May 2, 2025
(File Photo) Adilynn Valentine, of New Matamoras, plays goofy golf with the help of Kiwanis Club member Maxwell Fitzgerald at the May First Friday: Welcome to the Carnival event at East Muskingum Park in downtown Marietta in 2021.
As April gives way to May, downtown Marietta is preparing for its monthly First Friday, hosted by Marietta Main Street and sponsored this month by Campus Martius and Ohio River Museum.
The event runs from 5-9 p.m. today and features late shopping, live music, in-store events, dining specials and more.
The First Friday program began in 2017 and has grown to be a monthly ritual for many locals and visitors.
The Armory Lawn will be bustling with activity, and Campus Martius staff will be on hand celebrating the 200-year anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Marietta.
Other groups set up on the lawn include Girl Scouts, Ely Chapman, Discovery World on Market, the MOV’n Dragons, Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Washington State College of Ohio, Gilman United Methodist Church, Washington County Career Center, Living Democracy’s “Journey Along Democracy’s Trail,” the Historic Harmar Bridge Company, and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Artsbridge will have Kids Central and activities for kids to enjoy.
The Betsey Mills Club is featuring a special program during the evening. Alan Hoffman, president of American Friends of Lafayette, is speaking at 5:30 p.m. on “Lafayette’s Post-War Symbolic Role in Franco-America Relations.”
Historical tours of the Betsey Mills will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the public is invited to attend.
On Front Street, Teri Ann’s is hosting Donna Corbin with ADORA, featuring custom handcrafted bags, totes, wallets and more.
Owner Teri Ann Zide is looking forward to the evening.
“First Fridays are such a great opportunity to see new people and experience new things. We are very excited to feature Donna Corbin from Charleston, W.Va., with her ADORA line.”
Dad’s Primitive Workbench is giving a free gift with $75 purchase, and purchases will be entered for a giveaway.
At American Flags and Poles, shoppers can find bargains at their sidewalk sale, running from Thursday through Saturday. At Threadz Boutique, every purchase over $25 will be entered to win a Mother’s Day basket and at Emleigh’s and Mama B’s shoppers will find $5 and $10 tub sales.
Clutch Collective and Wit & Whimzy are co-hosting live music from Gypsy River, playing acoustic tunes from 6-8 p.m. Clutch Collective is also having a giveaway, with no purchase necessary. Some lucky shoppers will find surprise coupons in their bags from Wit & Whimzy. First City Records also has live music, with Poobah performing a rare stripped down show from 6-8 p.m. They will also be accepting donations for the Marietta Main Street flower baskets that beautify downtown, and every donation gets a chance to win a prize. At Marietta Makery, owner Greta is celebrating her birthday with some fun specials.
Restaurants will be joining the fun, including the Lafayette Hotel with dinner and cocktail specials and piano music in the lobby.
At the Townhouse, diners can enjoy delicious burgers and listen to Evie Schaffer performing live. Over the Moon Pub and Pizza is also hosting live music, with Howard Buie performing from 6:30-9:30 p.m. They will be serving up $4 Margaritas and $3 Corona or Modelo beers.
Downtown First Friday events take place the first Friday of every month February through December. Highlights of these events include late shopping, artists and musicians, area organizations and various activities. Each First Friday is a celebration of the local community and an opportunity for locals, tourists and area groups to show their support for our town, have fun and enjoy the beauty of vibrant, historic downtown Marietta.
To learn more about Marietta Main Street, upcoming events, and programs, visit the Marietta Main Street website at: www.mariettamainstreet.org.
Marietta Main Street is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to downtown revitalization using community and economic development and historic preservation strategies.
Featured events and programs include First Fridays, Build Up Marietta building and business improvement grant program, downtown beautification, public art, Main Street West, small business support, Hometown Holidays, and more.
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