By Bryndon Jackson
For those new to Bryan-College Station, First Friday is a monthly festival filled with a large variety of family friendly acts and performances by local musicians, artists and other performers. First Friday, organized and curated by the Downtown Bryan Association, takes over a few blocks of downtown on the first Friday of every month, keeping shops and restaurants open late and drawing large crowds of students and families. This month, the event runs from 6pm to 11pm on September 1.
This First Friday is going to be focused on celebrating the grand revealing of the West 31st street murals. The Downtown Bryan Association, Carini Townhomes and Renovation Wranglers began searching for five artists, each capable of taking on one 25 foot by 18 foot mural on the side of Conlee-Garrett Moving and Storage building, in May, and have sponsored the production of the murals for the past four months. The mural will be available for pictures and will be accompanied by the five artists who helped to bring it to life.
One of the featured groups to be performing is Fiestas Patrias Mexicanas. Named after a patriotic holiday in Mexico, this organization regularly celebrates Mexican cultural pride by putting on parades of music and dancing. Fiestas Patrias Mexicanas is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships for Mexican-Americans looking to further their education. On Friday they will be playing at The Palace Theater and are sure to be pumping out fresh tunes from start to finish.
Another one of the more intriguing groups that will be on 31st street is The Aggie Magic Circle. This Texas A&M student organization travels around the Bryan-College area in order to promote sleight of hand magic and illusions as a form of art and entertainment.
Of course, there will be no shortage of food. With appearances from multiple food trucks, including Sweet Pop’s and Chilly Willies, in addition to all the restaurants in Downtown Bryan, everyone will get a chance to enjoy a refreshment or two. First Friday boasts great food and live music, as well as the opportunity to marvel at various artworks and shop at different boutiques, all of which 31st street an exciting place to be on September 1st.
