September First Fridays
Goshen, Indiana
VolksFest
Friday, September 2, 5 – 9 p.m.
Downtown’s groovy VolksFest packs an evening full of the things Goshen loves most: local “volks,” food and beer, downtown shopping, live music, family activities, and a showcase of area-owned VOLKSwagen Beetles and Buses!
Because our July event was rained out we are combining our September VW showcase with the Classic Car show from July, so there will be something for everyone!
First Fridays VolksFest and Car Show
Please note the show is a rain or shine event and as such there are no refunds. Registration fees go directly to supporting this and other First Fridays events.
Schedule
- 4 – 5:30 p.m. – Arrive and Park
- 6 – 8:30 p.m. – Showcase and Judging
- 8:30 p.m. – Winners Announced
- 9 p.m. – Exit
Deadline for online registration is Thursday, September 1.
Day-of registration begins Friday, September 2 at 4 p.m. at the corner of Main and Lincoln Ave.
Those who register day-of will not be considered for awards.
Car Show Rules
- Vehicle must run independently (no towing)
- No broken or chipped glass
- Vehicle must be free of leaks and other major mechanical issues that may leave behind hazardous materials
- Vehicle must arrive between 4 and 5:30 p.m. and remain parked until 9 p.m.
- No burn outs
- No bribing of judges
- Assigned vehicle number must be fully visible at all times
- Note that if you would like to be considered for any of the awards you will need to pre-register
- The show is a rain or shine event – no refunds
Car Show Etiquette
- Vehicle interior should be clean and free of debris
- No hate speech or politically affiliated stickers or decor (American flags are great!)
- No props or decor outside the vehicle
- You are welcome to bring a chair to sit beside your vehicle
Free Live Music!
McLane & Co.
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
McLane & Co. are a five-piece band that has a folk/indie rock sound. Their instruments range from acoustic guitar, electric guitar, tin whistle, banjo, bass, and drums.
Lalo Cura
7 – 9 p.m.
Latin-Soul Fusion band, Lalo Cura has developed a unique sound that stems from its powerful rhythm section, Santana-inspired guitar solos, culturally progressive lyrics as well as synchronized guitar and horn lines.
Event Highlights
Car Shows!
Check out Porsches, VWs, and Electric vehicles on South Main Street, and a Classic Car Show on North Main Street.
First Fridays Beer Tent
We’re featuring brews from Goshen Brewing Company and Ledgeview Brewing Company.
Free Live Music from the First Fridays Stage
- McLane & Co. @5:30 p.m.
- Lalo Cura @7 p.m.
Kids and Families
Indiana Children and Nature Network will be on hand with family play activities.
Family-Friendly Tent
Goshen Health Systems is sponsoring a dedicated space for mothers and those caring for children. The tent, located on the 100 block of East Washington Street, offers private areas for nursing mothers, changing tables, and complimentary diapers and wipes. A First Fridays attendant will staff the tent to provide additional support to families.
September Sponsors
Photo Gallery
Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy September First Fridays
September Member Promotions
The City of Goshen
(on the 100 block of North Main)
Electric Vehicle Show
Join the City of Goshen and local drivers for an electric vehicle display as part of First Fridays and learn firsthand from their drivers about a diversity of options from affordable, used EVs to brand new models.
At least 10 different all-electric and plug-in hybrid models are registered to attend, including the Rivian R1T, Kia EV6, Polestar 2, Chevy Bolt EUV, Toyota Prius Prime, and even family-sized vehicles such as the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan.
The city’s new all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning was just delivered and will be on display!
We will be open normal hours (7 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at our main location on 121 West Washington and then from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Main Street in front of Meraki Art Co.
We’ll have a special menu of cold and energizing drinks, 0ne day only smoothie flavors, and giveaways!
Meet the Authors
Meet Thomas L. Rose, author of Balloon in a Box, and Shana Dines, author of You Knew I was a Snake.
Both authors will be signing their books from 6 – 8 p.m.
Goshen City Church of the Brethren (203 North Fifth)
Les Gustafson-Zook
Les is an autoharp instructor, performer and multi-instrumentalist at festivals and schools across the country since 1990. He’s an engaging entertainer performing in elementary schools for over 20 years. He is the 2001 and 2018 International Autoharp Champion, at Winfield KS. In 2014, he was inducted Autoharp Hall of Fame. He has recorded CDs and is a member of a band called Band O’ Goshen.
Grand Opening Celebration
Join us at our NEW 121 South Main location Thursday, September 1
- 10 a.m. – Ribbon cutting
- 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Grand Opening Celebration
Come check out our new space and enjoy door prizes, giveaways, treats, new fall merchandise, and more!
First Fridays in our New Space
We’re celebrating in our new space at 121 South Main Street. Check out our larger space along with all the new arrivals for fall.
Ignition Music (120 East Washington)
Music Trivia
Music Trivia went over so well last month we are going to try to make it a monthly First Fridays event! Just show up at 7:30 p.m. You may participate as a single player or as a team of two. There will be a prize for the winner!
Decorate Your Own VW Bug – Free Kids Craft
Join us and decorate your own VW bug during VolksFest. Stop by The Imagination Spot between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. for this free fun craft activity. We will have colored pencils, markers, and stickers to make your VW bug unique.
The Window (223 South Main)
First Fridays Dinner at The Window
Join us for Chicken Enchiladas and Cottage Cheese Pie for a suggested donation:
- Ages 13 and up – $10
- 4 – 12 – $5
- 3 & under – Free!
Become a Sponsor!
Leverage Goshen’s most popular monthly event for your business success!
Be a Volunteer
We love our event volunteers!
