First Fridays, Florence Style
You came for the art walk. You left with a hand-poured candle, three stickers, a sudden craving for fish tacos, and a firm belief that you too could be a jewelry designer. That’s the First Fridays effect! And if you missed the season opener in May? Don’t worry—round two hits downtown Florence on Friday, June 6.
Every first Friday (except July—patriotic conflict, you understand), Downtown Florence turns into a living, breathing showcase of local flavor. We’re talking sidewalk artists, live music, food vendors, and enough foot traffic to make local businesses feel like it’s Black Friday—but with fewer sweatpants and more tie-dye!
Good for Business. Great for People-Watching.
Sure, it’s fun to bop around with a lemonade and people-watch. But behind the banjos and booth browsing, this thing moves money.
- Shops like Billy Reid, Impulse Boutique, and Ye Ole General Store see major boosts in foot traffic and sales.
- Side hustlers and artists get a risk-free way to test the waters—no storefront, no problem!
- The 2025 season comes with expanded vendor zones and a new summer music series, making June’s event one of the best times to jump in.
Everything sold is handmade. The music’s live. And the crowd is peak Florence: retirees debating pottery glaze, toddlers dancing like no one’s watching, and students “just browsing” (until their Venmo says otherwise!). Hours are 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. in June, with road closures at Court Street and its surrounding areas starting at 4:30. So get there early if you’re angling for a parking spot!
Next Up: June 6—Don’t Miss It
After June’s bash, First Fridays pick back up on August 1! Then there’s more fun lined up for September 5, October 3, and November 7. Admission is free, the vibes are excellent, and downtown has never looked better—especially with those new lights on Mobile Plaza!
Looking for more ways to explore? Check out www.guidetoalabama.com/arts-entertainment, www.guidetoalabama.com/food-drink, and www.guidetoalabama.com/shopping for even more events and local gems across Florence—and beyond.