The First Fridays

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.

Hosted by Columbia Main Street Corporation and the City of Columbia, First Fridays offers a safe, high-energy atmosphere by closing part of West 7th and the square to traffic. Since 2017, this beloved tradition has connected locals and visitors under the Tennessee sky.

New for the 2025 Season:

Columbia Main Street is adding community-driven themes to bring even more excitement to each event! These themes are designed to encourage participation, creativity, and community spirit. These themes do not change the style/type of vendor for First Fridays. The theme adds a level of community participation in the common areas.

2025 First Fridays Dates & Themes:

April 4 – “Muletown Celebration”
May 2 – “Blooming with Charm”
June 6 – “Culture Quest”
July 4 – “Stars and Stripes”
August 1 – “Ready, Set, School!”
September 5 – “Art on the Street”
October 3 – “Team Jersey Night”
November 7 – “Happy Feast-mas”
December 5 – “Merry Makers Market”

LIKE TO BE A VENDOR?

The streets are now closed for First Fridays and completing a vendor application for booth space is required. Most importantly, the event will be more spacious, secure, and pedestrian friendly! Please read carefully. The FIRST FRIDAYS APPLICATION will be accepted between the 1st and the14th of the month prior to First Fridays. Application categories including vendors, street musicians, performers, food trucks, cruise-in participants, and young entrepreneurs. Completing an application does not guarantee acceptance.

First Fridays Application

We’re glad you’re interested in being part of First Fridays! Read carefully and complete one of the various First Fridays application links below. Columbia Main Street First Fridays takes place the first Friday of each month, April through December, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Vendors and other participants are not allowed to set up on the sidewalks anywhere in downtown, only in the First Fridays event area, and only as an approved participant. The first block of West 7th Street and the west half of the public square will be closed off for First Fridays where vendors will set up in designated areas of the street.

It’s important to know that SPACE IS LIMITED. Submitting a completed First Fridays application does not mean guaranteed acceptance into First Fridays. All applications must be reviewed by the Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee. Every effort will be taken to ensure a great and varied lineup each month.

If you’re interested in participating, submit a First Fridays application between the 1st and 14th of the month prior to First Fridays. Applicant will be informed by the 19th of acceptance status. If accepted, you will have five days to submit booth fee and certificate of insurance.

We’re glad you’re interested in being part of First Fridays! Read carefully and complete one of the various First Fridays application links below. Columbia Main Street First Fridays takes place the first Friday of each month, April through December, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Vendors and other participants are not allowed to set up on the sidewalks anywhere in downtown, only in the First Fridays event area, and only as an approved participant. The first block of West 7th Street and the west half of the public square will be closed off for First Fridays where vendors will set up in designated areas of the street.

It’s important to know that SPACE IS LIMITED. Submitting a completed First Fridays application does not mean guaranteed acceptance into First Fridays. All applications must be reviewed by the Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee. Every effort will be taken to ensure a great and varied lineup each month.

If you’re interested in participating, submit a First Fridays application between the 1st and 14th of the month prior to First Fridays. Applicant will be informed by the 19th of acceptance status. If accepted, you will have five days to submit booth fee and certificate of insurance.

FIRST FRIDAYS
VENDOR APPLICATION

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. Historically, the event took place every month; however, due to lighting and weather, Columbia Main Street Corporation made the decision to forego January through March.

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.

Hours are 5:00pm until 8:00pm.

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;

‘Strolling on 6th’ by Maury Alliance is a fabulous “sister” event to First Fridays, but separately run. It is located on 6th Street between Garden Street and North Main that’s alive with activities and makes for a fun addition to First Fridays!

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) 12-17 years old who hand makes a product to sell 

If approved, vendors will be required to pay a $25 vendor fee and food trucks will be required to pay a $90 food truck fee. 

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

Yes, as an approved vendor, you are required to carry a General Liability policy listing both Columbia Main Street and the City of Columbia as the additionally insureds.

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.