First Friday Fun!

The boutique store, Clementine Urban Mercantile, on NW Wall Street in downtown Bend, held its grand opening on the First Friday of November 2015. “We have been open for all of them since. That is 122 First Fridays!” owner Gwen Whitten told the Source.

First Friday in downtown Bend started more than 20 years ago as a way to highlight local art galleries, but over the years it’s changed. “First Friday has evolved into a broader community event that still honors art, but also supports local businesses, makers, musicians, nonprofits and experiential activations,” says Rachel O’Rourke, executive director of the Downtown Bend Business Association. “At its core, the “why” has always remained the same: to create connection, foot traffic, and energy in downtown Bend.” The event is held on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 8pm.

The DBBA creates a theme for each month. The First Friday on March 6 is being called “Makers Mayhem” which is described as a celebration of local makers, creators and artisans. “The “mayhem” isn’t chaos so much as creative energy: a mix of mediums, styles, and experiences happening simultaneously throughout downtown,” O’Rourke explains. Other upcoming themes include April: Youth Art Takeover, May: Bend in Bloom and June: Prideful Creations.

Participating stores offer snacks and drinks during First Fridays. Credit: Nic Moye

O’Rourke says on average between 15 to 25 businesses participate during First Fridays in the fall and winter months, but that increases to as many as 40 between April and September and they each participate differently.

Whitten says she invites artists to display their work in the courtyard outside their store and sometimes hosts musicians. Inside, she collects donations for the Kid Center. “We feel very strongly that there is a real value for customers in seeing the actual owners giving back to the community and that is based on the feedback we receive,” Whitten says. “My husband Chris is always our bartender, and he and I create new cocktail inventions with a theme each First Friday.”

Walking around the February event in downtown Bend, one business offered Brown Bag popcorn. Others offered various drink options. One store made space for an artist who designed custom painted snowboards and other items while another store featured a jewelry maker. There were three street musicians and musical groups performing on Wall Street and Minnesota Avenue while four people from a theatrical group dressed in costume promoting a play. The stores that were open were packed. The vibe felt like a hang with friends.

First Friday at the Old Mill District is from 3-6pm. Credit: Gwen Shoemaker Photography

In the Old Mill District about nine galleries and shops participate in First Friday which is held from 3-6pm. Assistant Marketing Director, Amanda Bird-Zimmerman, says, “We are home to three official art studios and galleries, which are home to more than 20 local artists… Folks can visit their locations and see the artists working in real time as well as peruse pieces to purchase and take home. Tumalo Art Co. is an artist collective that opens a new exhibit every First Friday Art Walk.”

Va Piano Vineyards Wine and Champagne Bar supplies wine during the event while Savory Spice provides dips and chips. Bird-Zimmerman says between 4,000 to 7,500 people attend the Old Mill First Friday Art Walks, depending on the time of year.

Live music fills the streets of downtown Bend during First Friday. Credit: Nic Moye

“The number of talented artists in Bend is nothing short of inspiring,” she says. “We’re also big supporters of the Downtown Art Walk and that is why ours starts at 3pm and ends around 6pm. The hope is that folks who enjoy art and mingling with creatives can attend both. That, and in the summertime the walk from the Old Mill District to Downtown is delightful along the river!”

In downtown Bend, Whitten says July, August, September and December are the busiest months. She and her husband have only missed a few First Fridays over the years. “We think it is really important that we are there thanking our customers and showing them that we appreciate their business. Plus, it is just a lot of fun!”

“First Friday is meant to be approachable and flexible,” O’Rourke says. “You don’t have to ‘do it all.’ You can pop into one business or wander for hours. Every month looks a little different, and that’s part of the charm.”