St. Petersburg is gearing up for the return of one of its most anticipated free events! First Friday St Pete is making a comeback to downtown this Friday, January 5th, after a brief two-month break. This popular monthly street festival, a staple of the St. Pete community, will once again transform Central Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets into a vibrant block party. Get ready for an evening filled with music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, fun games, and a fantastic community atmosphere.
First Friday St Pete has recently been the subject of local news due to concerns about rising operational costs, which put the future of the event in jeopardy. The monthly price tag of $12,000 led to worries that this beloved tradition might be discontinued. However, the St. Petersburg community spirit shone brightly as numerous local businesses stepped up to ensure the continuation of this downtown celebration.
Thanks to the incredible support from local establishments, every business on the block, from Mary Margaret’s to Pelican Pub, has become a sponsor of First Friday. Beyond this collective effort, several businesses have made significant contributions. CMK Construction and My Florida Bath have joined as sponsors, and Forward Hospitality, the group behind popular venues like Goodnight John Boy and Welcome To The Farm, has also pledged its support to keep the party going. Entertainment for the street festival will be provided by 22N Nightlife Productions, and Great Bay Distributors will continue to supply a variety of drink options.
This January’s First Friday event will kick off this Friday, January 5th, at 6 pm. Attendees can look forward to live music performances by 22N, a diverse selection of food trucks, local artisan vendors, a 50/50 raffle, and special offers from the bars and restaurants along the block. For those 21 and older, alcoholic beverages can be purchased and enjoyed throughout the outdoor event area.
First Friday has long been recognized as not only a fun community gathering but also a significant economic driver for businesses in downtown St. Pete. The path to its return wasn’t without its challenges. Just last year, First Friday celebrated its comeback after a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, similar to many events and businesses during that time. Previously organized by the Optimists Club for many years, the event’s revival and continued success are now secured thanks to the dedication of the current organizers and the generous support of local sponsors.
Event organizers express their gratitude for the overwhelming support from local bars and restaurants, which has been crucial to the event’s success. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses looking to contribute to this vital community event. Stay updated on future First Friday St Pete events by following their pages on Facebook and Instagram.
