Downtown Springfield is the place to go on four Friday nights this summer to enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, shopping and family fun at local businesses. Friday Night Live is a collaboration among downtown businesses and community supporters to bring people downtown and experience all those local businesses have to offer. It was born from a grassroots idea to help downtown brick-and-mortar businesses thrive and uplift the local economy.
The dates are July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1. Many businesses will have extended hours beyond 5 p.m., and some bars will be open until 2 a.m. so there should be something for everyone to enjoy.
“This event puts existing downtown businesses front and center,” said Cainan Barnett, marketing manager for Isringhausen Imports and a Downtown Springfield, Inc. board member. “It’s not another street festival; it’s a movement to get people inside our shops, restaurants and venues.”
Specialty retail shops, restaurants, bars, art galleries and other businesses are participating. Free street parking is available. If you don’t know the full range of what downtown Springfield offers, this is a perfect time to explore and find out.
“Friday Night Live brings real energy to the heart of Springfield,” said Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory, who represents a portion of the downtown. “It’s about celebrating our city, supporting local businesses and creating safe spaces where families and young people can come together. I’m always supportive of good things that bring us together and uplift our community.”
Organizers had initially hoped to close off three blocks of Fifth Street during the Friday night events but have since decided not to pursue those plans. They now say efforts for Friday Night Live are more limited – to place ads to promote downtown as a destination and to encourage the public to patronize and enjoy downtown businesses.
On July 11 and July 25, the Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St., will remain open from 5-7 p.m. On July 18 and Aug. 1, Kidzeum will provide an opportunity for parents to drop their little ones off between 5-8 p.m. so the adults can enjoy the other festivities downtown. This is open to children ages four and older, and advance registration is required. A pizza dinner will be provided, along with fun-filled supervised play.
“Our goal is to give parents the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening’s festivities while their kids are well-cared for,” said Leah Wilson, executive director of Kidzeum. To register, go to https://kidzeum.org/events.
Just as each downtown business is unique, each participating business will determine its specific schedule, offerings and social media promotion for the four evenings.
“We are looking to get the entire downtown community to come together for a collective yet separate event that brings people into their doors, not walking right past them,” said Barnett. “Each business adds its own flavor – but the energy is citywide and collaborative.”
Be sure to pick up Illinois Times in the coming weeks for updated information on participating businesses.