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Easton News

Easton's Fourth Friday event returns with reggae, BBQ and a whole lot more

Easton downtown
Donna S. Fisher
/
For LehighValleyNews.com
This is a view of the southeast corner in downtown Easton, Pennsylvania. Picture made in May, 2023.

EASTON, Pa. — Easton will celebrate the return of everyone’s favorite end-of-the-month, start-of-the-weekend celebration starting this Friday.

Fourth Friday — formerly known as Easton Out Loud — will run from 5 to 9 p.m., providing “an electrifying downtown extravaganza” showcasing the tastes and wares of local businesses aiming to offer up unforgettable experiences, the Greater Easton Development Partnership, or GEDP, stated in a release.

“Attendees can indulge in a delectable selection of food and drink specials served in the refreshing outdoor ambiance complete with relaxing seating, good company and so much more.”
Greater Easton Development Partnership

The celebration will continue each fourth Friday at the same time. GEDP is encouraging businesses to extend their hours and provide shopping opportunities or other lively activities “that will infuse Downtown Easton with energy and excitement.”

Live music and outdoor activities will fill the city’s Downtown District, including the hub of the neighborhood, Centre Square.

“Attendees can indulge in a delectable selection of food and drink specials served in the refreshing outdoor ambiance complete with relaxing seating, good company and so much more,” GEDP stated.

Shopping, food and drink, more

The launch event will be on the plaza behind the Easton Public Market, with food, drinks and live music from roots rock reggae outfit Small Axe, who will perform from 6 to 8 p.m.

Over at Centre Square, The Melody Cruz Band will play from 6 to 8 p.m., as well.

Looking for something fun for the kids? Kim Einsla will offer free face painting.

Those looking to indulge in some friendly competition can enjoy a few rounds of ping pong and cornhole.

Also, 3rd & Ferry Fish Market will hold a Fourth Friday Warmup from 5 to 7 p.m., with select whiskey flights and giveaways as a preview for the Whiskey History Tasting Experience at the Dueling Rivers Music and Whiskey Jam, set for noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Scott Park.

Additional dining offers will be available at Easton Public Market, More Than Q Barbeque, Scratch, and Tolino Vineyards.

Shopping addicts can locate fun new finds at Bellville Market, which will run an Easton Loves Educators event, featuring a special reception, discounts from select merchants for educators and food and drink samples.

At Creative Spirit, visitors can score a 15-minute tarot reading for $20, or free with any purchase of $20 or more, in addition to discounts of 10% off all clothing and accessories.

Art, music and an excited mayor

Art aficionados should swing by the Sigal Museum for the From Spirits to Speakeasies: Easton, PA tour, covering the era of organized crime and illegal indulgences within the era of prohibition.

Over at SmARTivities, visitors can enjoy a special open canvas painting workshop and a pottery painting event.

“I’ll be down there at some point. I like the fact that any event we have brings people downtown."
Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr.

While there are plenty of Fourth Fridays to come, GEDP said it is excited to kick off the series this weekend and welcome the start of warmer weather and festival season across Easton.

“This Fourth Friday Reggae BBQ promises to be a fun evening of great food, drinks, and entertainment," GEDP said in a release.

"Join More Than Q and Scratch for an experience celebrating music and community as Easton’s Fourth Friday series is now in full swing.”

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said he looks forward to First Fridays, as they tend to draw plenty of people to the robust downtown area, in addition to inspiring small businesses to exhibit their wares.

“I’ll be down there at some point,” Panto said. “I like the fact that any event we have brings people downtown.

"We want to give the shopkeepers something to get people in their doors, or their restaurants to get something to eat. I look at it as our job is to get people downtown, their job is to get them into their individual businesses."