Canton
First Friday
A Walkable Celebration of the Arts Each Month in Downtown Canton, Ohio.
Mark your calendar for the first Friday of each month from 5-9 pm, rain or shine. All ages welcome!
Every Canton First Friday has its own theme and features:
- Talented musicians, entertainers, and artists—all centered near the Hall of Fame Centennial Plaza and surrounding blocks.
- Unique galleries, shops, and plenty of local food & drinks.
- Special activities just for kids and families.
Plus, sip, savor, and stroll in the area’s best outdoor refreshment area (DORA).
It’s all part of the Canton, Ohio First Friday experience!
Presented by: Visit Canton and The Downtown Canton Partnership
Are you a vendor looking to register for First Friday?
This month's
Theme & Entertainment
August First Friday: Canton's Hall of Fame Party Is Downtown
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival weekend brings the world to Canton. Downtown is where Canton celebrates!
Centennial Plaza headliners: FunkyardX
Nine musicians out of Cleveland playing rock- and soul-infused funk with real horns. Add the 4th Street Dance Party, free inflatables, food trucks, young entrepreneurs on 3rd St., and a DORA that lets you carry your drink the whole way!
STAY IN THE LOOP ON DOWNTOWN CANTON
Get Downtown Canton News & Events
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new businesses, events, and what’s happening in Downtown Canton.
Upcoming First Fridays:
- September 4, 2026
- Downtown Canton
- October 2, 2026
- Downtown Canton
- November 6, 2026
- Downtown Canton
- December 4, 2026
- Downtown Canton
May 1st: Lady Melma
June 5th: SpYder Stompers
JULY 3: Monica Robins & the Ninja Cowboys
AUG 7: FunkyardX
SEPT 4: Beach City Postal & Anya Van Rose
OCT 2: DJ Brandon Mickle
First Friday Map
Looking for all of the exciting things happening at this month’s Canton First Friday? Locate it on our map now!
Downtown Canton Map
Not familiar with Downtown Canton? Check out our map to help you locate all of your favorite downtown businesses.
FAQs
When is First Friday?
First Friday is held the first Friday of each month, January through December, from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
You can view the upcoming month’s dates and themes here.
What if there is inclement weather?
First Friday is held rain or shine!
Safety at the event is our number one priority—in case of emergency weather and in the interest of safety for both our partners and guests, we may cancel an event.
Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for the latest updates on each event.
Where is First Friday?
First Friday is held downtown Canton in what has been designated as the “Historic District” and area that encompasses all of the active businesses and galleries downtown. At the heart of the event is our new Centennial Plaza.
You can view a map of the event and its participants here.
Where can I park? How much does parking cost?
Downtown Canton has plentiful parking! With over 700 metered parking spaces and a great deal of free on-street parking spaces for visitors to the city.
REMEMBER: On-street parking at meters is always FREE after 4 p.m. on weekdays and and all-day weekends!
There are also a variety of parking decks and surface lots in the area. These are independently operated and pricing and hours can vary.
You can view the Downtown Canton Parking Map here.
Is the event family-friendly?
Absolutely! Our events are officially held from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and are family-friendly.
Note: Each participating business is responsible for the content of their establishment and some content may not be suitable for small children. Please use your discretion.
How much is admission?
First Friday is FREE to attend and there is no official entrance fee.
Any purchases you make during the event through local businesses are entirely up to you—but we appreciate you supporting our small businesses!
Can I setup a booth and sell items or food during the event?
Yes! We offer the opportunity for vendors to setup and sell during our events from May to October. You can find all the vendor rules and register for this opportunity.
Can I have alcohol outside during the event?
Yes! The Canton Arts District is inside the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) and most downtown businesses who sell beer, wine and alcohol at their establishments are participating in the program.
DORA FAST FACTS
Days of Operation: Seven days a week
Hours of Operation: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, daily
Boundaries: 6th Street N. (north edge), McKinley Ave. (west edge), 4th Street S. (south edge) and Walnut Ave. (east edge). Patrons may walk freely within the DORA boundaries. Signage designates the entrances and exits of the DORA.
Official Cup: A specifically designated and marked 16 oz. plastic cup is the only cup permitted in the refreshment area.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Yes! Our event is pet friendly! Many businesses will even permit animals inside. Check with individual businesses for more information.
Please note: No animals are allowed in Centennial Plaza, with exception to service animals.
Service animals are always welcome at the event.
Where can I see a full list of participants?
Check out this month’s map for all of the details. (Please note participation is subject to change!)
I have questions or comments about First Friday...who can I contact?
Please contact Jonathan Becker, event coordinator, with any questions or feedback about the event at jbecker@cantonsid.org or 401.954.1768.