Think you need to give up your Friday night out because you have little ones in tow?
Think again.
This summer, Fishtown Neighbors Association is bringing back First Fridays, a family-friendly event featuring food, drinks and entertainment.
The first event took place on Friday, June 4, and another one will be held in both July and August.
The series debuted the summer of 2019, but was put on hold last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The civic was excited to be able to offer the community an outlet to socialize during the summer month.
“Over this past winter we were in talks about whether or not we would be able to have any in-person events this summer, and we are thrilled that with vaccinations being readily available we were able to bring this back,” said Kat Clayton, events chair for FNA.
Additionally, the programming keeps the Garden Center, 1825 Frankford Ave, in use.
“We typically have our Meet the Neighbors event every June at the Garden Center,” Clayton explained. “Since that event is more large-scale, we wanted to do something easier, more frequently over the summer months to utilize the Garden Center.”
The remaining pay-as-you-go events will feature live DJs, beer and seltzer, and an art display of the annual Children’s Art Contest.
More activities may be added.
The series is organized by the FNA events committee and board.
The New Kensington Community Development Corporation donates the space and local businesses including Philadelphia Brewing Company provide discounts for the civic.
Funding for the events are from the Penn Treaty Special Services District.
The safety of the community remains a priority at each event: An FNA staff member helps with COVID checks for potential contact tracing and a limited number of people are permitted in the garden center.
All residents in Fishtown are welcome.
“Bring yourself and some friends and family members, come enjoy some food and drinks in the garden, and reconnect with your friends in the neighborhood this summer,” Clayton said. “[We want] to give neighbors the opportunity to hang out in the awesome Garden Center space.” ••
FNA’s First Fridays will be held on July 2 and Aug. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the NKCDC Garden Center. Event is pay-as-you-go, with $5 beer tickets available via cash or Venmo. No credit cards accepted. Businesses interested in participating in First Fridays can contact Kat Clayton at [email protected]. The FNA events committee meets the second Thursday of each month at Konrad Square, 2200 E. Dauphin St., at 6:30 p.m. New members welcome.
