Greensboro is joining the movement to close down a city street to allow a weekend of outdoor dining. 

Elm Street from Market to Lewis streets will be shut down this Friday and Saturday night. That will create a pedestrian-friendly space for dining and sidewalk sales.

The move is to help the downtown service and retail sectors that have been hard hit by the pandemic.

Downtown Greensboro says ten restaurants and more than a dozen shops are currently on board. Masks are required and social distancing is encouraged.

Winston-Salem hosted a similar event last month that was well attended, and more are planned.

Downtown Winston-Salem says Fourth Street between Trade and Marshall streets will be closed for the next two Saturday nights to again give restaurants a chance to expand their dining areas into the sidewalks and street.