Get Schooled coming on August 1!
Family-friendly set for 5:30-8 p.m.
Show off your school spirit!
The fifth First Friday of the year will be held on August, 1 2025. The theme will be “Get Schooled,” which is a new theme for 2025 that celebrates going back to school.
It’s time to hit the books and head back to class, and downtown Kokomo wants you to go back to school in style! Dress in your school’s colors and show off your school’s pride! There will be plenty of opportunities for students of all ages (and parents!) to begin the school year.
Not only can you celebrate the new school year, but you can also learn something new. Businesses and artists will be around downtown teaching mini classes and lessons in all subject areas!
Family-fun runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Afterwards, grown-ups can head to recess during First Friday After Hours.
Special thanks to our 2025 First Friday Presenting Partner!
Never miss a First Friday update!
Sign up for our mailing list to stay in the loop about all things First Friday! There is an event list and a participant (business, organization, artist) list.
What is First Friday?
On the first Friday of select months in 2025, the community will gather for an arts-based, open house tour of beautiful downtown Kokomo. Every First Friday is themed to either an upcoming holiday, special occasion, or the strong and growing art scene in Kokomo.
Expect to see some of your favorite downtown businesses open past their regular business hours giving casual open houses to highlight what they do and how they serve the community. Businesses such as restaurants and shops might give out special discounts or have sales in honor of First Friday.
In addition, you can also expect to see some of your favorite local businesses from all over the community with booths highlighting their products and services. Many local businesses have boosted their sales or increased networking as a result of First Fridays. In addition, you can also expect to see some of your favorite local businesses from all over the community with booths showcasing their products and services, as well as hosting enjoyable activities for all ages. You might even see local artists displaying and selling their artworks and creations all over downtown.
Fun for all ages will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
First Friday After Hours: the party continues
Returning in 2025 is First Friday After Hours, where grown-ups can indulge in downtown Kokomo’s night life past the regular event hours. Select bars, pubs, shops, and event venues will remain open with expanded offerings. You can even find live music and entertainment as well. First Friday After Hours is a great way to celebrate the end of a long work week.
First Friday After Hours will continue after 8 p.m. and is for guests ages 21 and older only.
Get involved!
Announce your plans to participate in First Fridays!
Those wishing to participate should sign up by July 29.
Engage with the community!
Take your participation to the next level by hosting a themed activity! Find inspiration below. Don’t forget to share your participation on social media by using our First Friday marketing materials!
Explore all the details!
Visiting downtown for First Friday? Check out all the happenings with our mobile-friendly guide!
Plan for parking
There’s plenty of free parking in downtown Kokomo for our guests and participants!
Get social!
Have questions?
Whether you are in need of helping with participation, finding a location, or have an idea, we are happy to assist you! Please message us below.
2025 First Fridays are here!
On nine Fridays in 2025, the community will gather for this arts-based, open house tour of beautiful downtown Kokomo. Each month features a theme with downtown venues catering their activities to the month’s theme. Visitors to the downtown area during the event will find discounts and activities at shops and restaurants, and live music, public art, family-friendly activities & more. The fun of First Friday continues with First Friday After Hours. Dive into the downtown vibe with bars, pubs, live music, and a myriad of entertainment options for grown-up visitors.
The following will be the themes for the 2025 events:
(Events are 5:30 to 8 p.m. with First Friday After Hours from 8 p.m. onward)
March 7 – Hoop it Up!
Dribble it, pass it, dunk it with the Kokomo BobKats!
April 4 – Go Green
Celebrate Earth Month with eco-friendly fun and nature-inspired activities.
May 2 – Art Task!
Unleash your creativity with an artsy evening of hands-on projects, guided by local artists and creative businesses.
June 6, 2025 – Strawberry Festival and Artsapalooza Art Market (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Kick off summer in the sweetest way with a refreshing strawberry shortcake dessert and a vibrant art market to explore!
August 1 – Get Schooled!
Show your school spirit while you learn something new about art, Kokomo, and other cool subjects!
September 5 – Art Walk
Stroll through Kokomo’s vibrant art scene and solve an artistic mystery along the way.
October 3, 2025 – Masquerade
Dress for a costume party filled with spooky fun, treats, tricks, and plenty of surprises!
November 7, 2025 – Shop & Stroll
Spend the evening exploring downtown’s unique shops and venues to start your holiday shopping.
December 5, 2025 – Ugly Sweater
Don your quirkiest, coziest sweater and join the holiday fun in the most wonderfully ugly style!
