America 250: First Fridays - Downtown Youngstown August 7, 2026 | 5-8 PM

First Fridays Downtown Youngstown- America 250 Celebration | Friday, August 7, 2026 | 5-8 PM

Downtown Youngstown- N. Phelps Street

First Fridays: America 250 Celebration
 
Friday, August 7, 2026 
First Fridays: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
North Phelps Street, Downtown Youngstown
 
Celebrate America’s 250th with an unforgettable day and evening in Downtown Youngstown! From live music and literary performances to local shopping, food, and community celebrations, there’s something happening all day long.
 
Kick Off the Celebration Early
 
The Feral Cats
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
West Federal Stage
Start your day downtown with a live performance by The Feral Cats before an evening full of entertainment across the city.
 
During First Fridays (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
 
Browse a vibrant marketplace featuring local artists, makers, retailers, food vendors, nonprofits, and community organizations.
 
Enjoy live Motown and Funk from BopMan
5-8PM North Phelps Stage.
 
Experience live literary readings presented by Lit Youngstown
Featuring Sydney Stalnecker and James Desharnais sharing the words of Walt Whitman from 6:00 PM to 6:20 PM.
 
Plus, enjoy even more happening throughout Downtown!
 
OH WOW! | 6-9PM
Over 200 adults take over OH WOW!, eating fabulous food and sipping wine, beer and spirits – all while exploring our exhibits and taking part in experiments and workshops, and enjoying live entertainment!
 
Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony
7:00 PM to 7:30 PM
West Federal Stage
 
Jam-Hi Band
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
West Federal Stage
 
 
Downtown restaurants and bars will be offering specials and entertainment throughout the evening.
 
With so much happening across downtown, it’s the perfect night to stroll the streets, support local businesses, discover talented artists, enjoy live performances, and celebrate our community together.
 
Bring your friends, your family, and your community spirit. We’ll see you at First Fridays!

Kick off the Evening Early

The Feral Cats

W. Federal Stage | 12-1 PM

The Feral Cats are a one-of-a-kind community band formed through The Purple Cat, a nonprofit organization that provides innovative programs and opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Under the direction of musician Jason Murphy, the band showcases the talents of Purple Cat participants, performing an energetic mix of classic rock, pop, funk, and original music at festivals, community events, and venues throughout the Mahoning Valley. More than a band, The Feral Cats embody Purple Cat’s mission of inclusion, creativity, and empowerment, demonstrating how music builds confidence, fosters friendships, and creates meaningful opportunities for performers of all abilities. Their lively performances and infectious enthusiasm have made them a beloved fixture of Youngstown’s arts and entertainment scene.

First Fridays N. Phelps Street | 5-8PM

First Fridays Vendors & Tabling Organizations

Enjoy shopping along N. Phelps Street where you’ll also find our First Fridays Vendors & Tabling Organizations:

  • Beaded Hope Designs
  • Bits N Bobbles – Sindri’s Crafthall
  • Butler Institute of American Art
  • Christina’s Kitchen
  • Community Liberation
  • Oak Hill Collaborative
  • Sweet Society Treats Co
  • Youngstown Playhouse
  • YSU Campus Rec
  • Stay tuned for more!

Bopman – Mixing Motown & Funk

N. Phelps St. Stage | 5-8PM

Born and raised in Youngstown, Bopman is a versatile music producer, songwriter, audio engineer, and DJ with over 20 years of experience in the music. With a deep passion for sound and creativity, he has built a reputation for blending timeless musical influences with a modern edge.

Certified in Audio Engineering through the R.E.C. Workshop in Chillicothe, Bopman brings both technical skill and artistic vision to every project he touches. His sound is rooted heavily in hip-hop culture, especially inspired by the golden era of 90s hip-hop, while also drawing influence from jazz, funk, rock, blues, and soul music.

Known for creating everything from classic boom-bap beats to modern trap, R&B, funk, and pop productions, Bopman’s versatility allows him to work across multiple genres while maintaining a signature, authentic sound. His music combines soulful textures, hard-hitting drums, and innovative production techniques that connect with both old-school listeners and new-generation audiences.

Whether producing records, engineering sessions, or writing songs, Bopman continues to push creative boundaries while representing the sound and spirit of Youngstown.

Featuring Readings by: Walt Whitman with

Lit Youngstown

N. Phelps Stage | 6-6:20 PM

Read by Sydney Stalnecker and James Desharnais

Whitman lived at a time when anger and hatred threatened to break the country in half, and it led him to contemplate the meaning of our great democratic experiment. This reading from Leaves of Grass touches on those themes.

North Phelps Retail

Hootenanny Vintage Guitars

N. Phelps St. | Open 4-8 PM

Hootenanny Vintage Guitars is one of Downtown Youngstown’s most unique independent shops, specializing in restored vintage guitars and stringed instruments with character, history, and exceptional playability. Owned by Youngstown State University biology professor and lifelong musician Tom Diggins, the shop features a carefully curated collection of vintage electric and acoustic guitars, many of which have been personally restored and brought back to life by Diggins himself. Rather than focusing on high-end collector pieces, Hootenanny emphasizes quality instruments that musicians can afford, play, and enjoy. The shop also reflects Diggins’ commitment to downtown Youngstown, serving as both a destination for guitar enthusiasts and a welcoming space that celebrates music, craftsmanship, and the city’s growing arts and cultural scene.

MENDED Apparel

N. Phelps St. | Open till 7 PM

Mended Apparel is a woman-owned boutique and sewing studio located on N. Phelps Street in the heart of Downtown Youngstown. Founded by fashion designer and seamstress Ariel Brockway, the shop specializes in handcrafted, one-of-a-kind garments created from carefully sourced vintage fabrics, patterns, buttons, zippers, and trims. Each piece blends timeless style with modern craftsmanship, giving new life to historic textiles while celebrating sustainable fashion. In addition to its distinctive clothing collection, Mended Apparel is dedicated to preserving the art of sewing through education and creative engagement, making it a unique destination for shoppers, makers, and anyone who appreciates thoughtfully crafted apparel.

 

Blue Heron Treasure Shop & Market

Blue Heron Antiques & Fine Gifts is a thoughtfully curated antique and gift shop located on North Phelps Street in the heart of Downtown Youngstown. Owned by Melanie Clarke-Penella, the shop features an eclectic collection of antiques, vintage collectibles, timeless furniture, fine jewelry, local artwork, and artisan-crafted gifts, with an emphasis on sustainability and giving beautiful, well-made items a second life. Every piece is carefully selected to blend history, craftsmanship, and affordability, creating a welcoming destination for collectors, decorators, and anyone who enjoys discovering unique treasures. Blue Heron also serves as a creative community space, with plans for art gatherings, a coffee shop, and events that further contribute to the vibrant downtown arts scene.

Eats & Drinks

Enjoy a bit and/or drink at our fabulous Downtown Youngstown spots:

  • The Avalon
  • Casa di Canzonetta
  • Cassese’s MVR
  • DOPE 
  • Draught House
  • The Federal
  • Imbibe
  • Looma Cafe
  • The Mocha House
  • Noble Creature
  • Penguin City
  • Ryes Craft Beer & Whiskey
  • The Social
  • Twisted Roots
  • v2 Wine Bar Trattoria
  • The Varsity Club
  • Yonder
  • Yosteria

 

 

 

Restaurant and Bar Specials

Draught House

Drink Specials:

  • $2 PBR Draft
  • $2 Narragansett Draft
  • $4 Cherry Wheat Draft
  • $2.50 Domestic Cans

Imbibe

Drink Specials till 9PM:

  • $2 Well Drinks
  • $2 Domestic Bottles

Ryes

Drink Specials:

  • $2 Well Drinks till 9 PM
  • $2.50 Rolling Rocks All Night

The Social

Drink Specials:

  • $25 Corona Bucket
  • $20 Domestic Bucket
  • $3 Green Tea
  • $5 Mixers
  • $4 Margaritas

Additional Downtown Events

Make OH WOW! On Tap part of your First Fridays adventure!

6-9PM at OH WOW! 

Enjoy an adults-only evening featuring:

  • Three floors of STEM-inspired fun
  • Beer, Wine, Cocktails, & Mocktails
  • Local Bites
  • Live Entertainment
  • Interactive Activities.

 

Tickets can be found here.

Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony

W. Federal Stage | 7-7:30 PM

Honoring Billy Beck & Rick Ward

Jam-Hi Band 

W. Federal Stage | 7:30-8:30 PM

No Funk No Justice

Youngstown Amphitheatre | 7-10PM

Ticket Prices: $5 at the door

  • FREE ADMISSION for anyone with a DORA cup
  • FREE ADMISSION to YSU ID Students
  • FREE ADMISSION to anyone under 21 years old

 

Related Links: