After several weeks of harsh weather, downtown Marietta has thawed out and is preparing for its initial First Friday of the new year, hosted by Marietta Main Street.

The event, themed Cupid Shuffle, runs from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, and features late shopping, live music, special promotions and more. Established in 2017, First Fridays have become a popular tradition for Marietta, bringing large numbers of the community and visitors alike to enjoy an evening of dining, entertainment and shopping. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, First Friday is the perfect opportunity to do some Valentine gift shopping or enjoy an early Valentine dinner.

One of Marietta’s newest businesses will be open late; Dead People’s Stuff on Front Street. At American Flags and Poles, Crossroad Candles will be on sale at 2 for $40, a savings of $10. Dad’s Primitive Workbench will have new clearance items and the store will feature new displays and products. Teri Ann’s will be featuring Sweetheart Specials and their Red Hot Winter Sale offering 50% – 75% savings.

At Wit and Whimzy, every purchase of $75 or more will earn a mystery gift bag and shoppers will find Valentine gift ideas and special clearance items. Clutch Collective is hosting local artist Corrissa Flesher, who will have her prints, greeting cards and more. The community is invited to meet this talented artist and browse her art and paper goods. At Threadz Boutique, ladies will feel the love when they get a chance to “Spin to Win” with any purchase of $25 or more.

River City Spaces will showcase new spring decor, and every purchase will be entered to win a small Valentine bouquet centerpiece. At Emleigh’s and Mama B’s, shoppers will find lots of new spring apparel and a packed sale rack. Another of Marietta’s newer businesses is J and M Books and Play, and they will be open late with a “Buy 4 books, get 1 free” special for the evening. First City Records will celebrate a milestone with a Vinyl Release Party. Business owner Aaron Whited explained why he is excited.

“Join us from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday as First City Records and Jake Dunn celebrate our very first vinyl release as a regional record label! You will be able to grab a $10 CD or a $22 crystal clear vinyl record and get it signed by Jake in the store as we listen and celebrate his EP

‘Kinda Like A Dream.’ We will be giving out free prizes, random upgrades with album purchase and giving away an autographed test pressing of the album that is limited to just 6 copies! Lastly, listen and learn about our next upcoming releases!”

Most of the downtown restaurants will feature specials for First Friday, including Wilky’s Sports Bar with seafood specials and live music. The Town House will offer a $10 burger and fries meal all day, and from 5-10 p.m. they’ll have .75 Busch Light in cans and .75 well drinks (sodas and juices). At Jeremiahs’ Coffee House, the Sweetheart Special will run all weekend and feature “Buy One, Get One Half Off” on all drinks. Over the Moon Pub and Pizza will be serving up $6 cocktail specials – Love Potion No. 9 and French Kiss. They will also be hosting Jesse Forrest with live music from 7-10 p.m. The Lafayette Hotel has some fun specials planned, including the drink for the day, the Pink Wink. They will offer half price appetizers (excluding shrimp), a $10 Breaded Buffalo Chicken Salad, and Beer Baskets with 6 domestic beers for $21 or imported beers for $26.

Downtown First Friday events take place the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. February through December. Highlights of these events include late shopping, artists and musicians, area organizations and various activities hosted in different businesses. Each First Friday is a celebration of our local community and an opportunity for locals, tourists and area groups to show their support for our town, have fun and enjoy the beauty of vibrant, historic downtown Marietta.

To learn more about Marietta Main Street, upcoming events, and programs, visit the Marietta Main Street website at: www.mariettamainstreet.org.

Marietta Main Street is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to downtown revitalization using community and economic development and historic preservation strategies. Featured events and programs include First Fridays, Build Up Marietta building and business improvement grant program, downtown beautification, public art, Main Street West, small business support, Hometown Holidays, and more.