Downtown Bellefontaine
Downtown Days
Themed celebrations all year long. Shop, eat, explore, and repeat.
From First Fridays to Downtown Days
It started simply: make the first Friday of every month a reason to come downtown, see your neighbors and support local shops. The Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership launched First Fridays to do just that, and it worked. Downtown found its rhythm.
But not everyone could make a Friday night, and shops wanted events lined up with their busiest days. So the Partnership retired First Fridays and relaunched the idea as Downtown Days: themed celebrations that can land on any day of the month, and sometimes fill a whole weekend.
The goal hasn't changed. Give people a great reason to come downtown, help them discover places they might have walked right past, and send them home already planning the next visit.
Why Downtown Days Work
Shop hops & passports
Scavenger hunts, passport cards, tastings and giveaways pull you into storefronts. On the Chocolate Walk, you collect treats shop after shop.
Something for everyone
Some days are made for families, some for date night, some for out-of-town visitors. Think Galentine's cocktails, Pineapple Palooza and Hometown Christmas carriage rides.
A community effort
The City keeps the streets safe and open, the Logan County Chamber spreads the word, and local sponsors fund the fun. The Partnership, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ties it all together.
Good for Main Street
Shops and restaurants often see holiday-level sales on event days, and first-time visitors keep coming back long after the streets are cleared.
A Year of Downtown Days
A Day on the Square
Live Music
Local artists, street performers, and pop-up performances around the square.
Extended Hours
Shops and restaurants stay open later so you can take your time exploring.
DORA Cups
Grab a DORA-approved drink from a participating spot and stroll the district.
Family Friendly
Bring the kids -- there's almost always something happening for the whole family.
See the full Downtown Days lineup
Themes, dates, participating shops and sponsor info live on the official Downtown Days site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downtown Days?
Downtown Days is a year-round series of themed events in Downtown Bellefontaine, Ohio, organized by the Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership. Each one brings shopping specials, food, music and activities to the historic downtown district.
Is Downtown Days the same as First Fridays?
Downtown Days grew out of First Fridays. The Partnership retired the First Fridays name and relaunched the series as Downtown Days so events can happen on any day of the month, not just the first Friday.
When is the next Downtown Day?
Downtown Days happen throughout the year, with dates set for each theme. Check the upcoming list on this page, the downtown events calendar, or downtowndaysbtown.com for the next one.
Does it cost anything to attend?
Most Downtown Days are free to walk around and enjoy. Some activities, such as special walks or tastings, may require a ticket, and those details are listed with each event.
Can I carry a drink around during Downtown Days?
Yes, within the DORA. Downtown Bellefontaine has a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, so you can buy a drink in an approved DORA cup from a participating business and carry it within the district during DORA hours.
Where do I park?
Public parking lots sit all around downtown, plus on-street parking. The Downtown Visitors Guide map shows every lot.
