First Friday: Find Out What's Going On!

Apr 23, 2026

The monthly celebration of art, music, local businesses, and restaurants in the Canton Arts District will be celebrated on Friday, May 1st.

May | The Music of Spring

This month’s theme is a brand new one! The Music of Spring. It is also the first Summer First Friday of the 2026 season! May’s event runs from 5:00 pm-9:30 pm.

There will be 7 different music acts spread all over Downtown Canton for you to enjoy as you are venturing around enjoying the event! This event also features the return of the Summer Programing! The Kidz Zone presented by the IBEW Local 540, Food Truck Court, First Friday Summer Concert Series presented by Visit Canton, ArtsinStark. and the Downtown Canton Partnership will all be back! There will also be two brand new areas including an En-Rich-Ment of Stark County Zone & a community health connection zone!

Music Schedule

  • The Canton First Friday Summer Concert Series (Presented by Visit Canton, ArtsinStark and the Downtown Canton Partnership) Canton Centennial Plaza featuring Lady Melma from 5:30 pm-9:30pm.
  • Matt Corey on 4th St across from 340 4th Street NW
  • Loel Stein on Market Ave next to Finney’s Arcade (417 Market Ave N)
  • Rachel Shortt on 4th St across from Lucca (228 4th Street NW)
  • Bob Frank on 3rd St NW across from the Bliss Parking Garage Entrance
  • Samuel John at the Modern Ritual and 2nd April entrances (326 Cleveland Ave NW)
  • Rebekah Jean and Bryan Thomas will be in front of Silo Arts Gallery (431 4th Street NW)

  • The Food Truck Court will be back in the Eric Snow YMCA Parking Lot
  • The Kid Zone Presented By the IBEW Local 540 will feature Free Inflatables and will be located outside of the Eric Snow YMCA.
  • A brand new area called the Community Connection Zone hosted by ConnectWell CIE of East Central Ohio. You will have the chance to play cornhole, listen to music from the plaza, and get connected to community resources. This will be located on 3rd St NE next to the Bliss and Onesto Parking Deck.

​​Looking for places to make a dinner reservation or grab a drink?

Explore all of the Downtown Canton restaurants here. Did you know that Downtown Canton has a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) where you can take your drinks to-go to enjoy shopping, live music, and more on the streets?

Looking for more information about how you can become a vendor at First Friday or your business can showcase a special offer?

Explore the Canton First Friday website or email jbecker@cantonsid.org.

More to Explore

Willis Brienza

Author

Willis Brienza

Creative Coordinator

Willis Brienza is the Creative Coordinator for Visit Canton. He enjoys movies, music, sports, and spending time with friends and family! Willis resides in Alliance with his wife, Rosie, and their two dogs! Have an update or comment about the blog? Reach out at willisb@visitcanton.com.
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