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MARIETTA -- As January gives way to February, downtown Marietta is gearing up for its next First Friday event, hosted by Marietta Main Street.
The February theme is "Date Night" with the perfect opportunity to get a jump on Valentine's Day.
First Friday runs from 5-9 p.m. today, and many businesses will be open late for extended shopping. Downtown restaurants will be joining the fun with their own specials and festive menu items.
Shoppers will find discounts at shops such as Andy's Toy Chest and Little Rosie Boutique which will be offering 10% off purchases. Sugar Maple Boutique will offer 15% off and will also have a 50% sale section. Wit and Whimzy will be having a "Couples Sale" where some items will be paired for a discount. At Threadz Boutique, every purchase will be entered to win a Basket of Love, and at First City Records every purchase will earn free stickers or buttons.
First City Records will also host a live musician, and Just a Jar Design Press will also be open late with live music. Teri Ann's will be having winter merchandise 50-75% off and will host artist Leslie Gearhart and her handcrafted bracelets of silver, Swarovski crystals and pearls.
At Clutch Collective, local published poet Christopher Poindexter will be on hand from 5-7 p.m. to greet visitors and sign copies of his book.
For the creatives, Marietta Makery will offer a make-and-take drop in class featuring felted hearts. Green Acres of Marietta will host a psychic, baked goods and the Humane Society with adoptable pets while Marietta Adventure Company will also have extended hours.
Diners can enjoy dinner and cocktail specials at the Historic Lafayette Hotel and 740 Social will offer Chocolate Dipped House Made Potato Chips with a Valentine's Dip. At Jeremiah's Coffee House, people can sign up for the Galentine's Event to enjoy decorating chocolate covered strawberries and a Chocolate Espresso Martini.
At Over the Moon Pub and Pizza, local singer Evie Schaffer will perform from 6:30-9:30 p.m., and diners can enjoy a large heart shaped pizza and two drinks for $20.24.
Whitney Thompson Cruells, owner of 740 Social, said that downtown businesses are excited for First Friday.
"We all love and deeply appreciate the influx of shoppers and diners who join us for these events," said Cruells. "Winter can be rough for many people, so getting out and walking downtown among familiar faces is great for surviving the chilly months. Marietta is more than a summer destination, we are here year round and look forward to seeing the streets bustling with activity Friday night."
Downtown First Friday events are coordinated by Marietta Main Street and take place the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. January through December. Highlights of these events include shops open late, local artists and musicians, area organizations, and various happenings tied into the theme of the First Friday.
Each First Friday is a celebration of the local community and an opportunity for locals, tourists, and area groups to show their support for the town, have fun, and enjoy the beauty of vibrant, historic downtown Marietta, organizers said.
To learn more about Marietta Main Street, upcoming events, and programs, visit the Marietta Main Street website at www.mariettamainstreet.org.
Marietta Main Street is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to downtown revitalization using community and economic development and historic preservation strategies. Featured events and programs include First Fridays, Build Up Marietta building and business improvement grant program, downtown beautification, public art, Main Street West, small business support, Hometown Holidays, and more. Learn more at www.mariettamainstreet.org.