Goshen Games | August First Fridays
Friday, August 7, 5 – 9 p.m.
August First Fridays means it’s time once again for Goshen to go for gold! The Goshen Games returns to Downtown Goshen with more action than ever, including fun and competitive street tournaments for local and area climbers and pickleballers, a massive spin class right in the square, board games, lawn games, disc golf exhibitions, kids’ activities, and more!
Commercial and Informational Booths
Elkhart County Voter Registration
Entertainment
For spectators, there will be no shortage of exciting sporting opportunities at the Goshen Games. Additionally, Downtown Goshen’s shopping and dining locations offer a wonderful array of event-themed deals and specials. Cheer on your friends and neighbors, and enjoy Downtown Goshen at the Goshen Games.
- Sign up to be a part of Urban Nights hosted by Provida Fitness! Urban Nights is a high-energy fitness and cycling experience built around music, lights, rhythm, and community, right in Downtown Goshen’s square. All registrants will receive a 10% off coupon for participating Downtown Goshen businesses, valid during the weekend of August 7th. Space is limited, so sign up today!
- The Pickleball Tournament, presented by Goshen Soccer Academy, is back again for another year, and registration is open for women’s and men’s doubles! All registrants will receive a 10% off coupon for participating Downtown Goshen businesses, valid during the weekend of August 7th. Space is limited, so sign up today!
- New this year, Warehouse Climbing Co. is excited to present Boulder on the Bloc, a night-long bouldering competition and free climb event! Climbers of all skill levels are welcome. All registrants will receive a 10% off coupon for participating Downtown Goshen businesses, valid during the weekend of August 7th. Space is limited, so sign up today!
- Enjoy 2 free sessions of pilates, presented by Purely Pilates at 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.! Want an hour session? Buy a ticket for their class at 6:30! All classes will be held at the beautiful new JAM (Jefferson & Main) Arts Center. Secure your spot here!
- Vinyl Habits will be spinning 80’s electronic and house music from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Boulder on the Bloc competition!
- Head to the Froggy 102.7 truck at the corner of Washington and Main at 6 p.m. for an announcement from the Goshen High School Football Team.
Our events operate with the love and help of many volunteers and sponsors. Join us!
Food and Drink
Downtown restaurants and bars will be open throughout the evening to fuel up both spectators and participants alike. You can also grab a beer from the First Fridays Beer Garden!
- Drop by the Maple City Market booth to cool down with a local paleta (popsicle) and sparkling water!
- Come try the Dark Salted Vanilla Popcorn at the Shirley’s Popcorn truck!
- The Nut Shoppe introduces their latest creation: Pickle Flavored Peanut Brittle! Stop in for FREE samples all night long! PLUS, with every purchase of a bag of Pickle Brittle, you will receive a FREE sticker!
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)
*Downtown Goshen has officially adopted a DORA! What’s that? A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, is a state-authorized district where adults age 21 and older may purchase beverages from participating businesses and carry them outdoors within clearly marked boundaries. Further details are on the City of Goshen website.
Please be sure to follow all laws, boundaries, and DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
Family Activities
The Chill Zone, presented by DJ Construction and the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County, will be open for business, offering a disc golf exhibition and experience for teens and young adults hosted by the Goshen College Disc Golf Team!
- Drop by Garden City Church for a kids craft, a fun game everyone can enjoy, and free frozen treats!
- Head to the Loveway trailer on festival grounds to meet one of their miniature ponies!
- Stop by the Golden Thread Tattoo Parlor for temporary tattoos and crafts!
- Enjoy old-fashioned games outside the Historical Society!
- Families can enjoy a selection of lawn games provided by Goshen Parks and Rec!
- See how fast you can dash at the 40 Yard Dash, hosted by the Goshen High School Football Team!
- Play Pin the Stinger on the Bee at the Green Bee booth on festival grounds!
- Stop by Kindred Wool Co. to add a little sparkle with Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hair® by Fairy Debbie. She’ll be available in the shop throughout the evening!
While the rain kept them away in June, Viewrail is excited to bring their Obstacle Course to Goshen Games for those who were looking forward to it. Kids can test their skills along the course, all while having a blast!
And don’t forget to sign up to play tabletop games and TTRPG’s with Art House and Goshen & Dragons at their booth on festival grounds!
Shopping and Promotions
Businesses feature games and specials to help competitors improve their performance: games, outdoor activity items, athleisure, shoes, sports, and spectator apparel.
- Meet the Authors from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fables Books. Be sure to check out their game section while you browse!
- Enjoy 20-40% off all men’s and women’s sandals at Woldruff’s Footwear Summer Sandal Sale! Woldruff’s Apparel will also have 20-40% off all summer apparel storewide!
- Buy one cat lounge visit at regular price and get a second of equal length half off from 5-9 pm at Catitude Cafe!
- Take tours of the Police Booth at the Corner of Lincoln and Main, thanks to the Goshen Historical Society! Plus, enjoy in-store specials on select merchandise to celebrate their 25th birthday!
- The Green Bee will offer 20% Swedish dish cloths in-store!
- Popular Hacky Sacks, also known as footbags, are now in stock at ONE VILLAGE!
- DN3D Prints will be on festival grounds selling new dragons, clickers, and dice holders!
Well Crafted Artisan Showcase
Chapter Charms
Francisca’s Designs
Heavenly Brewed
Manzanas Enchiladas
The Peach Guy
Silver Circle
The Silver Circle, presented in part by Greencroft, Green Oaks of Goshen, Goshen Health, and Senior Talk Michiana, is a dedicated space designed as a welcoming gathering place for older adults. The Silver Circle creates an inclusive, comfortable environment that blends resources, connection, and entertainment in one centralized location.
This month, folks can enjoy:
- BINGO NIGHT! Presented by Green Oaks of Goshen for the chance to win prizes and enjoy a friendly bingo competition with the community!
Handicap Parking will be available directly behind the Silver Circle on West Washington. Senior transports may also use this space with advance notice. If you plan on bringing your senior clients, please contact us as soon as possible via our contact form.
First Fridays Amenities
These amenities make it easy to enjoy the festival!
- Ride down with the family and park your bikes for FREE at our complimentary Bike Valet station, presented by the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition!
- Parents and guardians can enjoy the Goshen Health Mother’s Tent, which offers a comfortable space to nurse and change your littles!
- Take advantage of the designated Handicap Parking located behind the Silver Circle.
- Don’t forget to recycle! Head to the Recycling Center on festival grounds to take care of any collected recyclables.
Event Map
Click to enlarge
Thank you Goshen Games Sponsors!
Downtown Goshen Inc. and First Fridays are here to celebrate Goshen and the wonderful arts and community that we share. That means that if you attend an event in downtown Goshen, your image might appear in a future celebration of that event or a promotion of one of our future events. This is because our community is the most essential part of First Fridays! We pride ourselves in being an organization that celebrates everyone and will do our best to present you in the best way possible. We are incredibly proud and happy that you enjoy our events and that you are part of our fantastic community! Thank you for joining us at First Fridays and having fun in downtown Goshen.
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