First Fridays Downtown Youngstown takes place every first Friday of the month in and around Downtown Youngstown at various locations. During First Fridays, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy live music, shopping, local dining, entertainment, arts, activities, recreation, and more.
Follow DOWNTOWN YOUNGSTOWN PARTNERSHIP on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date event information.
Upcoming First Friday – Downtown Youngstown Events
March 6, 2026 | 5-8PM
The Arts at SMARTS
Where: SMARTS, 25 East Boardman Street, First Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503
When: March 6 | 5–8 PM
Cost: FREE & open to ALL ages!
Get ready for a night full of creativity and community spirit! Join us for The Arts at SMARTS, part of First Fridays Youngstown, on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 5–8 PM!
SMARTS will have hands-on arts activities for children of all ages in visual art, music, dance, theater, and creative writing, with a focus on family-oriented creations.
Featuring Live Music with Larry Elefante!
Larry Elefante is a Family Band. They reside inside a blend of OG Country, Back Porch grooves and Rock ‘n’ Roll tunes.
For more info visit:
www.firstfridaysyoungstown.org
Live Music Initiative
Live Music Initiative – March Downtown Programming
The Live Music Initiative is funded by The Youngstown Foundation and driven by implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan. Facilitated by the Economic Action Group and supported by Youngstown Cityscape, Downtown Youngstown Partnership, and the Regional Chamber, the initiative supports four months of live music across downtown venues (February–May 2026).
March Participating Venues
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The Avalon
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The Draught House (Cancelled for March- stay tuned for April)
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Penguin City
- Twisted Roots
Contact participating venues for live music details.
April 2026
First Fridays Downtown Youngstown
April 3, 2026 | 5-7:30PM- Adults Only
Let's Glow! A Neon Night at OH WOW!
OH WOW! 15 Central Square, Youngstown, OH 44503
Featuring Live Music with Glow Karaoke
Cost: FREE & open to Adults 18 and over!Future First Fridays Schedule
April 3, 2026: OH WOW! Neon Light
Concept: An adult-focused event blending science, light, and technology. Highlights include music, activities, and technology!
May 1, 2026:
Theme: Cinco de Mayo
Concept: Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in collaboration with THRIVE & The City of Youngstown along N. Phelps Street.
June 5, 2026: Sounds of Summer & Chalk the Walk
Theme: Sounds of Summer & Chalk the Walk
Concept: A downtown-wide chalk and music celebration with live music, linking local venues. Features a Chalk the Walk Contest.
July 3, 2026:
Theme: Celebrating America 250
Concept: A celebration of America 250.
August 2026: OFF for Greater Italian Fest
September 4, 2026:
Theme: Welcome Back, Youngstown!
Concept: A partnership event with local restaurants and businesses to welcome new and returning students.
October 9, 2026:
Theme: Fall Festival
Concept: A harvest celebration featuring autumn crafts, seasonal food vendors, and themed art activities.
Youngstown CityScape’s mission is to strengthen Youngstown’s revitalized urban core that connects downtown, the YSU campus and adjacent neighborhoods and gateways through strategic partnerships.
The Downtown Youngstown Partnership (DYP) is a component of Youngstown CityScape. This stakeholder group promotes and supports downtown businesses, hosts events and encourages area-wide involvement of fun, community building activities. DYP rotates its quarterly meetings from member to member, sharing news, exploring projects, and creating events downtown like our upcoming First Fridays. In conjunction with the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, DYP helps organize “Happy Birthday Youngstown!” an annual party celebrating the city and offering walking tours. The group also conducts service projects downtown, planting bulbs, removing graffiti, and cleaning sidewalks. We hope you’ll consider joining DYP as we bring more live music, fun, food, and exciting events downtown!