Harvest Festival | October First Fridays
Friday, October 2, 5 – 9 p.m.
Building on the excitement of past Harvest-themed events, downtown streets and businesses come alive with festive décor, pumpkin-themed activities, local artisans, warm seasonal drinks, live music, and special promotions from Goshen’s beloved small businesses and restaurants.
Entertainment
With Madalene Big Bear and the Iron Bear Singers & Dancers taking the Main Stage, followed by a performance from the Sanchez Agency, Levi Lamberjack performing at the Silver Circle, and a festive Halloween pop-up market, this October’s First Fridays truly offers something for everyone.
Visitors can expect an evening that blends harvest-season charm with Goshen’s signature creative spirit, while downtown merchants and stores join in the festivities. From family-friendly activities and cultural programming to live performances and cozy autumn traditions, Harvest Fest offers a welcoming celebration of community, creativity, and the arrival of fall in downtown Goshen.
The event also includes a celebration of Indigenous People’s Day, continuing an important component of Goshen’s October First Fridays tradition. The celebration provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of local Indigenous peoples while bringing community members together through educational and cultural experiences.
With Madalene Big Bear and the Iron Bear Singers & Dancers taking the Main Stage, followed by a performance from the Sanchez Agency, Levi Lamberjack performing at the Silver Circle, and a festive Halloween pop-up market, this October’s First Fridays truly offers something for everyone.
Join South Bend Latin Dance at The JAM (233 S. Main St.) from 5-10PM for a night of completely free salsa lessons!
And join Goshen College during its Homecoming Weekend activities for an evening of fun at the Goshen Theater! You can participate in a GC trivia competition with prizes between 6-7 pm, listen to a great performance by the college’s Lavender Jazz band at 7, and celebrate the college’s Connected Cause campaign completion in between. All night, you can enjoy free theater popcorn and other drinks and snacks available for purchase in the lobby.
Our events operate with the love and help of many volunteers and sponsors. Join us!
Food and Drink
Take a break and enjoy some great drinks and seasonal eats downtown.
- Head over to JoJo’s Pretzels this First Friday to warm up with their Big Dipper combo of soup and pretzel bites, then treat yourself to a sweet S’mores Shake!
- Look out for Shirley’s Popcorn this First Friday and try their delicious Hot Cocoa popcorn, available at both their main store and their event trailer.
- Celebrate autumn with Cortado’s Harvestfest Special: a warming fall brat with pickled mustard seeds, caramelized onions, bacon, squash, maple pecans, and parmesan with toasted kale.
- Maple City Market is serving pork pozole in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, vegan three-bean chili, Mediterranean veggie stew, and baked potatoes with a variety of toppings. We’ll also have seasonal beer and wine available on the patio!
Food & Drink Vendors
Family Activities
Look for free kids and family activities at participating businesses around Downtown Goshen!
- Make sure to visit the Northern Indiana Clay Center (118 S Main St, Suite 2) to explore their beautiful new facility. Bring the whole family for an evening of creative fun, featuring live artist demonstrations, free clay activities for all ages, and the exciting opportunity to try throwing clay on a pottery wheel.
- Stop by Garden City Church for a free fall-inspired kids craft and a fun activity for all ages, and more!
- Learn about The Post Youth Center right at their First Friday booth, featuring family-friendly cornhole and fresh candy apples!
- Drop into Kindred Wool Co. this First Friday for a creative kids’ make-and-take fall yarn craft!
Downtown Business Promotions
Downtown businesses add their own flavor to Harvest Festival with special activities, promotions, and experiences throughout the evening.
Stop by Maple City Market for their annual Fall Faire. MCM will have all the Fall Vibes with a variety of cozy seasonal soups, Oktoberfest beer, fall wines, a kids craft corner, a bouncy house, and Esther Lanting on the accordion playing festive music.
At Fables Books, at 215 South Main Street, visitors can stop in from 6 to 8 p.m. for a special Meet the Authors event featuring Michiana writers Rebecca Maureen, author of The Wolf and the Doe, and M.A.B. Wyman, author of Mountainroot: Book One. Both authors will be available to meet readers and sign books.
We are thrilled to welcome the Northern Indiana Clay Center (118 S Main St, Suite 2) to the community! Kick off your First Friday at 5:00 PM for their ribbon cutting, then stay to explore their beautiful new facility. Bring the whole family for an evening of creative fun, featuring live artist demonstrations, free clay activities for all ages, and the exciting opportunity to try throwing clay on a pottery wheel.
Catitude Cafe will be having their special First Fridays deal: Buy one cat lounge visit at regular price and get a second visit half off from 5-9 pm.
The Green Bee is offering 25% off upcycled fabric pumpkins and all kitchen items.
Make Goshen Brewing Company your official First Friday warm-up station and enjoy a cozy evening gathered around their outdoor fire pit.
Shops, restaurants, and businesses throughout the downtown join in on the Harvest Festival fun, giving you plenty of reasons to browse, eat, and explore as you make your way through downtown.
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:
- Tunes provided by Levi Lamberjack.
Handicap Parking will be available directly next to the Courthouse on W Clinton St. 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.
Thank you October First Fridays 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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