Waynesville First Friday
Shop local. Hear live music. Discover art. Grab a drink and wander.
Waynesville First Fridays is your invitation to experience downtown at its most lively. Formerly Art After Dark, this monthly event brings the streets to life on the first Friday, every month from May through December from 5-8pm.
Shop
With over 100 small businesses to explore, there’s always a new treasure to discover in our historic Downtown Waynesville district
Photo Credit Jo Ridge Kelley
Sip
Enjoy local coffee, beer, wine, craft cocktails, and mocktails all while enjoying fresh air and mountain views with our new Social District
Photo Credit The Scotsman
Stroll
Take in the gorgeous views, enjoy live music, and find your new local favorite spot as you enjoy a lovely evening walk about town
Photo Credit Visit Haywood
Photo Credit Mast General Store
NEW! Social District
What you need to know:
You must be 21+ to purchase cups from approved ABC establishments
Alcohol is not permitted outside of the social district map
Please enjoy responsibly!
For more information, please review the Town of Waynesville ordinance
Thanks to our Sponsors
Sabine Allen
Wayne the Bear
Art/Logo by
Web Design and
Maintenance By
How We Started
From Art After Dark to Waynesville First Friday
For many years, Art After Dark has been a cherished downtown tradition, inviting visitors and locals alike to experience Waynesville's vibrant arts community, explore local businesses, and enjoy an evening downtown.
As our community continues to grow, so does the event.
Waynesville First Friday: Shop, Sip, Stroll builds upon the foundation established by Art After Dark while expanding opportunities for participation throughout downtown. The new name reflects a format that visitors from across the country already recognize and seek out. A monthly celebration of local businesses, artists, musicians, makers, and community.
While the name may be changing, the heart of the event remains the same: supporting local businesses, showcasing creativity, and bringing people together in downtown Waynesville.
Today, First Friday extends beyond galleries and Main Street to include businesses throughout our downtown districts, creating a connected experience that encourages visitors to explore, discover, and stay awhile.
You'll also notice a new face around town: Wayne the Bear, our official mascot and a symbol of the welcoming spirit that makes Waynesville special.
Whether you've attended Art After Dark for years or are joining us for the first time, we invite you to shop, sip, stroll, and experience all that downtown Waynesville has to offer.
Welcome to Waynesville First Friday.
Photo Credit Twigs and Leaves
Photo Credit Visit Smokies
Grab a Tote!
Take Wayne the Bear home with you in tote form!
Hand-screenprinted on a quality cotton tote, this bag is perfect for carrying all of your new found treasures.
Not only is it adorable, but it helps support this legacy event. Your support goes to booking musicians, supporting local artists, and bringing more whimsy to Downtown Waynesville at the start of each month.
More merch to come, swing by Twigs and Leaves gallery for yours!
