First Fridays: Past, Present, and Future

First Fridays: Past, Present, and Future – Celebrating 150 Years of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society will take place on Friday, September 5 from 4:00pm-8:00pm across West Federal Street, Vindicator Square, and surrounding locations in downtown Youngstown, with open houses, walking tours, a vendor market, historic displays, and community pop-ups. This milestone celebration invites the community to reflect on the region’s rich history, explore its creative present, and envision its bold future through an evening of live music, local storytelling, and engaging activities.

On the Federal Street stage, guests can enjoy live performances by Kari Rutushian (4:00pm–5:45pm) and Seasons of Swing (6:15pm–8:00pm). A full-service bar will offer beer, wine, and signature cocktails featuring local mixers from Golden Age Beverage, with appearances by celebrity guest bartenders throughout the night.

At the heart of the event, MVHS will host an open house and local history fair at the Tyler History Center, with exhibits on the first floor and outdoor seating. Guided walking tours of the Spring Commons and West Federal areas will depart at 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm, and 6:30pm, showcasing stories that shaped Youngstown’s past.

In celebration of the anniversary, the streets will also feature a lineup of historic vehicles and the new WRTA Electric Bus, including:
A vintage 1940s Ford Youngstown Water Truck
A 1953 American LaFrance fire truck
And the beloved Model T displayed in the MVHS lobby

Visitors can participate in an interactive passport program, collecting stamps at featured locations and redeeming completed passports at MVHS for a free Good Humor Bar at the Sweet Memories Vintage Tees and Huntington Bank—available while supplies last. The passport also enters participants into a drawing for a prize basket curated by Sweet Memories Vintage Tees, and is designed to double as a fun, collectible fan.

Additional event highlights include:
Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI): Tours, vendor showcases, and refreshments
WRTA Open House: Federal Street bus display and transit planning exhibit
Concept Studio: Art and event space demo by Daniel Rauschenbach
Strollo Architects: Open office, architectural displays, refreshments
Vendor Market: Featuring First Fridays makers and community partners
Food Trucks: A curated lineup of culinary offerings with a cultural focus

Public parking available at Tyler History Center, and additional downtown lots (see event map at https://firstfridaysyoungstown.org/). ADA drop-off at Tyler History Center (west lot). Note: West Federal Street will be closed to through traffic and parking.

First Fridays: Past, Present, and Future is a family-friendly celebration that honors Youngstown’s legacy while spotlighting its vibrant downtown community. Join us as we toast to 150 years of MVHS and a future full of creativity, connection, and civic pride.

Follow DOWNTOWN YOUNGSTOWN PARTNERSHIP on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date event information or visit www.firstfridaysyoungstown.org.