First Fridays in Old Fort: Your Fall and Holiday Guide
Some of the best nights in Old Fort happen on the first Friday of the month. Shops keep their doors open a little later, neighbors stop to visit on the sidewalk and downtown feels like one big front porch. If you’ve never been, this fall is a good time to start.
What Is First Friday?
On the first Friday of each month, downtown businesses, galleries and community groups open their doors for an evening of shopping, visiting and family fun. It’s free to walk around, and each month brings something a little different. Park once and stroll Catawba Avenue and Main Street at your own pace.
Friday, October 2
First up is October. The leaves are starting to turn on the ridges around town, and it’s a nice evening to browse the galleries, pick up something from a local maker and grab dinner downtown. Check the Explore Old Fort events calendar for times and the latest details.
Friday, November 6, 4 to 7 p.m.: A Night for Kids
November’s First Friday is all about the little ones. Here’s what’s planned:
- Join the drum circle at the Arrowhead Monument
- Take on a scavenger hunt at the Mountain Gateway Museum
- Find children’s books at bside, The Common Pine, Catawba Vale and the McDowell library bookmobile
- Watch the model trains at the Old Fort depot
- Finish with a sweet treat at Gogo’s Cinnamon Rolls
Bring the grandkids, the neighbor kids or just your own inner kid. It’s an easy, low-cost evening out for the whole family.
Friday, December 4
December’s First Friday lands right at the start of the holiday season, so it’s a good night to do some gift shopping close to home. Our galleries and shops are full of handmade gifts from mountain artists, and every purchase helps a neighbor. Check the Explore Old Fort events calendar for times and details.
It’s a big weekend all around. Holly Jolly starts at 5 p.m. that same evening in Black Mountain, about 15 minutes away. The next evening, Saturday, December 5, the Old Fort Christmas Parade rolls down Main Street at 5 p.m. Make a weekend of it.
Make an Evening of It
Stay for dinner before you head home. Try pub food and local beer at AMB Outpost & Kitchen, a sandwich on the creekside patio at Hillman Beer or a pint at Whaley Farm Brewery. Our Food & Brew page has more ideas.
Before You Go
- First Fridays are free to walk.
- Times can change from month to month, so check the events calendar before you come.
- Sign up for our events newsletter so you never miss one.
- Bring a jacket. Fall evenings cool off fast once the sun goes down.
Every First Friday is a chance to meet the folks who make Old Fort home. Come say hello.