With the school year wrapping up and summer settling in, downtown Marietta is ready to welcome the community back for June’s First Friday celebration.
Hosted by Marietta Main Street, this month’s event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 6, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, shopping deals, and local food and drinks.
First Fridays began in 2017 and have since become a local favorite, drawing residents and visitors alike for an evening of small-town charm and fun.
Family Fun on the Armory Lawn
Kids Central, organized by Artsbridge, will keep the young ones entertained with a range of activities. Free popsicles and $5 “My Pet” walking balloons from Luxe Parties and Picnics LLC will add to the fun.
Local groups like Discovery World, Ely Chapman, Play Time Party Rentals, and more will also be set up on the lawn. Educational and community organizations including Washington State College of Ohio, the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Master Gardeners, and Thermo Fisher will have booths as well.
Free Live Music Downtown
Live music takes center stage with a free outdoor concert on Putnam Street hosted by Peoples Bank Theatre. The featured act is The Greens, a rock trio from West Virginia known for their signature “neo-classic” sound.
No tickets are needed—just bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show in this DORA-friendly (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) space.
Shop and Support Local
Front Street merchants will be offering late hours and plenty of deals:
- American Flags and Poles will have BOGO 50% off all solar metal items.
- Dad’s Primitive Workbench celebrates its 13th anniversary with scratch-off prize tickets for every purchase.
- Teri Ann’s will showcase young entrepreneurs from Medley Macarons and HLA Bracelets.
- MOVE Staffing invites job seekers to drop in and explore employment opportunities.
- Schafer Leather and Green Acres of Marietta will also stay open late for the evening crowd.
Pop-Ups, Vinyl Drops, and Clearance Galore
Other can’t-miss stops include:
- First City Records, which is hosting a vinyl release party with indie rock band Appalachian Hustle.
- Threadz Boutique, where BP Jewels by Stephanie Middleton will offer mystery jewelry reveals.
- Emleigh’s and Mama B’s, holding a large consignment sale and a $20 clearance rack.
- Wit and Whimzy, offering mystery grab bags and discounts.
- Clutch Collective, where local artist Meg Rataiczak of Monkey’s Uncle Tattoo will feature original artwork, prints, and even a hand-painted motorcycle.
Dining and Live Music
Food and drinks will also be flowing at downtown restaurants:
- Lafayette Hotel is offering special dinner and drink menus with live lobby music.
- Over the Moon Pub and Pizza will have $25 Margherita pizzas, $5 Freaky Tiki shots, and $6 Shark Bite cocktails, along with music by Matthew Malinoski from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- The Town House presents Division Street live from 8–11 p.m. Tickets are available online.
- Jeremiah’s Coffee House celebrates 10 years with door prizes and a gift basket giveaway.
A Monthly Tradition
Marietta First Friday events are held February through December on the first Friday of each month. Each celebration aims to showcase the community’s small businesses, local artists, and lively downtown culture.
