Finding something interesting to do on a Friday night in Florence can be difficult for newcomers. This is why going to First Fridays is a great option for everyone who is new to Florence or UNA.

First Fridays is an event held in Downtown Florence on the first Friday of every month. Local vendors come from all over and line the streets, selling their handmade goods. There are also all kinds of bands playing.

One of these bands-which has played at First Fridays over 10 times-is Planet Ink. According to lead guitarist James Sherrill, the band describes itself as “heavy funk, or Motorhead meets James Brown” and loves playing at the event.

“This event is a great way to reach a new audience,” said Sherill. “We love going to the festival. We always end up buying all kinds of food and art. I always come out of there with some kind of banana or zucchini bread. It‘s such a unique thing; you never know what you’ll find.”

Besides bands and shopping, there are also various performances going on, like hula-hooping and belly dancing. A belly dancing enthusiast, Linda Folkerts, absolutely loves performing at First Fridays. She dances with the Rainbow Dancers, who have been in Florence for 20 years. Folkerts remembers the first time she saw a belly dancer at First Fridays.

“I love the diversity and variety of things going on all at once during First Fridays,” said Folkerts. “I come here anytime I want to feel spontaneous and in the moment.”

UNA junior Cody Cabaniss has been going to First Fridays since its earlier days. He thinks that the festival gives students the opportunity to get to know other students.

“It’s a great way for students to get to know the downtown area,” said Cabaniss. “It gives students something to do in a town that doesn’t offer much for college students. I have so much fun walking around downtown and listening to music. I think that everyone should go at least once.”