Xenia First Fridays Turns Ten!

In 2009 a group of awesome downtown merchants started First Fridays in hopes to get people to notice our unique and amazing downtown and the great things it has to offer. Shops stayed open later and gave us a chance to experience the charm of our forgotten downtown. Now in our 10th season, First Fridays has grown into a celebration of what has remained Xenia's core for almost 215 years. First Fridays invites people to come and experience downtown Xenia in hopes to promote continued growth and bring some enjoyment to our fine city... COME JOIN THE FUN!

Xenia First Fridays street festival is here once again May 3rd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This month’s event will feature over 60 one-of-a-kind arts and crafts vendors, delectable eats, and unique entertainment to bring the diverse Xenia community together in a way only First Fridays can.

"The First Fridays Committee has been extremely busy in the off-season marketing, fundraising and making great plans for this year! We are super excited to bring new entertainment, activities, food and street vendors to downtown Xenia." says Heidi Hilderbrandt, event co-coordinator. "Even more exciting are the new businesses that downtown has to offer. We invite you to join us downtown to see what our city and First Fridays has planned!"

Downtown street closures will include N. Detroit St. from Main St to Church St. and S. Detroit St. from Main St. to Third St. as well as Second St. from King St. to Collier St., making room for the Cruise-In, bouncy houses, farm animal petting zoo, musical acts, community groups and performers of all sorts. We are pleased to include the Ninja Turtles from Ohio Turtle Fan as part of the May attractions, the Carnival located at the Montgomery Insurance and Investments parking lot. Jugglers JJ Pethtel and Up Down Go will be strolling the event. The courthouse stage will come alive through the entire evening with music provided by The Hathaways. Bible Missionary Baptist Jazz Band will have a special performance at 6:30pm on S. Detroit St. Returning this year will be the Batmobile, Lucky the Clown, Magician Dave Davis, Caricaturist Dennis Porter, Xenia Bouncy Castle and Party Rental inflatables, Greene County Library Bookmobile, Kra Z Paint Face Painting, Cool Critters, Christstrength Gym Strongman Competition, and the Amazing Giants stiltwalkers. Event goers have a variety of eats to choose from at the Second & S Detroit St Food Court: Thai 1 On, Cork n Bottle Concessions, Suge’s Smokehouse Barbecue, Bette- Juanita Concessions, Sugar Shack, Marshall Kettle Corn, Gibbs Ole-Tyme Hamburgers, Lilia’s Outside Café, and AHOP Burgers located at the Cruise-In.

Eat local at our downtown food locations: One Bistro is offering Grab n Go options such as burgers, pizza, cold deli sandwiches, icecream sundaes and more. Coffee Hub will have free samples and Open Mic. Visit Courthouse Coffee for coffee, drinks, smoothies, chocolates, bulk foods and entertainment. Visit Sweets Boutique for their delicious baked goods, boxed meals, and barbecue rib specials. Additional food locations include Flour Bake Shop, Tables of Contents, Buck n Ear and Acapulco Mexican Food.

Many of the downtown businesses will be holding specials during the event. Shop and support local while enjoying the downtown night of fun. Bullskin Trace Antiques is offering 10% off on Friday. Route 68 Vintage Toys and Collectibles is hosting comic artist Adam Fields. He will be showcasing his art and comics including a print designed exclusive for their shop. Visit The Flower Stop for the First Fridays Silent Auction and bid on some of the great items available this month and support First Fridays! Our Family Soaps is offering a 10% discount. Explore downtown and visit Rusty NChippy’s Vintage Boutique, Gypsy-Alley Boutique, Ralph’s Antiques, Xenia Shoe & Leather, Xenia Smoke Shop, Triple J’s Comics & Collectibles and other great businesses. Adventure out!

We also would like to thank our event partners, Montgomery Insurance and Investments, The Flower Stop, Xenia Glass & Lock, Greene Memorial Hospital, Xenia Shoe & Leather, Dean’s Plumbing, Dodds Memorials, One Bistro, Nick’s Restaurant, Devil Wind Brewing and City of Xenia.

Those interested in attending, volunteering, performing, vending, or sponsoring a future event are welcome to visit www.xeniafirstfridays.com website to learn more about the event. Upcoming Xenia First Fridays events are set to be held on each first Friday through July 2019. Events run from 5:00-9:00 p.m. All donated funds are tax-deductible.