A monthly celebration of art, music, dining and shopping is set to return for the season in downtown State College.
First Friday, organized by the Downtown State College Improvement District, kicks off on April 3. Held each year from April through December, the community-centered event on the first Friday of each month features extended shopping hours, business specials, live entertainment and complimentary refreshments.
“First Friday is all about bringing the community together and showcasing the creativity and vibrancy of downtown State College,” Lee Anne Jeffries, executive director of DSCID, said in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome residents and visitors back for another season of supporting local businesses, enjoying the arts and experiencing everything downtown has to offer.”
April First Friday highlights include
ART & GALLERIES
• The closing reception for “Squeeze Me In” by Beatrice Opokua Atencah from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Woskob Family Gallery, 146 S. Allen St. A conversation with the artist will begin at 6 p.m.
• Reception and exhibit of “Home Is Where the Art Is” celebrating State College Community Land Trust’s 30th anniversary, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 3 Dots Downtown, 137 E. Beaver Ave.
• The art of Ariel Oki will be on display from 5 to 8 p.m. at the DSCID Office, 127 S. Fraser St., as part of the Art Alliance Outreach Program, with light refreshments provided.
SHOPPING & SPECIALS
• Enjoy sweet treats and a 15% First Friday discount from noon to 7 p.m. at WillowBranch Boutique, located in the Calder Way Pop-Up at 236 E. Calder Way.
• Stop by Drip Studios, 148 E. Calder Way, from 4 to 7 p.m. for a 10% discount on jewelry and 20% on piercings.
• Kitchen Kaboodle, 104 W. Beaver Ave., celebrates the new Inis Hair Care Collection with door prizes from 5 to 7 p.m.
• The Nittany Quill, 111 S. Fraser St., welcomes special guest Todd Hawbaker, the owner of and artist for Ink & Timber Pens, from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Town Pride, 240 E. Calder Way, celebrates its first anniversary by offering a $20 gift card with any $50+ purchase. Kids also can stop in for a free Easter gift while supplies last.
• Visit Growing Tree Toys, 202 S. Allen St., from 5 to 8 p.m. and guess how many jellybeans are in the jar for a chance to win a $25 store gift card.
FOOD & DRINK
• The Press Cider & Craft Beverage Taphouse, 113 Hiester Street will offer a 10% discount from 5 to 8 p.m. when you mention “First Friday,” and will have a spring craft for kids.
• Duck Donuts, 125 S. Fraser St. will have a buy one, get one deal from 5 to 8 p.m. for customers who mention “First Friday.”
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
• Tempest Studios, 140 Kelly Alley, hosts “The Great American Broadcast,” a performance blending comedy, drama, mystery and suspense in 1950s radio broadcast, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for pre-show bingo.
• Stop in A’s Pub in McLanahan’s Downtown Market, 116 S. Allen St., for live music by Ham on a Stick, an Angry Orchard tasting and merchandise giveaway.
• The Blue Brick Theatre, hosts a Happy Valley Improv comedy performance at 7 p.m. Get tickets at bluebricktheatre.com and enter “FIRSTFRIDAY” for a 20% discount.
• The State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., welcomes The Machine, performing the music of Pink Floyd, for an 8 p.m. show. Doors open at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance through The State Theatre website.
WORKSHOP
• The Makery, 123 S. Fraser St., will have a free, family-friendly Lego printmaking workshop from 6 to 8 p.m.
Live music outdoors at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on South Fraser Street will start in May.
For lineup updates and more information, visit downtownstatecollege.com/first-friday and follow the Facebook event page.
