ASHLAND — Summer may be wrapping up but downtown Ashland is just getting started.
Ashland will be buzzing this Friday evening as businesses stay open late, offer sales, food and drink specials and host activities for the city’s monthly Final Friday event.
Final Friday began in January as a way to bring people downtown more often. The event takes place on the last Friday of each month, with businesses choosing how they want to participate.
“The idea is to just make downtown more of a destination more often,” said Sandra Tunnell, executive director of Ashland Main Street.
Rather than creating one large event, Final Friday gives individual businesses the freedom to participate however they choose.
Friday’s event will have a bee-themed twist dubbed “It’s great to ‘bee’ downtown.” Uniontown Brewing Co. stepped up to the theme Thursday by hosting an adult spelling bee.
Here’s a look at some of the activities planned:
- Ashley’s Candy & Nut Shoppe — Adult ice cream drinks.
- Bloom Nutrition and Drink Bar — Large fish bowls of lemonade.
- South Street Grille — Live music from Steve Baxter & Sam Stephenson.
- Holdfast Tattoocompany — Discounted piercings and $80 tiny tattoos.
- Fig & Oak — Bee-themed event.
- Opal and Olive Boutique — Sale.
- Other downtown businesses will offer their own specials and activities.
Shoppers who spend at least $20 can also enter a drawing for a gift card to the downtown business of their choice.
Final Friday also coincides with the downtown DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area), so patrons can enjoy permitted alcoholic beverages while walking through the designated area.
Tunnell said the event is intended to be casual. Residents do not have to follow a set route or complete a punch card.
“We have a lot of unusual, unique, fun, cool shops,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to check them out.”
Final Friday will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in downtown Ashland. There will be no road closures or changes to downtown parking.
