By Mick Dillon / The Jambar
The Downtown Youngstown Partnership wrapped up another evening of First Fridays Downtown Youngstown on Nov. 1 at The Butler Institute of American Art.
Adam Lee, program director for Youngstown Cityscape, has overseen First Fridays since their inaugural showcase in 2023.
In 2023, the events began as part of a community series held at Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and were designed to bring people downtown for an evening of food and entertainment. This soon gained the tag of “First Fridays” and gradually developed into the event of today.
First Fridays were held downtown on Phelps Street from May to September and a hybrid show in October. The event is hosted at local businesses around the city such as Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers, Cassese’s MVR, The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
Lee emphasized how important it is for local businesses to have an event like this in their backyard.
“Our goal is mostly going to be May through September … for Phelps Street … to help support the bars and restaurants in those spaces … and bring people into the central business district,” Lee said.
The monthly events typically feature an array of live music, food, drinks, art exhibits, shopping, family-friendly activities and more.
The most recent experience at the Butler saw a live performance from local musician Dan Shiller, who specializes in international percussion.
First Fridays also catered international food as well as mask-making activities to follow the international theme.
“We’re looking forward to providing a variety of different experiences,” Lee said.
The food menu included Mexican and Indian street food from Youngstown’s Delhi Cafe, El Hefe and other local cuisine.
Beverages included chai masala from Delhi Cafe and various wine selections supplied by the Butler.
Regarding the future of First Fridays, Lee said he hopes to see more spaces getting involved with hosting the event as well as a heightened involvement from the community as a whole.
“[In the] summertime, I would really love to see Phelps Street full, and be a very vibrant community space,” Lee said.
Lee said he also encourages YSU students to come out and attend the events as well.
“We’re really trying to make it so that there’s a lot of opportunity for not just the broader community, but [for] YSU students … and create space for them that’s more than just going out to a bar,” Lee said.
More information on future First Fridays events can be found on the First Fridays website or on the Downtown Youngstown Partnership Facebook page.