On each first Friday of every month except January and July, downtown Milledgeville transforms into a lively gathering of locals and college students enjoying music, vendors, and restaurants. Known as “First Fridays,” the monthly events are now among the city’s most popular traditions since being introduced in February 2011.
Organized by Milledgeville’s Main Street program, First Fridays are intended to bring local residents and visitors downtown while also supporting local businesses. Over the past decade, the event has grown in popularity, drawing families, college students, and longtime residents together to have fun.
Each month, the Main Street staff plans a themed evening filled with activities and entertainment for the community. Local businesses and organizations line the streets with tents and booths, handing out merchandise, hosting giveaways, and providing information about their services. These events not only provide a fun night out, but also give vendors the opportunity to promote their businesses to many different audiences.
For many local businesses, First Fridays have provided an important economic boost. As visitors walk through downtown, they stop to shop, interact, and get a feel of the local vendors. The massive foot traffic has helped Milledgeville’s small-town community.
First Fridays have also become a favorite tradition for students at Georgia College & State University, who often make it part of their monthly routine.
GCSU senior Brooke Redmond said First Fridays quickly became something she and her roommates looked forward to attending together.
“My roommates and I started going every month, and it started being my favorite thing to look forward to,” Redmond said. “Downtown Milledgeville is lined with tents from different local businesses and organizations, where we can stop by and get merch and talk to different people.”
Other students say the energy and style of the event remind them of many other major events Milledgeville holds. GCSU junior Kathryn Merck shared her thoughts.
“To me, First Fridays are kind of like a smaller scale Deep Roots, and it’s cool to see the streets completely packed with locals and college students all having a good time,” Merck said.
For some attendees, the event offers a chance to relax, and enjoy local restaurants while spending time with friends and family.
GCSU senior Laney Foust said one of her favorite parts of the evening is enjoying dinner downtown with her dog and her friends.
“Getting food and drinks at Bollywood on First Fridays is probably the thing I look forward to most,” Foust said. “I get to bring my dog, Winnie, and if we sit outside she loves greeting everyone who passes by. I honestly might come back to Milledgeville just for those events after I graduate.”
Each event’s success relies heavily on sponsors who help support the planning and visitors who keep First Fridays a hit.
Those interested in sponsoring or learning more about First Fridays can contact Main Street Event Coordinator LaRue Wooten at lwooten@milledgevillega. us or by calling 478- 414- 4014.
As the tradition continues, First Fridays remain a meaningful way for the Milledgeville community to gather and celebrate local businesses and the charm of the city.