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
May 2026
First Fridays Downtown Youngstown
Community Artist Spotlight: Gabriela Mottino Fernandez
MAY 1, 2026 | 5-8PM
Cinco De Mayo
Phelps Street & West Commerce| Downtown Youngstown
Featuring Live Music Romero Norteño at Twisted Roots
Food Trucks including: La Palma
Kids Fun Zone
Community Art Mural- Supported by Artist: Gabriela Fernandez
Vendors
Pop-up SkatePark with Youngstown SkatePark Association
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Gabriela Mottino Fernadez is a local artist and Columbiana resident. She was introduced to art and tutored by her father, Juan Mottino (also an artist) since she was a preschooler in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Gabriela works in many styles and media. Her most prominent and prolific works are her murals that can be seen trhoughout many schools in teh Placentia-Yorba LInda School District in California, where she lived and worked for thirty plus years.
Gabriela has designed the community mural which will be featured during Cinco de Mayo. This mural will be “Painted-in” by the Community during the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Live Music Inititative
– The Federal – Andy Timko | 5-7pm
– Twisted Roots – Feral Company Band | 4-6pm
Chalk the Walk during First Fridays, June 5th from 5-8PM for more info click the image:
Future First Fridays Schedule
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!