2023 THEMES & DESCRIPTIONS

February 3: Chili Crawl

The Downtown Americus Chili Crawl is a local chili competition that allows guests to sample the finest chilis made in Sumter County. Downtown Businesses compete or host a Chili Representative and participants are given score sheets to sample and vote on their favorite chili. Open businesses have specials and sales, as well as extended hours for the evening’s event. The winner is given the illustrious Chili Crawl trophy and bragging rights for the year. This is one of our most beloved events in Downtown Americus.

LIVE MUSIC by BoDean and the Poachers!

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Rylander Park

BoDean and the Poachers are a family of talented singer-songwriters set to alchemize a legacy all their own through the creation of their own distinct sound.  Their individual experience in multiple genres helps to create this unique blend of music sure to tickle all the eardrums alike.

March 3: Downtown Goes Disney

Join Americus Main Street as we bring the Most Magical Place on Earth to Downtown Americus! As you stroll through our downtown district, enjoy the sounds of iconic Disney classics from the Lion King to The Jungle Book to Frozen and so much more. Character meet and greets will be stationed throughout the various participating businesses and shoppers can enjoy various specials and activities throughout the evening.

April 7: Artsapalooza!

Downtown will host the annual First Friday Art Show, celebrating Artist Appreciation Month, by hosting artists throughout downtown on the sidewalk or in businesses. Artists are encouraged to create LIVE demonstrations during the event. Businesses are encouraged to host an artist of any kind and incorporate the Artsapalooza theme into their activities for the night.

May 5: Multicultural May

Come out and help downtown celebrate the uniqueness of different cultures through food, performances, special activities, and more! Businesses are encouraged to pick a culture and celebrate that culture in their store. Georgia’s Sumter County is proud to have several different cultures represented in the community so we want to show appreciation for that diversity. Join us as we go around the world in just one night.

LIVE SHOW by Mahealani’s Polynesian Entertainment!

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Rylander Park

Mahealani’s Polynesian Entertainment began with Mahealani performing solo as a hula and Tahitian dancer in Atlanta, Georgia in 2017 and quickly grew to a group of performers and theatrical show such as those seen at attractions in Hawaii from the blowing of the conch shell to the pulsating dances of Tahiti, to the storytelling of the Hawaiian hula, to the skills of the New Zealand Maori people, and ending with the exciting fire knife of Samoa. Mahealani’s Polynesian Entertainment perpetuates Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures through entertaining and educational experiences and strives to promote the values of aloha.

LIVE MUSIC by Dean Brown & Dubshak!

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Rylander Park

Dubshak was founded by Dean Brown as a vehicle to bring uplifting music and an innovate brand of Reggae to new audiences. The band also fuses all genres into their live show from Jazz to Pop to Soul, R&B, Neo Soul, World Music, African Fusion and Country and is booked very solid most of the time. Its a fun high energy show for all ages and all audiences.

August 4: Superhero

Not all superhero’s wear capes! Are you a teacher educating the next generation? Are you a front line worker? Are you working in public safety, protecting and serving us? Are you a student striving to be your best? Are you a small business owner serving our community? Then this event is for you! Come out in your best superhero cape or costume and show your support for our local community.

September 1: Downtown Tailgate

Football season isn’t over yet! Downtown invites all football fans to the tailgate party of the year! Businesses are encouraged to decorate their stores and create fun activities centered around their favorite college or NFL team. One of the most exciting activities happening at the tailgate is the Bar Fight! Downtown bars and restaurants will create tailgate-themed cocktails and compete for the illustrious Bar Fight Trophy. Attendees will receive a scorecard to crawl through downtown and taste each cocktail and vote for their favorite. The winner will receive the trophy to display in their storefront and bragging rights for one year. First Friday Facebook Event.

October 6: Mission Pink!

Kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Mission Pink. Downtown Americus will be partnering with Phoebe Sumter Medical Center to join the fight against cancer. Merchants and restaurants will be open late with discounts and sales.

LIVE MUSIC by The Bozwellz!

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Rylander Park

If one word could musically describe this duo it would be: Diversity! It seems they are not bound by any certain style. Sure, they have a soulful approach, but it transfers to all forms of music, which is unheard of. Both have huge backgrounds in Gospel, Soul, R&B, Rock and Country. Because of this, they are in high demand as producers, studio musicians, and singers. The Bozwellz music is unique, yet very familiar to the soul. It’s like a New Orleans style Gumbo. You take various ingredients that taste one way by themselves, however after putting them all together you get something extraordinary. That is the best and only way to describe The Bozwellz.

November 3: Flashback Friday

Flash back to your favorite decade! Businesses will highlight the attire, music, art, etc. of their favorite decade as entertainment while attendees are shopping dining, and strolling through downtown. There are several fun activities hosted during this event! One of the crowd favorites is the costume contest, so come dressed to impress. This will be a night filled with good food, great music, stylish clothing, and some very good memories.

LIVE MUSIC by The Vintage Vixens!

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Rylander Park

When a career booking agent with a love of the great sounds of the 60s picks up a bass guitar and learns to play all her favorites, what happens? She surrounds herself with talented, like-minded, ladies and—voila—the Vintage Vixens are born! Rockin’ that retro sound, the all-female Vintage Vixens include Amy on guitar/vocals, Janet on keyboards, Carol on drums, Vanessa on lead vocals and Linda on bass. Talk about “Flower Power”! Inspired by 60s fashion, on stage these ladies look like the music—groovy, funky, hippie! The Vintage Vixen playlist includes covers of the biggest hits from The Mamas & the Papas, Turtles, Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Drifters, Nancy Sinatra, The Supremes, Dusty Springfield, The Byrds, Young Rascals, The Kinks, CCR, and some 70s favorites, too, like Three Dog Night. It’s a happy 60s hit fest of good time, sing along music! Peace, Love, and Vintage Vixens!

December 1: Home for the Holidays

There really is no place like home for the holidays! Join the businesses of Downtown Americus as we ring in the holiday season with a Christmas celebration like no other. Stroll through our historic downtown and enjoy the sights of the businesses decked out in their finest holiday splendor as the sounds of Christmas fill the air! Take your Letter to Santa in Santa Land and donate a toy to the Toys for Tots train! Head down to Rylander Park and watch as the Giant Christmas Tree rings in the Parade of Trees celebration. Enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride and a craft fair. This and so much more can be experienced at this special First Friday!

For more information about any of the events listed above, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Main Street office. Main Street is an organization that welcomes community collaboration and partnerships. Community volunteers are welcome to assist with any of our events and festivals. Your help is valuable and a necessity to the success of our program.