You’re invited to lace up your sneakers, gather your friends, and head downtown for one of the summer’s most energetic celebrations as the August First Fridays Goshen Games—Aug. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m.—transforms the Maple City’s historic downtown into a giant arena of fun, fitness, food, and friendly competition. Whether attendees are chasing victory, spectating and cheering, shopping and dining, or simply enjoying a beautiful summer evening, the Goshen Games offers something for everyone.
Among the evening’s featured events is Urban Nights, hosted by Provida Fitness, a high-energy outdoor cycling and fitness experience combining music, lights, rhythm, and community spirit. The popular Pickleball Tournament, presented by Goshen Soccer Academy, also returns for another year with men’s and women’s doubles competition, while Warehouse Climbing Co. introduces Boulder on the Bloc, a new night-long bouldering competition and free-climb event welcoming climbers of all skill levels.
Music will be provided throughout the evening by Goshen’s popular DJ outfit, Vinyl Habits, spinning 80’s electronic and house music from 5 to 9 p.m. during Boulder on the Bloc and creating an exciting atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Activities for kids abound, the Silver Circle for older adults returns, and ALL registrants for Urban Nights, Pickleball, and Boulder on the Bloc receive a 10% off coupon for participating Downtown Goshen businesses, valid throughout the weekend of Aug. 7.
“The Goshen Games celebrates many of the things that make Goshen special—uniting community, promoting healthy activity, involving local businesses, enjoying fun and friendly competition, appreciating arts and music, and just having good times with friends and family,” said Amanda Rose, Director of First Fridays. “Whether you’re competing, cheering on your friends and neighbors, coming in to eat and shop, or just exploring downtown, the Goshen Games is a First Friday event that delivers the fun and excitement.”
Downtown Goshen’s outstanding restaurants, cafés, breweries, and eating and drinking establishments serve up delicious food and drinks all evening long, and local retailers get into the First Fridays spirit with in-store events, promotions, and event-themed specials on games, outdoor activity items, athleisure, shoes, sports, and spectator apparel.
Fables Books, 215 South Main Street, hosts a Meet the Authors event from 6 to 8 p.m. with Indiana authors Sid Shroyer and Lawrence Giden. Woldruff’s Footwear, 129 S. Main, presents 20-40% off all men’s and women’s sandals, and Woldruff’s Apparel, 135 S. Main, offers 20-40% off all summer apparel storewide.
The Green Bee, 111 E. Washington, offers 20% off Swedish dish cloths in-store; One Village, 206 S. Main, features its selection of Hacky Sacks, also known as ‘footbags’; and DN3D Prints is on festival grounds selling new dragons, clickers, and dice holders.
The Maple City Market booth offers local paletas (popsicles) and sparkling water, and the Shirley’s Popcorn truck features Shirley’s incredible Dark Salted Vanilla flavor.
At the Catitude Cafe, 210 S. Main St., purchasers of one regular priced cat lounge visit between 5 and 9 p.m. get a second visit of equal length for 50% off, and the new Jefferson & Main Arts Center—the JAM, at 233 S. Main—hosts two free sessions of pilates, presented by Goshen’s Purely Pilates, at 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. Anyone interested in an hourlong session can purchase tickets for the 6:30 p.m. class.
Families will find plenty to enjoy as well.
The Chill Zone, presented by DJ Construction and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, offers a fun place for kids to play and unwind and presents a disc golf exhibition for teens and young adults hosted by the Goshen College Disc Golf Team.
Garden City Church, 134 S. Main, offers free frozen treats and a fun kids’ craft session; youngsters can meet a miniature pony at the LoveWay trailer on the festival grounds; and the exciting Viewrail Obstacle Course—rained out at June First Fridays—sets up to give young revelers a chance to test their skills while having a blast!
The Golden Thread Tattoo Parlor, 108 E. Washington, offers temporary tattoos and crafts, and the Goshen Historical Society—124 S. Main St.—celebrates its 25th birthday with old-fashioned games and in-store specials, and offers tours of the Police Booth at the corner of Lincoln and Main.
Young revelers can sign up to play tabletop games and TTRPG’s at the Art House and Goshen & Dragons booths on the festival grounds—and can play Pin the Stinger on the Bee at The Green Bee booth.
The Goshen High School Football Team presents a special announcement at 6 p.m. at the Goshen Theater, at 216 S. Main, followed by a pep rally inside the theater with performances by the Crimsonaires and Goshen High School Cheerleaders. The RedHawks also host a fun 40-yard dash activity for the young and young at heart.
Families can also enjoy a selection of lawn games provided by Goshen Parks and Recreation, and Fairy Debbie will be at Kindred Wool Co.—108 W. Washington—throughout the evening to add some hair sparkle with Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hair®.
DORA means revelers can explor-a!
The City of Goshen’s Downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), allows adults age 21 and older to purchase beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them while exploring within a defined downtown area. Beverage purchasers, from participating businesses, can carry their drinks outdoors within clearly marked boundaries.
The program supports local businesses, enhances community events, and creates a safe, regulated environment for residents and visitors. Find more information on the City of Goshen website.
First Friday fun for ALL ages
Older adults are invited to gather at the Silver Circle, a welcoming space with entertainment, resources, conversation, and comfortable seating presented in part by Greencroft, Green Oaks of Goshen, Goshen Health, and Senior Talk Michiana.
At the Goshen Games, Silver Circle participants can enjoy BINGO NIGHT!—presented by Green Oaks of Goshen—for the chance to win prizes and enjoy friendly games 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. Those planning to bring senior clients are asked to contact DGI as soon as possible via the contact form.
August Silver Circle Resource Booths
- Green Oaks of Goshen
- Greencroft
- Senior Talk Michiana
- Goshen Health
- Angela Wentz Consulting
- Council on Aging of Elkhart County
- Karing Hearts
- Majestic Care of Goshen
- Seniors Helping Seniors
- Waterford Crossing
The Goshen Games also presents a host of First Fridays amenities, adding convenience and making it easy for anyone to enjoy the festival.
Those who arrive on bikes can park for FREE at the complimentary Bike Valet station, presented by the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition. Parents and guardians can enjoy the Goshen Health Mother’s Tent, offering a comfortable space to nurse and change little ones, designated Handicap Parking is located behind the Silver Circle, and a Recycling Center is available on festival grounds.
