Downtown Goshen has announced its First Friday event for October, Harvest Festival. Photo from Downtown Goshen.

News Release

GOSHEN — The Harvest Festival, a commemoration of the Maple City’s abundant bounty of fall foods and wares transforms Downtown Goshen into an autumn hub, complete with seasonal food and drink, family activities, and live entertainment.

The yearly Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration, in collaboration with The City of Goshen, begins at 6 p.m. at Ignition Music Garage, at 120 E. Washington Street. The celebration features a presentation by Madelene Big Bear, performances by the Iron Bear Singers and Dancers, and resources provided by the Goshen Public Library, Goshen Historical Society, One Circle, and the Community Relations Commission.

Art Alley presents Ghouls Night Out in Goshen, a Halloween pop-up hosted by the Blood in the Cornfields podcast featuring fall and Halloween vendors, and Zachary Grindle performs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Maple City Market. The Goshen Theater presents Lavender Jazz at 7 p.m. in celebration of Goshen College Homecoming weekend, and additional highlights include a pumpkin decorating contest, fresh apples for sale, and a Fall Faire.

“The Harvest Festival captures the best of what First Fridays are all about — community, creativity, entertainment, and celebrating what makes Goshen unique,” said Amanda Rose, director of First Fridays. “It’s cozy, it’s festive, and it’s completely free to attend.”

Local businesses join in the festivities by offering fall-themed promotions and giveaways. Visitors to Downtown Goshen can expect everything from hot cider and caramel apples to handcrafted goods and boutique fall fashion.

Maple City Market, 314 S. Main Street, presents a Fall Faire with beer and wine sampling and delicious treats, including local bratwursts, vegan jerk sandwiches, and deli slaw; Ten Thousand Villages, 206 S. Main, offers samples of maple hot cocoa featuring Equal Exchange organic maple cocoa sold in the store; and Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn — 106 N. Main — features its seasonal treat, s’mores popcorn. The Table @108, 108 N. Main, features Pumpkin Spice Latte Martinis, special fall desserts, and seasonal cider cocktails, and offers evening specials of lasagna only available on First Fridays and chicken parmesan.

Shopping Until The Day Is Done

Fables Books, 215 S. Main, features popular selections and presents a Meet the Authors event from 6-8 p.m., Woldruff’s Footwear & Apparel, 129 S. Main, offers 20-40% off clearance shoes and apparel, and — with assistance from Trees for Goshen — Harvest Festival attendees can pick up a free tree at The Electric Brew, 118 E. Washington Street.

Hive of Light, 119 S. Main, presents a professional tarot reader and highlights its selection of metaphysical wares, and the Fused 508 booth features permanent jewelry and seasonal fall gemstones. At the new Catitude Cafe — 210 S. Main — purchasers of a cat lounge session receive 50% off a second session of the same length, DN3D Prints features Halloween designs at their booth on East Washington, and I M SHE, 121 S. Main, spotlights fall arrivals and newly discounted items on the sales rack.

For families, the event offers a chance to slow down and savor the season. Goshen’s Young at Art program presents interactive art activities for all ages at Maple City Market, The Green Bee — 111 E. Washington — presents its Repurposed Pumpkin Patch Contest with gift cards going to the winners, and Garden City Church, 134 S. Main, provides free games and crafts for families.

A Tradition Of Community

The First Fridays series has been drawing thousands of residents and visitors to themed events on the first Friday of every month since 2007. Each gathering showcases local talent, businesses, and the spirit of the city, and the year’s Harvest Festival builds upon that tradition.

The Harvest Festival is free and open to the public. Find event details for October First Fridays at DowntownGoshen.org.