First Friday fans, are you ready for a Birthday Bash like none other?
As a prelude to next year’s 20th anniversary in June of 2027, we’re pleased and proud to present the inaugural First Fridays Birthday Bash celebration, June 5 from 5 to 9 p.m., so that our entire Elkhart County community (and beyond) can come party like it’s 1999 in Downtown Goshen!
In celebration of 19 years of outstanding First Fridays programming, incredible civic participation, and unending community spirit, the Birthday Bash presents a host of festive offerings, including the return of live Wrestling on Main, kids activities galore, shopping and dining specials, music and entertainment, food trucks, the exciting Viewrail Obstacle Course, a host of amenity stations, a Silver Circle area for older adults, and the most necessary and important ingredient for any good Birthday Bash: copious amounts of FUN!
Bring your friends and take a shot at riding the mechanical bull, let the kids visit with Teddy—LoveWay‘s resident miniature pony, enjoy the magic of Wrestling on Main with your whole family at the corner of Main St. and Washington, and catch two sets from local DJ outfit, Vinyl Habits.
Hand-in-hand with the entire Elkhart County community—and thanks to your participation, attendance, and enthusiasm—we have, together, created something unique and lasting with Goshen First Fridays.
Come help us celebrate 19 years on June 5 at the inaugural Birthday Bash!
Downtown Goshen eating and drinking establishments, as usual, step up to the plate with an assortment of delicious offerings; a variety of food trucks present treats and tasty eats of all types; and revelers of all ages can enjoy a collection of activities and specials at participating merchants.
Garden City Church, 134 South Main Street, hosts free crafts and activities for the whole family and offers free treats, the Chill Zone—presented by Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County and DJ Construction—features free activities for young adults, and ADEC is on-site with a guessing game and coloring pages.
Fables Books, 215 S. Main, presents a Meet the Authors from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring Kurt Bullard and Dr. Stuart D. Jones, and Wellington & Weddell Eye Care, 116 W. Washington Street, presents a 100th Year Anniversary Party that features a sunglasses trunk show—highlighting a variety of vendors and giveaways—and eye photography by Iris Eye Art.
At Catitude Cafe, 210 S. Main (Suite B), purchasers of one regular-priced cat lounge session can get a second session of equal length for 50% off, and Fused 508, on festival grounds, offers $10 off permanent jewelry.
Additional Commercial and Informational Booths:
- Catsnip
- Excel Center
- Froggy 102.7
- Goodwill of Michiana
- Goshen Public Library
- LITE Recovery
- Goshen Health
- Goshen Parks and Recreation
- Mosaic in Northern Indiana
- Nest and Grow
- Renewal by Andersen
The Silver Circle returns!
The Silver Circle, a dedicated space designed as a welcoming gathering place for older adults, was introduced last month at May’s Green Day Celebration, and it was such a success that we are pleased to run it back in June!
Presented in part by Greencroft, Green Oaks of Goshen, Goshen Health, and Senior Talk Michiana, the Silver Circle creates an inclusive, comfortable environment that blends resources, connection, and entertainment in one centralized location. At the Birthday Bash, folks can enjoy tunes by Vinyl Habits, a selection of resource booths, and a FREE birthday treat provided by Pastries by Steph for the first 50 seniors (55 and older)!
Handicap Parking will be available directly behind the Silver Circle on West Washington, and senior transports may also use this space with advance notice. If you plan on bringing your senior clients, please contact us ASAP at info@eyedart.com.
Silver Circle Resource Booths
- Green Oaks of Goshen
- Greencroft
- Senior Talk Michiana
- Angela Wentz Consulting
- Council on Aging of Elkhart County
- Karing Hearts
- Majestic Care of Goshen
- Seniors Helping Seniors
- Waterford Crossing
Additional First Friday amenities—including our complimentary Bike Valet presented by the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition, the Goshen Health Mother’s Tent, and designated Handicap Parking located behind the Silver Circle—make it easy for anyone and everyone to come and comfortably enjoy the Birthday Bash!
Birthday Bash Event Schedule
- Vinyl Habits
5 – 7 PM at the corner of Main and Washington - Wrestling on Main
7 – 8 PM at Main and Washington - Vinyl Habits
8 – 9 PM at Main and Washington
Don’t miss the Birthday Bash on June 5! Come and gather with the entire community to dine, dance, spectate, shop, and enjoy, and to celebrate 19 years of amazing First Fridays programming with an evening of unending fun!
A Call for 2026 Volunteers and Sponsors
Events presented by Downtown Goshen, Inc. operate with the love and help of the entire community. Volunteers and sponsors are absolutely crucial to our mission of providing free, family-friendly, dynamic, and exciting community events for folks throughout Elkhart County—and beyond—to enjoy with loved ones.
Individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in sponsoring a 2026 First Fridays event can find more information and fill out the sponsorship form on the First Fridays sponsorship landing page.
Additionally, both corporate and individual volunteering opportunities are still available for the 2026 season of events, and there are wonderful perks involved for both individual and corporate volunteers.
More at downtowngoshen.org/volunteer.
As a prelude to First Friday’s 20th anniversary in June of 2027, Downtown Goshen, Inc. presents its inaugural First Fridays Birthday Bash, June 5 from 5 to 9 p.m., in celebration of 19 years of outstanding First Fridays programming, incredible civic participation, and unending community spirit! The Birthday Bash presents a host of festive offerings, including the return of live wrestling, kids’ activities, shopping and dining specials, music and entertainment, food trucks, the exciting Viewrail Ninja Warrior course, a host of amenity stations, and a Silver Circle area for older adults