First Friday Salinas: A New Tradition Begins Downtown

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Jenna Hanson Abramson

Downtown Salinas is getting a fresh dose of art, music, and community spirit with the launch of First Friday Salinas — a brand-new monthly celebration kicking off on Friday, November 7th, from 5–8 PM in Salinas City Center.

This exciting new event series will transform three blocks of Main Street into a lively, walkable experience featuring local artists, musicians, makers, and businesses. From live performances to art demos, open studios, food, drinks, and late-night shopping, First Fridays are all about celebrating the creativity and culture that make Downtown Salinas so special.

Save-the-date for First Friday Salinas on November 7th, 5 PM - 8PM in Downtown Salinas

🌟 Opening Night Highlights

The very first First Friday kicks off with an Opening Ceremony at 5:00 PM on the One Main Street Stage (in front of the National Steinbeck Center). The evening begins with a warm welcome and an energetic performance by Boronda Dias Tonatitos, a local baile folklorico group that embodies the heart and heritage of our community.

From there, the fun continues all along Main Street — from the 100s through the 300s — where you’ll find:

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment
Catch the high-energy Aerial Violinist Razzvio, local bands The Edge and The Essence, and a late-night Open Mic at The Beerded Bean.

🎨 Art Demos & Open Studios
Watch live painting with La Gabz, stop by ArtWorks Salinas and Downtown Book & Sound for art receptions, explore an Open Studio for kids with Ms. Nada at Artist Ink, and visit the Senior Art Show opening at Alliance on Aging.

🍴 Shops & Bites
Enjoy extended hours from local boutiques and eateries. Grab a loaded baked potato from Ivan’s Baked Potatoes, warm up with something cozy from Brewjee, or unwind with dinner and drinks from one of the many restaurants, cafés and bars located in Downtown Salinas.

✨ A Celebration of Creativity and Community

First Friday Salinas is more than an art walk — it’s a chance to experience the vibrant energy that happens when local talent, business, and community come together.

Whether you’re an art lover, foodie, music fan, or just looking for something new to do on a Friday night, First Friday Salinas is your invitation to explore, connect, and experience Downtown Salinas in a whole new way.

Event Details:

First Friday Salinas
🗓 Friday, November 7, 2025 is the inaugural event and it will reoccur the first Friday of every month
🕔 5:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Downtown Salinas — Main Street (100s through 300s)
🎤 Opening Ceremony at 5:00 PM | One Main Street Stage

Stay tuned for future First Friday dates, themes, and featured artists. For updates, be sure to follow @FirstFridaySalinas and @SalinasCityCenter on Instagram.

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