Looking for plans to kick off your weekend this Friday? Well, you don’t have to look further than Downtown Bryan because it’s First Friday! Although the event has looked different in recent months, the First Friday tradition is still going strong. From 5 – 9 pm, wander through downtown’s quaint shops, purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the Brazos Valley Farmers Market, sit down for a meal or order to-go and then stream the First Friday concert on Facebook featuring Ethan Hanson and Bloem Music.
In April, the event went completely virtual and in May, June and July was a hybrid of in person and online. That trend will continue this month, says Abigail Noel, Marketing Coordinator for the Downtown Bryan Association. “Whatever capacity businesses have been open, customers will be able to walk around,” says Noel. Most businesses will maintain their normal hours, while others will be extending hours specifically for the event. Many restaurants are open for seating at current restriction levels, while some are opting for take out only. You can find a complete list of participating businesses and restaurants on the August First Friday Facebook page. You can also find the livestream concert via this page, which will provide the artists’ Venmo accounts for tips.
The Downtown Bryan Association also reminds you to stay safe and healthy during and after the event. “We are staying in line with capacity state guidelines for capacity,” says Noel. “Of course, masks are required.” If you are planning to go, the association also requests that participants stay six feet apart from people not in your group, both inside shops and outside. They also ask that customers screen their health before attending, adhere to the rules of businesses, as well as sanitize and wash hands after paying or interacting with items and employees.
Throughout the pandemic, the association has ensured that businesses and artists will get exposure through the event. “We have been doing a lot of behind the scenes videos for First Friday businesses, and First Friday artists’ videos,” says Noel. With so many opportunities to visit local businesses, shop at the farmer’s market and listen to local artists, make sure to add First Friday to your weekend plans! This free event is sure to have something to entertain visitors of all ages!
