Weekend Entertainment | First Friday, YSU Homecoming

Downtown Youngstown’s comeback is progressing in fits and starts, but it’s definitely on track.

Most streets have reopened now that reconstruction projects and the razing of Realty Tower have wrapped up.

On Thursday, the new Casa di Canzonetta restaurant opened on the ground floor of the Doubletree by Hilton Youngstown Downtown hotel. Formerly the Bistro 1907, which closed after the Realty Tower explosion in May, it promises to be one of the city’s best. Read more about the restaurant HERE.

Earlier this week, the Ward Beecher Planetarium at Youngstown State University reopened. Read more about the planetarium HERE.

With the weather looking perfect, this will be another great weekend to hang out in the center city, and there are two big reasons to do it: the monthly First Friday event and the YSU football homecoming game.

Because the Historical Youngstown Ghost Tour (which is sold out) will take place downtown tonight and Friday, the monthly First Friday event is moving a few blocks north to the stretch of Wick Avenue near YSU.

A vendor market and other activities will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County’s Main Library, along Rayen Avenue.

Nearby cultural venues on Wick Avenue will also get in on the event.

Here is an overview:

• Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology: Half-price admission from 4 to 8 p.m.
• McDonough Museum of Art: Faculty exhibition opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m., with live music by Aimlis starting at 6 p.m.
• Ward Beecher Planetarium: Free public shows and season previews at 2 and 8 p.m.
• Noble Creature brewery: Live music by Alibi at 8 p.m.
• Harrison Commons: Volleyball and badminton from 4 to 6 p.m.
• Butler Institute of American Art: Extended hours until 8 p.m.
• Bliss Hall at YSU: Student art exhibition in Solomon Gallery, 4 to 8 p.m.; YSU Theatre’s production of “On the Verge” at 7:30 p.m.
• St. John’s Episcopal Church: Ballet Western Reserve presenting vignettes from “The Nutcracker,” 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Lindsay Delullo art exhibition from 4 to 8 p.m.
• Penguin City Brewing: Country line dancing, 7:30 p.m. ($5).
• MVR restaurant and bocce courts: Live music.

First Friday is put together by Youngstown CityScape. In past years, it took place from May to September. But starting this year, it will keep going all winter, said Adam Lee, program director.

For the cold weather months, First Friday will be an indoor-outdoor event. For example, the November event will be centered around The Butler Institute of American Art, and the December event will be Light Up Now and the holiday parade, Lee said.

Admission to all First Friday events is free, unless otherwise noted.

This also happens to be YSU’s homecoming weekend. The Penguins will take on Indiana State at 2 p.m. Saturday at Stambaugh Stadium.

The tailgate lots will be humming before the event, and the new Bull & Bear campus pub and eatery on Lincoln Avenue will throw a party before, during and after the game. It will be indoors and outdoors, with a tent and beer truck on Elm Street. Read more about Bull & Bear HERE.

Also on Saturday, the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 2024-25 season with a 7:30 p.m. concert at Powers Auditorium. Read more about the concert HERE.

For a complete look at everything going on in the Mahoning Valley, check out The List.

Pictured at top: The monthly First Friday event will move to Wick Avenue this week.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.