Music in the Streets has been a downtown Washington institution for the past decade, but tonight, organizers are putting a new spin on a familiar event.

While the display of classic cars has been a mainstay of the monthly outdoor music festival on Main Street, tonight anyone with a hotrod, classic car, or unique vehicle is invited to drive in.

“We’ve invited not only the Down East Rods and Classic Cars, but anyone else who’d like to participate,” said Beth Byrd, Washington Harbor District Alliance’s executive director and organizer of the event. “Anyone who has a car that they want to show off is invited to come downtown. There will be people down on Market Street to show them where to park.”

Before 6:30 p.m., when Music in the Streets kicks off with music from six live bands, those driving in can enter the Market Street parking area from either Stewart Parkway or Second Street, Byrd said.

In keeping with the drive-in theme, Music in the Streets attendees are invited to dress up in their favorite duds from the past. Fifties-, ’60s- and ’70s-era wear will earn those in costume gift certificates to downtown eateries.

Byrd said the drive-in theme is just another way to keep Music in the Streets fresh and fun. In addition to the dress-up, drive-in, magician Junius Swain will be wandering the crowds performing feats and illusions for passersby and the owners of Tasteful Creations, a new bakery slated to open on South Market Street will be promoting their coming endeavor with baked goods.

But the real draw for Music in the Streets lovers is, of course, the music. Old favorites and newcomers alike will line Main Street from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. At the intersection of Main Street and Stewart Parkway, New Bern-based The Town Peddlers will be paying classic rock, R & B and funk.

“We’re excited to have them, it’s the first time they’ve come to Music in the Streets and they’re very popular in New Bern,” Byrd said.

Steps down Main Street, the Riverboat Jazz Band — a MITS favorite, according to Byrd, will play in front of The Bank Bar and Bistro. The Bank owners sponsor this group, who will continue to play later in the night, after MITS has officially ended.

At the corner of Respess and Main streets, another band, Sulgrave, will make their MITS debut. The Greenville-based rock and alternative band was recommended to Byrd by fellow music aficionados, largely because of frontwoman Kate Carter’s singing.

“She a very talented young vocalist,” Byrd said. “She was recommended because her voice is really great.”

Next stop on the MITS map is at Union Alley and Main Street, is a duo from MITS alumni Item 9 — Gene & Gina — followed by Men of Faith, a five-man gospel and Christian-music group, near the restaurant Down on Mainstreet.

Capping things off, at Market and Main, T.J. Jones and the Pamlico Sound Machine return to lure visitors to dance with Motown and beach music hits.

“We encourage people do dance if they want to — they did last time,” Byrd laughed.

Byrd said one of the highlights of the event will be a sneak preview of the Turnage Theater/Beaufort County Arts Council MainStage series concert, Rock for Human Rights. Singer/guitarist Will Seabrook and the musician known as Zimbabwe’s Justin Timberlake, Alexio Kawara, will play for MITS visitors in front of the Turnage Theater tonight. The two have sold out venues across the U.S. during their current tour, according to BCAC Executive Director Joey Toler, who added that featuring such renowned acts at the Turnage on Saturday night is an honor.