City releases 2024 First Friday schedule

Dec. 15—DANVLLE — Every month on the First Friday of the month, the City of Danville plans an entertaining event for the community that brings people together in the heart of the city — the Downtown District.

These First Friday events are free or low cost so that everyone can attend, bringing hundreds to thousands of people together every month to experience the charm, history and culture of Danville.

These events support local businesses, create positive experiences and enhance the culture of our city, city officials state.

In a recent study performed by Studio GWA, the city can see that the visitor count for Downtown Danville based on cellphone tracking is peaking on every First Friday. The First Fridays in November, December, April and May all had nearly 8,000 visitors.

Visitors to Downtown Danville on any typical day range anywhere between 1,000-4,000.

The city is going on its third consecutive year of First Fridays events in Downtown Danville, after COVID-19.

The City of Danville is excited to announce the 2024 First Fridays event series lineup:

* Jan. 5 — Fire & Ice at the David S. Palmer Arena. Free ice skating and sledding for the whole family at the arena and fire-themed activities outside and in the conference rooms.

* Feb. 2 — Folklore Progressive Dinner. Enjoy dinner downtown with each course served at a different venue and folklore storytelling at each location.

* March 1 — Danville's Got Talent. An annual talent competition featuring Danville's finest entertainers at the Fischer Theatre.

* April 5 — Spring Bingo. An Easter-themed bingo game at Temple Plaza with the chance to win big. Don't forget to visit the Easter Bunny at Temple Plaza and have your picture taken at the photo booth.

* May 3 — Sports and Brews. Zip Line down Vermilion Street and see all the outdoor games, including bags, dunk tank, street hockey, tennis, indoor virtual golf and other themed activities. Food trucks and beer specials at the local downtown bars.

* June 7 — Midsummer Luau & Live Music. Come out for this Hawaiian party in your best Hawaiian clothes! Activities include a hog roast, live music and entertainment, Tiki drinks and more.

* July 5 — Downtown Carnival & Live Music. Enjoy a carnival-themed evening Downtown. Find talented performers, carnival games and food, a petting zoo, car show and so much more right at your backdoor.

* Aug. 2 — Taste and Style of Danville & Live Music. Have a bite of what Danville has to offer, enjoy the many food options, and visit the unique downtown businesses that will satisfy your shopping needs.

* Sept. 6 — The Artisan Table & Market & Live Music. Enjoy a peaceful night with a Farm to Table dinner experience in the street, live music and artisan market at Temple Plaza.

* Oct. 4 — Glow Downtown 5K. An evening run in the heart of Downtown Danville with neon clothes, glow jewelry and paint, black lights and party music.

* Nov. 1 — Potterfest Downtown. Enjoy a Harry Potter themed festival where downtown Danville transforms into a magical world.

* Dec. 6 — Night of Lights Parade & Carriage Rides. View the Night of Lights parade that passes through downtown Danville. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides during the day and visit Santa at Temple Plaza.

2024 First Fridays are possible because of sponsors.