First Fridays - Downtown Gainesville

This is a monthly event, but I'll likely only host two of them this year as official Meetup events - this one in May and then the one in September. If you'd like to host any of the other dates, just let me know!

2026 Event & Entertainment Dates:

May 1st: Rock Station
June 5th: Rubiks Groove
July 3rd: Fly Betty Band and Special Fireworks Show on the Midland Greenway!
August 7th: Smokey Jones Band
September 4th: R&B, Inc.

First Friday Concerts are rain or shine! The show will go on unless extreme weather conditions—such as lightning or severe, high winds, or a tornado watch—pose a safety risk. Any cancellations or delays will be announced on our social media pages.

Event Timeline:
1pm: Parking Closes around the Square.
3pm: Streets close to thru traffic around the square. Vendor set-up begins.
4pm-6pm: Pre-Show fun begins in the middle of the square!
Vendors open.
Kids activity area is open.
First come first serve seating. Bring your chairs and picnic blankets to mark off an area for your friends and family group!
6pm: Sound Check on Main Stage. Grab a bite and a beverage downtown and get ready for the main show!
7pm: Main Stage concert begins!
10pm: Event ends and clean up begins.

Please note: The event officially ends at 10PM, but I'm scheduling our time together as a group to end by 8:30PM. There is no time obligation - arrive/leave when you'd like!

FREE WATER! Explore Gainesville is excited to be able to provide free water during First Friday Concerts! Bring your own bottle from home or stop by the Explore Gainesville tent for a free bottle (while supplies last) and look for the Explore Gainesville branded Water Monster on the Downtown Square.

Parking:
All Parking Decks are FREE in Gainesville!
Main Street Parking Deck, 301 Main St
Hall County Parking Facility, 225 Green St
North Parking Deck, 100 Brenau Ave NE

Is this event handicap accessible?
Yes, there is handicap parking available in the Main Street Parking Deck, located at 301 Main St, as well as the North Parking Deck, located at 100 Brenau Ave NE.

Can concert-goers bring coolers?
Yes, you are welcome to bring coolers, but please no glass or alcohol. This event is intended to help support downtown businesses. We encourage you to purchase beverages, snacks and meals from one or more of the nearby restaurants or food vendors on site!

Here's the website for more info: https://www.exploregainesville.org/first-friday-concerts/