A throwback to the former Plaza Parties that were forerunners to First Fridays, the stage will be up near the fountains off City Hall Plaza near where the ice rink was set up for Holiday in the City. Bands that performed at the recent IndieCraft event will return – A Band Called Dreamland, the alternative pop/rock group from Columbus, and Cincinnati-based experimental pop/rock band New Moons play at 6 and 7 p.m.
Having programming in several areas proved popular with Holiday in the City in 2021 and this will allow attendees to traverse different areas of downtown during one evening, says John Kelly, downtown events programmer for GSP.
“The idea is centralizing and bringing in people who wouldn’t come down,” he said.
A taste of one of the summer’s most beloved traditions will get a kickoff at 6 p.m. with the Summer Arts Festival Brewery Bash at Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co., 102 W. Columbia St.
Attendees can enjoy five tasting stations featuring Mother Stewart’s beers and food pairings from Parkhurst Catering. Tasting tickets cost $5 each and proceeds benefit the festival; tickets will be sold the night of the event at Mother Stewart’s and no presale.
There will also be a 50/50 raffle and live music from The Probables at 7 p.m. Other live music that night will include Saving Pluto at 8 at Station 1, 325 Fountain Ave.
A first-time event that got rained out in May will make a belated debut during First Friday. The Makers Market, hosted by Sage & Oak and Sip & Dipity Paint Bar, will be from 5-8 in front of the Heritage Center of Clark County, 117. S. Fountain Ave., and feature 10 local artists set up with items for sale.
Various downtown shops will offer new retail items and sales, and restaurants will run specials.
“It’s a great way of engaging with business owners. We’ll have more opening next month,” said Kelcie Webster, visitor center and marketing coordinator for GSP.
For more information on First Friday, go to www.facebook.com/GreaterSpringfieldPartnership/.
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