trucks and local businesses all participating in the family-friendly, free event, according to a news release from the Downtown Fresno Partnership.

Why Not Wednesday was born after the city canceled the street fair portion of the monthly ArtHop event that takes place the first Thursday of every month. The separation of vendors and indoor art gallery exhibitions happened in August. City officials originally cited heat as the reason, then said it was police staffing issues that led to the change, with more officers available on Wednesdays.

Originally, ArtHop did not require vendors to register with the city in order to sell goods. Vendors at Why Not Wednesday are required to apply monthly to participate.

More than 150 vendor spaces are available each month for a mix of food trucks and vendor pop-up booths.

The first Why Not Wednesday will feature a variety of vendors including Meltdown Bistro, Aguas La Rancheritas, Where’s the Food, Sad Babes Club and more.

For more information, and to apply as a vendor, visit the Downtown Fresno Partnership website.

Why Not Wednesday will take place the third Wednesday of the month starting this Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m.