The First Fridays Phenomenon

Experience the charm of historic downtown Columbia, Tennessee, like a local every First Friday from April to December, 5:00–8:00 PM. This family-friendly event brings the streets alive with live music, food trucks, local vendors, shops open late, and even a mini cruise-in for car enthusiasts. Enjoy the everyday magic of our boutiques, restaurants, and craft beverage scene—with a vibrant twist.

2026 First Fridays Dates & Themes:

April 3 – “Muletown Celebration”
May 1 – “Flashback Friday”
June 5 – “Luau”
July 3 – “USA 250th Anniversary”
August 7 – “Tie-Dye”
September 4 – “Spill the Tea”
October 2 – “FALL FEST”
November 6– “Holiday Kickoff & Tree Lighting”
December 4 – “Merry Maker’s Market”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS About First Fridays

FAQs for Attendees

First Fridays is an amazing event that’s been happening in historic downtown Columbia since 2017. It has recently transformed into a street event that is closed down to vehicle traffic so that approved vendors and food trucks can set up and sell items.

First Fridays takes place on the first Friday of the month, from April through December from 5-8 PM in the Downtown district of Columbia, TN.

Columbia Main Street Corporation, in partnership with the City of Columbia, manages First Fridays.

Columbia Main Street Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the downtown district by creating a family-friendly destination through initiatives, events, and promotion of downtown businesses.

First Fridays takes place on the West 7th block and half the Public Square in downtown will be closed off for First Fridays to ensure a secure and safe experience for attendees, vendors, and other participants.

In Downtown Columbia, there is 3 FREE parking lots located on 6th Street, Woodland, and 8th Street. Also, there is several street parking options throughout the entire downtown district. We do not have designated ADA parking during this event.

Great Question! It is up to the individual shops. We recommend you look for the shops that stay open a little later and the restaurants ready for hungry faces & thirsty patrons;

FAQs for Vendors:

  • Vendor is defined as artisit, artisan, baker, boutique, church, crafter, farmer, local business, non-profit, and political interest
  • Food Truck is defined as a food trailer, food tent, and food truck with an active Mobile Vending Permit with the City of Columbia
  • Street Performer is defined as acoustic musician and singer, performance group, and street entertainer
  • Cruise-In Participant (limited availability) is defined as the owner of an antique, muscle, vintage, rare, and exotic vehicles
  • Young Entrepreneur is defined as a young person(s) 17 and younger who hand makes a product to sell 

If approved, vendors will be required to pay a $0/$25/$90 vendor fee with a Certifiate of Insurance or $10/$35/$100 without a Certificate of Insurance.

Vendor fees are collected by Columbia Main Street Corporation (501c3) and are used to support the overall goal of the non-profit.

No, sidewalk vending is not an option. If you wish to vend during First Fridays, we encourage you to apply through Columbia Main Street Corporation.

FIRST FRIDAYS
VENDOR APPLICATION Volunteer at First Fridays