Downtown Goshen, Inc. presents the inaugural First Fridays Picklefest, Aug. 2 from 5-9 p.m. Picklefest celebrates unique pickled food items and presents the exciting spectacle of a competitive pickleball tournament along Main Street.

News Release

GOSHEN — Downtown Goshen, Inc. presents an August celebration like no other. The inaugural First Fridays Picklefest, from 5-9 p.m. Aug. 2, presents the spectacle of a citywide pickleball tournament on Main Street, specialty pickled foods and treats, and live entertainment from the Miller Poultry Main Stage headlined by acclaimed South Bend rapper Heyzeus.

A selection of activities for kids are in the mix for this unique First Fridays offering, and participating downtown merchants open their doors throughout the evening with specials, promotions, and family-friendly, in-store events. Goshen’s downtown eating and drinking establishments provide tasty offerings featuring an exciting and unusual selection of pickled delights, and the First Fridays Beer Garden — sponsored by Elephant Bar — serves up cold brews and beverages.

“Pickleball is hugely popular in this area, and it’s going to be cool for people to have a chance to root and cheer for their friends and neighbors in the Picklefest tourney,” said Director of First Fridays Amanda Rose. “We’ll have activities for kids, great downtown eating and shopping options, and live entertainment on the Miller Poultry Main Stage. We’ll even have a mechanical bull for adventurous types — we only hope folks try that out before visiting the beer tent. All jokes aside, Picklefest is unique, and it’s going to be an awesome summer celebration with family and friends.”

Enjoy great times with family and friends, sample delicious pickled items, and enjoy live First Fridays music and entertainment—headlined by acclaimed South Bend rapper, Heyzeus.

Kids can sign up in advance for their very own youth pickleball tournament, and Goshen Parks and Recreation offers family-friendly games along Main Street. The Chill Zone — presented by DJ Construction and the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County— offers a fun virtual reality experience for the young and young at heart.

Participating downtown businesses and merchants capture the event theme by highlighting games and items geared toward competitive and athletic performance. Participating businesses also offer specials on outdoor activity items such as athletic and leisure wear, shoes, sporting merchandise, and spectator apparel.

Contra Dancing and Grupo Marca Grande round out the night’s live entertainment, and an always-entertaining mechanical bull is on-hand for adventurous First Fridays revelers to experience.

Live Entertainment from the Miller Poultry Main Stage:

• 5-6 p.m. — Contra Dancing
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. — Grupo Marca Grande
• 8-9 p.m. — Heyzeus

Find full event details for August First Fridays at DowntownGoshen.org.