August First Friday Guide for the Philadelphia Region

In 1991, a group of Philadelphia galleries in Old City began hosting a collaborative open house evening on the First Friday of every month. The concept quickly grew into one of Philly's most vital, signature cultural events, with other towns adopting and adapting the idea to showcase the makers in their area and the things that make their neighborhoods special. Many also feature locally sourced food and drinks alongside live music and other entertainment. 

There’s a beer garden in Coatesville, fireworks in New Hope, an unusual kind of parade in Oxford, and more in our August First Friday Guide. 

Ambler

First Fridays in Ambler include live musical entertainment and complimentary wine and cheese to enjoy as you browse through original artworks, crafts and merchant promotions, and food specials. The free “Kid’s Zone” offers arts and crafts, games, inflatables, kids performances and more to keep the little ones entertained. 

https://amblermainstreet.org/first-fridays-in-ambler/

Betsy Ross House

Stars & Stripes at the Betsy Ross House includes an after-hours tour and a movie in the courtyard, under the stars. This month’s feature is “The Invisible Boy.” Bring snacks and a bottle of wine or the beverage you choose, and make an evening of it. 

All movies begin at dusk, so start times will vary.  

https://historicphiladelphia.org/events/betsy-ross-house-first-friday-movie-nights/

Cherry Street Pier

    Photo courtesy of Cherry Street Pier. Each First Friday, Cherry Street Pier's artists and studios open their doors and exhibit new works. The Sistah Soul Series, a free, live music event featuring local independent vocal artists from diverse musical genres, provides music. 

During Happy Hour on the Waterfront, you can enjoy discounted food and drink from 4 to 6 p.m..

https://www.cherrystreetpier.com

Chestnut Hill

Every first Friday, the community of Chestnut Hill celebrates Arts & Eats. Art galleries and retailers extend their hours until 8 p.m. and unveil captivating exhibits and unique installations. This event also features informative lectures, art demonstrations, live music, and food/drink specials from local eateries to create an immersive experience. 

https://www.goldenberggroup.com/arts-eats/ 

Coatesville

Presented by Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance, the theme for Downtown Coatesville’s First Friday celebration this month is Carnival. Shops, vendors, and restaurants from First to Third Avenues host special events, offer refreshments and promotions, and sponsor live entertainment. New this year - Animated Brewing Company and Brandywine Valley Active Aging are teaming up to present a pop-up beer garden at Brandywine Valley Active Aging. https://downtowncoatesvillepa.com/first-fridays  

Old City

Old City, the birthplace of the OG First Friday concept, is a renowned arts district housing more than 30 art galleries and home décor showrooms. Designated as one of America’s top Art Places, the neighborhood’s galleries open new exhibits, design showrooms display their new lines, and businesses stay open late with special programs each month. 

https://www.oldcitydistrict.org/first-friday 

    Photo courtesy of Oxford Mainstreet.

Oxford 

The Oxford community brings its rich history of farming and agriculture to the heart of downtown Oxford with its second annual Hometown Harvest for this month’s First Friday. The event will focus on farm-to-table agriculture and farmers' importance to our daily lives. The event also features a tractor parade, which aims to fill Third St. with 100 tractors. https://oxfordmainstreet.com/ 

New Hope    Photo courtesy of Visit New Hope.

Over 10,000 people come to New Hope for the town’s popular Friday Summer Series and Fireworks Display. The charming Bucks County town lights up the night skies with fireworks and offers a monthly night of food, drink, art, and music.

https://www.visitnewhope.com/events/

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Technically, this event takes place every Friday, but the experience makes it worthy of inclusion. During Friday Night Lounge, the Philadelphia Museum of Art keeps galleries, and Great Stair Hall opens late. Enjoy locally sourced spirits and wines, special events, and tours alongside live music provided by Philly’s finest performers.

https://philamuseum.org/calendar/event-series/friday-nights 

Phoenixville    Photo courtesy of Phoenixville First.

The Borough of Phoenixville closes two blocks on Bridge St. to vehicle traffic so guests can enjoy an open-air eating and shopping experience with live musical acts throughout the downtown area. The Phoenixville Pottery Festival also occurs annually at the August First Friday event. The Bridge & Main Parking Lot will be filled with local artisans selling pottery. 

https://www.phoenixvillefirst.org/first-fridays 

West Chester

M&T Bank sponsors West Chester’s Summer Concert Series every First Friday, during which different bands perform at multiple downtown locations. Many retail stores also offer special sales, events, and extended evening hours. This month’s performers will be The Jimmy Mac Band and The Attic Dwellers.

https://www.downtownwestchester.com