AMERICUS — On Friday, Jan. 6, Americus will hold its monthly “First Friday” downtown-wide open house. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with most shops and businesses staying open until 8 p.m. “First Friday After Dark” continues the festivities into the night after 8 p.m.

Everyone is invited to come experience the city’s art, music, food, wares and crafts. The Americus Trolley will provide attendees transportation throughout downtown. The trolley will make a loop of the event and is provided by the City of Americus free of charge. All activities, exhibits and performances are free of charge. Maps and playbills detailing the evening’s events will be available at participating locations. More information can be found at the Downtown Americus – Main Street Facebook page.

Local artwork will be on display throughout downtown. Visitors to Mobile Glass Blowing Studios will be able to see live glass blowing and have the opportunity to enjoy hot cocoa by the furnace. The Americus Center for the Arts invites everyone to come in, view the gallery of artwork from their Teen Artist Program, and participate in free art-making. The historic Rylander Theatre will be showing the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock classic “To Catch a Thief” starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Tickets for the Rylander’s event are available now.

Eat, drink, and listen to some great live music Friday night in Americus. JJ’s Wings & Things, Bittersweet Bookstore & Coffeehouse, and Floyd’s Pub will all have live music along with tasty food and drinks. City Grill will offer food and drink specials.

Attendees can also take advantage of great shopping deals downtown on Friday night. Center Stage Market, The Maze, Kinnebrew Co., and Rustic Charm will be open late, and all offering something special in the form of discounts, samples and entertainment for customers.

This event is organized by Americus Main Street and the City of Americus. One of the goals of our organization is to cultivate downtown Americus’ economic and cultural enrichment by providing a platform for entertainment and social engagement to the general public on a regular basis.