Creative Economy Collaboration for First Fridays.
What is the Creative Economy Collaboration? The Creative Economy Collaboration is a community support program focused on Orleans Small Businesses participating in First Fridays. The mini-grants are an opportunity for Small Businesses to receive up to $300 for offsetting the cost of hiring musicians, artists, and other special performers for First Friday evenings.
Eligibility:
- Any Orleans small business participating in First Friday & hiring an artist.
- Partnering Requirements: Recipient will include the Orleans Cultural District in all social media posts as a partner.
@orleans_cultural_district_
Administrative Requirements:
- Complete the attached application & submit to the staff liaison to the Orleans Cultural District no less than 2 weeks prior to the First Friday being applied for. Priority will be given to early applicants.
- Staff Liaison: Jamie Demetri, jdemetri@orleansma.gov
Grant Awards:
- Recipients will submit their own W9 & paid invoice for hired artist/performer and will be reimbursed directly by OCDC after the event has completed.
Timeline:
- Applications Due: 2 weeks prior to First Friday being applied for. (ie: 7/24 deadline for August First Friday)
- Notification of Awards: rolling basis
Town of Orleans One Day Liquor License & Temporary Limited Food Permit for First Friday
If you’re planning to serve alcohol or offer food during First Fridays, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate permits through the Town of Orleans. We’ve gathered the key information and forms here to make it easy.
One Day Liquor License
Businesses serving alcohol must complete the Town’s One Day Liquor License application and addendum.
Important Details:
- Deadline to apply for the full First Fridays season and to save on the filing fee: May 1, 2026
- License Cost: $50 per event date (Filing fee will be waived by the Town)
- A Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) naming the Town of Orleans is required
- All alcohol must be purchased through approved ABCC sources
- ID checks are required at every event
- Once day liquor license application
- Download the license checklist below
If you miss the May 1 deadline, you can still apply for individual dates—applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the First Friday you plan to use your license for. Business will be responsible for the license Fee and the filing fee.
Temporary Limited Food Permit
If you’re offering simple food items (like snacks or light bites), you may qualify for a Limited Temporary Food Permit for First Fridays.
Limited Permit ($20) covers:
- Charcuterie (cheese & crackers)
- Pre-packaged snacks (chips, popcorn)
- Baked goods (cookies, brownies)
- Dips, jams, fruit or vegetable platters
- Pre-packaged drinks
If you plan to serve anything beyond these items, you’ll need to apply for a Standard Temporary Food Permit ($75).
Applications are submitted through the Town of Orleans Health Department online permitting system (download info and form link below).