Discover Lansdale has announced the details for October’s First Friday festival in downtown Lansdale. Make sure you bring your appetites, as the event will feature 10 food trucks and the return of the annual Lansdale Chili Cookoff.
The contest will be held on Susquehanna Ave next to the beer garden in the West Main Lot, with the contest being held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and awards being announced at 8:45 p.m.
Judging will be done by the public via write-in ballots during the course of the contest, and awards for first, second and third place will be provided afterwards.
First Fridays in 2023 are sponsored in part by C&J Automotive of Lansdale, Elton & 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.
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
October First Friday will feature music at three locations: the Dirk Quinn 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 October’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 October First Friday, the Corn Maze will return on South Wood Street, along with a Harvest Moon Bounce, Five-in-One Castle Combo, and inflatable axe throwing 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 grab balloon art, courtesy of Scott Myers, and facepainting courtesy of Josep Cuce. There is no fee for balloon art or face painting, 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 $150 gift card to Round House.
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:
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Tastings of Indian Valley Event to Be Held Next Month, Proceeds Benefit North Montco Tech
Souderton’s Party in the Park Offers a Night of Family Fun
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