Details Announced for July’s ‘Great American Outdoors’ First Friday in Lansdale

Discover Lansdale has announced the details for July’s ‘The Great American Outdoors’ First Friday festival in downtown Lansdale.

First Fridays in 2023 are sponsored in part by C&J Automotive of LansdaleElton & Thompson Structural Engineers, and Montco Elder Law. For sponsorship info, click here.

Stay up to date on event details by visiting the event page on Facebook. See below for more information.

UNIQUE THEMED ACTIVITIES

To celebrate the Great American Outdoors, July’s First Friday will have a handful of theme-specific activities, which include:

  • Loggers chain-sawing wood (Railroad Plaza)
  • Boy Scouts making s’mores (Railroad Plaza)
  • Display from the Telford Dive Team (Susquehanna)
  • John Deere Moon Bounce (Kids’ Zone)
  • Obstacle Course (Kids’ Zone)
  • Log Slammer (Wood Street)
  • Public Reading of “The Gnatural” by local authors Mark and Ryan Bryson (Railroad Plaza)

FOOD TRUCKS AND VENDORS

Organizers expect to have 10 food trucks, with another handful of non-vehicle food vendors throughout the event space.

Food trucks and vendors include:

Food trucks will be lined up single file on Madison Street at Railroad Plaza. Additionally, non-vehicle food vendors will be placed along South Wood Street and inside the beer garden at the West Main Lot.

ENTERTAINMENT

July First Friday will feature music at three locations: The Pennise Family Band on South Wood Street, DJ Chris Evans at Railroad Plaza, and DJ Tone Arm at the West Main Lot beer garden.

Music will begin at each location around 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.

BEER GARDEN

The lineup for July’s First Friday Pop Up Beer Garden includes:

The West Main Lot Beer Garden will also feature tables and chairs, food offerings, music and more. Additionally, alcoholic beverages will be available on South Wood Street, courtesy of Round Guys Brewing Co. and Round House.

All guests must be 21+ to drink, and all drinks must remain in the event space where they were purchased. Carrying drinks from one location to another is strictly prohibited.

KIDS' ZONE

For the July First Friday, the log slammer will be making its debut on South Wood Street, along with an obstacle course, moon bounce, and inflatable soccer on Madison Street.

Guests will be required to purchase a $5 band at the Discover Lansdale tent at Railroad Plaza, which will allow guests unlimited access to the rides. This change was made to streamline the event on the organizing end and save money for guests with children or teens.

In addition to the attraction, kids will be able to partake in free face painting courtesy of Josep Cuce and balloon art courtesy of Scott Myers. There is no fee for face paint or balloon art, though tips are encouraged.

PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT

The photo scavenger hunt has returned as a recurring activity for each First Friday in the 2023 season, with a winner being drawn at the end of each event.

Seven photos will be added to the Discover Lansdale Facebook page in the days leading up to the event. To participate, you must be able to identify all seven locations, write them down (along with your name and contact info), and submit it at the Discover Lansdale booth at Railroad Plaza by 9 p.m.

A winner will then be drawn at random, who will receive a $150 worth of merchandise from a sponsor.

TIMING, WEATHER, CONTACT INFO

This season, First Fridays begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Road closures include South Wood Street from Main to Courtland, Madison Street from Main to the end of the one-way, and Susquehanna Ave. from Main to Courtland.

Should there be a threat of inclement weather, a decision will be announced by 1 p.m. regarding whether or not the event will be held. There is no rain date for First Fridays.

Anyone seeking additional information should email [email protected].

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Discover Lansdale, a 501c3 nonprofit, is seeking sponsors for the 2023 First Friday season. Opportunities include season-long sponsorships and event-specific sponsorships. Additional details can be found here.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND THEMES

The rest of the 2023 First Friday season is as follows:

(Editor’s Note: the author of this article is also a board member with Discover Lansdale and serves as their First Friday Committee Chairman.)

See also:

Discover Lansdale Announces Details for June First Friday Festivities

Third-Grader Kalissie Loftus Paints Her Winning Design for NPWA’s Fire Hydrant Design Contest

Elm Terrace Gardens Celebrates the Centennial Birthdays of 4 of Their Residents

Souderton Woman Receives Community Service Award from Towamencin DAR

Photos: Lansdale’s Under the Lights Car Show 2023