The Goshen Games, August 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Goshen, presents First Fridays fun, food, and festivities, along with professional wrestling, outdoor games, live music, and Cornhole and Pickleball tournaments right in the heart of Downtown Goshen. Photos from Downtown Goshen.

News Release

GOSHEN — Downtown Goshen, Inc. presents the rare chance for Goshen and Elkhart County residents — and competitors throughout the region — to compete for awards, accolades, and pure fun in front of friends, neighbors, and family.

The Goshen Games, Aug. 1 from 5-9 p.m., presents First Fridays fun, food, and festivities, along with professional wrestling, outdoor games, live music, and Cornhole and Pickleball tournaments right in the heart of Downtown Goshen.

Live, free musical entertainment from the Miller Poultry Main Stage presents Backspacer 5-6 p.m., After Ours 6:30-7:30, and headliner Heyzeus 8-9 p.m.

Downtown Goshen businesses and eating and drinking establishments offer sporty, summer specials for Goshen Games attendees — who have the rare opportunity to choose between competing and spectating at this exciting, games-driven community celebration of The Maple City’s unique, dynamic, and historic downtown district.

Downtown Goshen businesses and eating and drinking establishments offer sporty, summer specials, and Goshen Games attendees have the rare opportunity to choose between competing and spectating at this exciting, sports-driven community celebration of The Maple City’s unique, dynamic, and historic downtown district.

“This event is interactive, inclusive, and energizing, and it’s equally fun for those who want to be a part of the action and those who want to simply take in the action,” said Amanda Rose, Director of First Fridays.

She continued, “It’s a thrill for people to be able to see their friends and family compete, and the Goshen Games presents the chance to partake in good-spirited competition. We’ll have games and activities for kids, a professional wrestling show, music and entertainment, and plenty of great options for enjoying Downtown Goshen. And, of course, bragging rights are on the line for area Cornhole and Pickleball players!”

Fun For All In Downtown Goshen

The Goshen Games presents fun and festivities around just about every corner in Downtown Goshen. Goshen Parks and Recreation offers family-friendly games along Main Street, the Goshen Games Downtown Scavenger Hunt for kids takes place throughout the event, and the Chill Zone — presented by DJ Construction and the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County — presents lawn games, snacks, and activities for young adults.

Phoenix Performing Arts, at 213 S. Main St., offers free face painting, crafts for families, and a fairy tinsel booth for those who want to add flair to their hair. The Goshen Historical Society, 124 S. Main, offers sidewalk chalk activities and retro tabletop games. The Goshen Theater, 216 S. Main, displays artwork by Sandra Toth Perez throughout the lobby and offers snacks and drinks from 5 to 8 p.m.

Downtown businesses feature merchandise, games, and specials to help athletes and competitors improve performance and comfort — including training gear, outdoor activity items, athleisure and athletic wear, shoes, and sports and spectator apparel.

Goshen First Fridays offers games and events for attendees.

Found, 208 S. Main, offers 10% off all midcentury furniture, Ten Thousand Villages Goshen — 206 S. Main — features its selection of fair trade games, and DN3D Prints, 114 E. Washington St., presents an array of multi-colored dragons, keychains, and other unique items. Downtown Goshen businesses including ADEC, DN3D Prints, Giving Tree Massage, Braly’s Barber Den and Provisions, and the Goshen Historical Society set up stations on the festival grounds.

Downtown Goshen’s fantastic eating and drinking establishments present delicious summertime specials, food trucks present an array of additional eats and treats, and the First Fridays Beer Garden takes up residence at Common Spirits to serve up frosty brews for all who are thirsty.

Vying For Hometown Gold

Elkhart County, and our area in general, is loaded with cornhole and pickleball enthusiasts, and we encourage all players and teams who are interested to register for our Goshen Games tournaments and go for the Hometown Gold! Participants can register for the Pickleball Tournament, and view tournament rules, by navigating here.

Cornhole teams can register for the Cornhole Tournament, and view tournament rules, at Downtown Goshen’s website.

With A Little Help From Our Friends…

Goshen’s First Friday events operate with the help of many supporters, sponsors, and volunteers. The Goshen Games provides myriad opportunities for everyone in the community to help make the event a success and enjoy the many rewards of participation.

Heyzeus

Sponsorships are available for businesses and organizations looking to further their message and demonstrate community support, and the First Fridays volunteer crew can always use extra hands to help offer the best, most festive, and welcoming experience for visitors of Downtown Goshen.

To become a Goshen Games sponsor, visit the sponsorship landing page. To learn more about becoming a part of our glorious First Fridays volunteer crew, please visit downtowngoshen.org/volunteer.

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