The Future of First Fridays in Downtown Bloomington

First Fridays are designed to bring the post-work crowd Downtown for an engaging evening experience from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Each month features a unique theme, giving visitors something new to look forward to while exploring Downtown. It’s a chance to unwind after the workday by browsing home-grown galleries, popping into local shops, and enjoying fun, themed food and drink specials from Downtown restaurants. Whether you’re discovering a new artist, finding a one-of-a-kind item, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, First Fridays invite visitors to explore, connect, and experience all that Downtown Bloomington has to offer.

Beginning in 2026, Downtown Bloomington is refreshing First Fridays based on feedback from Downtown business owners and the community. The goal is to create high-energy, memorable experiences that support small businesses and give visitors even more reasons to spend time Downtown.

What’s Changing in 2026

First Fridays are not going away. Instead, the City is focusing on fewer, higher-impact signature events while continuing to support business-led First Friday experiences throughout the year. This updated approach allows Downtown to deliver bigger anchor events while giving businesses more flexibility to participate in ways that best fit their goals and capacity.

Visitors can still enjoy First Fridays with participating businesses that choose to stay open late and host special experiences. Each month, the City will share business-led First Friday happenings through Downtown Bloomington social media so visitors know where to go and what to expect.

2026 Signature First Friday Events

These events are the anchors of the First Friday calendar and will continue to be organized and expanded by the City in 2026.

• Tour De Chocolat – February First Friday

• Get Your Kicks on Route 66 – July First Friday

• Once Upon a Holiday – December First Friday

New Themed Saturday Events

To keep energy Downtown throughout the year, the City will introduce new themed Saturday events designed to complement First Fridays. These events will focus on creative, family-friendly, and shopping-focused experiences.

• September – Honey-themed event

• October – Halloween-themed event

• November – Shop Small event

Business-Led First Friday Months

During the following months, First Fridays will be business-led. Downtown businesses may choose to stay open late and offer experiences such as pop-ups, in-store events, special promotions, and more. The City will continue to support these efforts through promotion and outreach.

• January

• March

• April

• May

• June

• August

To stay informed, visitors are encouraged to follow Downtown Bloomington and their favorite Downtown businesses for monthly updates.

Our Goal: A Downtown for Everyone

At the heart of these updates is a commitment to creating a Downtown for Everyone. This refreshed approach allows for fewer but more intentional large events, stronger collaboration with local businesses, and consistent opportunities for visitors to shop, dine, and unwind throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are First Fridays going away?
No. First Fridays will continue. Outside of the City-organized signature events, First Fridays will be business-led.

How will I know what is happening each month?
The City will share monthly First Friday updates and business-led happenings on Downtown Bloomington social media.

What are the biggest First Friday events in 2026?
Tour De Chocolat in February, Get Your Kicks on Route 66 in July, and Once Upon a Holiday in December.

Why add Saturday events?
Saturday events create additional opportunities for family-friendly fun and shopping-focused experiences, helping maintain momentum Downtown throughout the year.

Tour De Chocolat

Friday, February 6, 2026 | 5pm - 8pm | Downtown Bloomington

Come down and enjoy all that Downtown Bloomington, IL has to offer!

• Artist Galleries
• Visit us on FB for event details!