Ugly Sweater coming Friday, December 6!

Family-friendly set from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in downtown Kokomo

Let’s get cozy!

The tenth and final First Friday of the year will be held on December 6. The theme will be Ugly Sweater, which is the perfect theme for the coziest time of the year.

Dress in your warmest and ugliest (or at least most festive!) sweater, and bring your family and friends for a holiday celebration in downtown Kokomo! Stroll around and experience the beautiful decorations, and don’t forget to check out the locally-owned shops and restaurants to find festive treats and gifts!

As part of the festivities, the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association will be announcing the winner of the Old-Fashioned Holiday Window Decorating Contest, where a lucky Kokomo Downtown District business will earn the Holiday Cheer Award. A brief ceremony will be held in the business’ storefront and will be running on Kokomo Downtown District’s Facebook Live promptly at 5:30 p.m.

Here’s what you can expect on First Fridays!

Every First Friday is themed to either an upcoming holiday or 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.

You might even see some of our local artists and crafters displaying and selling their artworks and creations. You can find them all over downtown and at some of the downtown art venues and galleries.

This year, First Fridays are including First Friday After Hours which begin after 8 p.m. Experience the night life of downtown Kokomo with bars, pubs live music, and exciting happenings designed for the adult crowd. First Friday After Hours is a great way to celebrate the end of a long work week.

View participating businesses

Each month, a new list will be created showing all of our businesses and activities. When it’s created, it will be here for you to view. Stay tuned!

Plan for parking

There’s plenty of free parking in downtown Kokomo! Click here for a map of all the public parking spots!

Announce plans for businesses

Announce your plans for upcoming First Fridays!

Please stay tuned to how you can participate in 2025!

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.

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2024 First Friday themes announced!

On 10 Fridays in 2024, 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 tailored for adults.
The following will be the themes for the 2024 events:
(Events are 5:30 to 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.)

March 1, 2024 – Hoop it Up!
Hoop it up at First Friday downtown as we partner up with the Kokomo BobKats for all kinds of basketball-related activities!

April 5, 2024 – Eclipse
From light to dark, black to white, join us downtown as we celebrate the coming total eclipse.

May 3, 2024 – Art Walk
Explore the art scene in downtown and engage in artistic activities.

June 7, 2024 – Strawberry Fest (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Summer officially kicks off in downtown Kokomo as thousands come together to enjoy a strawberry shortcake dessert as well as live music, vendors and activities for the whole family. Also, Artsapalooza Art Market returns for its third year.

July 5, 2024 – Freedom Friday
Celebrate Independence Day with patriotic-themed activities.

August 2, 2024– Design Find
A hunt for a variety of designs in architecture and art.

September 6, 2024 – Art Task
Enjoy a relaxing evening creating different art projects hosted by local artists and businesses.

October 4, 2024 – Masquerade
Get your Halloween costume ready early and enjoy trick-or-treating.

November 1, 2024 – Shop & Stroll
Head downtown for a night of shopping and open houses ahead of the holiday season.

December 6, 2024 – Ugly Sweater
Wear your warmest, ugliest sweater and head downtown for a holiday celebration.