Downtown Bloomington enhances First Fridays

Image courtesy of the City of Bloomington 

Normal, Ill. – Fridays are very special days in Bloomington. The first Friday of every month, retail businesses, art galleries and restaurants attract the after-work crowd to shop locally.

These Fridays are accompanied by different themes as well. Some big themes this year are Tour De Chocolat, Get Your Kicks on Route 66 and Once Upon a Holiday.

Last year, downtown Bloomington experienced a decline in overall local shopping and First Friday attendance, even as participation grew for certain themed First Friday events.

Taylor Kern, a downtown development specialist with the city of Bloomington, spoke about efforts to increase participation this year.

“We are taking what works and really elevating them for 2026,” Kern said.

Taking this initiative has also allowed for downtown to host Saturday events as well.

First Friday themes will include a honey celebration in September for National Honey Month, a special theme in October, and a Shop Small Saturday–inspired event in November.

Many businesses in downtown Bloomington participate in the First Friday themes and they hold their own special events. Shops may host pop-ups that go with their businesses like music, books and floral events.

“We’re giving it up to businesses to come up with themes that make sense for them,” Kern added.

Shopping locally benefits the community by keeping money in the hands of small businesses and local residents rather than large chains.

“You’re also helping small business owners who are building their dream in a brick and mortar,” Kern said.

Kern mentioned downtown Bloomington is reworking events and looking a lot different these days.

“We’re moving in a really nice direction and people should look out for us,” Kern added.

Shopping local brings uniqueness and variety to a community while strengthening it, and First Friday events in downtown Bloomington help achieve that goal.