With the arrival of March and the promise of spring, downtown Marietta is planning another First Friday event hosted by Marietta Main Street.

From 5-9 p.m. Friday, March 7, many shops and businesses will be open late and visitors can enjoy extra shopping, dining and drink specials, live music and more.

This Friday, many shops and boutiques will be offering discounts, such as Sugar Maple Boutique with 15% off regular merchandise and clearance items at 50% off.

At Threadz Boutique, customers can spin the wheel to win a prize at checkout. Emleigh’s and Mama B’s boutique will have new consignment items, 50% off select jewelry and a Spring Sale section.

Dad’s Primitive Workbench will be showcasing their new jewelry line from Theresa Caputo, the Long Island Medium. Neighboring Teri Ann’s will be hosting author Diana Parsell with her book, “Eliza Skidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist.”

At Wit and Whimzy, shoppers can look for the gold shamrock signs for flash sales and clearance items. At American Flags and Poles, the Candle of the Month will be offered for $17, and previous Candles of the Month will be $15.

Laura Pytlik, owner of Wit and Whimzy, explained how important First Friday events are for downtown businesses.

“For most businesses, First Fridays are a great boost, especially after the slow winter months of January and February. People are anxious to get back out and we are excited to see the foot traffic and the community downtown for the evening. These events have become a monthly routine for many people, to socialize as much as shop and dine,” Pytlik said.

People are invited to dress up as their favorite pop star for First City Records’ first ever Pop Music Cosplay Party. This family-friendly event will feature DJ music, prizes, and the chance to walk the catwalk to compete for the Best Costume prize of $100. At Clutch Collective, Artbeat Studio will be on site with their Art with a Heart Shop. This non-profit organization is a collaborative community arts center that fosters accessibility, inclusion, abundance and compassion and all proceeds from the sale of art supports their work and mission.

Green Acres of Marietta will be hosting a psychic, and the Humane Society of the MOV will be on hand with several dogs that are waiting for their forever home. On Second Street, the Marietta Adventure Company will have their Goodr sunglasses for Buy One, Get One Half off. Nearby, Rockstar Wellness is offering Free Fitness Friday from 4:30-8 p.m. They will offer a variety of 25-minute class demos, and people are invited to try as many classes as they’d like. At Marietta Makery, guests can create their own “My Intent” bracelets; the bracelets are made by Marietta Gretta which are then stamped with the word of choice, to be worn as expression or inspiration.

Restaurants will be offering their own specials for First Friday, including Over The Moon Pub and Pizza with $5 stout pints and live music by Gypsy River Band from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Lafayette Hotel will be offering dining and cocktail specials, and Wilky’s Sports Bar will host The Hopewell for live music. The Town House will feature a BBQ Buffet and Espresso Martinis. Jeremiah’s Coffee House will have 17% off their retail merchandise, and every order throughout the day will be entered to win $500 worth of Jeremiah’s gift cards and merchandise.

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. 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.