GET INVOLVED
First Fridays in Orleans are shaping up to be an exciting part of the 2026 season. This collaborative effort between the Orleans Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Orleans and the Orleans Merchants Group continues to build momentum—creating a consistent, high-energy evening experience in town.
Held on the first Friday of each month during the summer season, along with a Holiday Edition in December, First Fridays invite residents and visitors to spend the evening in Orleans. Shops stay open later, restaurants buzz, galleries host receptions, music fills the sidewalks, and businesses offer special promotions or unique in-store experiences.
The goal is simple:
Create something people can count on.
A reason to come to town.
A reason to linger.
And a reason to explore more than one stop while they’re here.
How Your Business Can Join the Energy
First Fridays are open to all Orleans businesses—including retail shops, galleries, restaurants, and service-based businesses.
Participation can be as simple as staying open during designated First Friday hours and welcoming visitors into your space. Or you may choose to offer something extra—such as a promotion, pop-up, demonstration, tasting, artist reception, music, or another special activation. How you participate is completely up to you.
First Fridays work best when participation is broad and creative. Businesses can get involved by:
- Staying open during First Friday hours
- Offering a promotion, pop-up, demonstration, tasting, artist event, or other special activation.
- Partnering with neighboring businesses to create a shared experience.
- Submitting event details to be included in coordinated town-wide promotions
To participate, simply submit your First Friday details through our online form. This information is used to list participating businesses on the website and share details with the community so visitors can plan their evening.
Sponsorships
Businesses also have the opportunity to become First Friday Sponsors. Sponsorships help fund marketing, signage, and shared amenities that make these evenings successful—and provide additional promotional benefits throughout the season.
You can learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits below.
This is an opportunity to be part of a town-wide effort that drives foot traffic, strengthens collaboration, and reinforces Orleans as a vibrant, year-round destination.
All sponsorships and donation payments are securely processed through the Orleans Chamber of Commerce via Zeffy.
Business Sponsorship
For retail shops, galleries, and service-based businesses participating in First Fridays.
With a Business Sponsorship, you receive:
- Business listed on First Friday postcard and poster
- Printed collateral for the season:
• 2 posters
• Postcards with event dates and trolley route to give to customers
• 1 yard sign - Easy access to downloadable social media collateral and printable signage
- Business name and logo listed on the participating sponsor page of the website
- Any music, pop-ups, store specials, or other offerings listed on the website (Info must be submitted via this google form; otherwise, the business will be listed by name only)
Restaurant Sponsorship
For restaurants who would like to offer something special or have entertainment on First Fridays.
With a Restaurant Sponsorship, you receive:
- Business listed on First Friday postcard and poster
- Printed collateral for the season:
• 2 posters
• Postcards with event dates and trolley route to give to customers
• 1 yard sign - Easy access to downloadable social media collateral and printable signage.
- Business name and logo listed on the Participating sponsor page of the website.
- Any specials such as a cocktail, appetizer, dessert, featured menu item, promotion, live music etc listed on the website (Specials must be submitted via this google form; otherwise, the business will be listed by name only)
COMMUNITY CHAMPION SPONSORship
Designed for businesses who want to make a larger investment in First Fridays and visibly support the vitality of Orleans.
As a Community Champion Sponsor, you receive:
• Prominent logo placement on all printed materials as a Community Champion Sponsor
• Featured listing on the First Fridays website with a direct link to your website or social media
• Recognition in First Fridays social media posts throughout the season
• Printed seasonal collateral package, with the option to receive additional materials as needed
• Easy access to downloadable social media graphics and printable signage
• If participating in First Friday events, priority placement at the top of the event page, including all submitted event details
Please note: Event details must be submitted through the form on the First Fridays website in order to be included.
Friend of first Fridays
If you’ve been enjoying First Fridays and want to show your support, we invite you to become a Friend of First Fridays with a donation that helps fund event promotion and keep the momentum going.
Open to any community member, family, business, or organization who would like to support Orleans First Fridays and help make these events possible.
These sponsorships help fund promotion, signage, marketing materials, and shared amenities that bring people together and support local businesses.
As a Friend of First Fridays your name or business will be listed on the First Fridays website as a proud supporter of this community event.
Friend of First Fridays Sponsorship: $40
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors
