Gay Street closes to cars and opens to pedestrians Friday, Aug. 7, as Downtown West Chester's monthly First Friday brings live music, extended retail hours and free parking to the borough's commercial core.
Two bands perform as part of the Summer Concert Series from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., according to the Downtown West Chester Partnership. One Alternative takes the stage at the Chester County Historic Courthouse, while Wash, Re-Wash plays in front of the Jack Loew Plaza at 44 West on Gay Street. Heiler Painting sponsors the series, which runs on the first Friday of June, July, August and September.
The August installment is the third of four this summer, with only the September finale remaining.
Retailers along Gay Street offer special sales and extended evening hours during the event. Stores confirmed open late include Bookmarks at 100 E. Gay St., Ginkgo Arts at 21 S. High St., H. Rose Boutique at 148 W. Gay St., and Hop Fidelity. The full list of participating merchants is available at downtownwestchester.com.
On-street metered parking is free after 5 p.m.
The event coincides with the Gay Street Open-Air Market, which closes four blocks of Gay Street from Matlack Street to Darlington Street to vehicle traffic every weekend through Sept. 27.
Created during the pandemic to give residents more space to shop and dine outdoors, the market now operates alongside new retractable bollards completed in July at four intersections, replacing the painted concrete barriers that previously blocked the street.
State Rep. Chris Pielli, whose 156th District includes West Chester, promoted the event on X on Monday, Aug. 3:
@RepPielli: "8/7 is another First Friday in West Chester! - Celebrate August with the West Chester Summer Concert Series, playing from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. You can find local music acts performing at the historic Courthouse & in front of the Jack Loew Plaza at 44 West on Gay Street."
The Downtown West Chester Partnership, the borough's business improvement district, organizes First Friday each month. Residents with questions can reach the organization at 610-738-3350.
The next major downtown event is the Look Around Music & Arts Festival on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Elks Lodge. Now in its fifth year, the festival features live music from acts including ONYX&HONEY., MCRAD and New Kings of Rhythm, plus an art and makers market, live mural collaborations and professional skate demonstrations.
