8 Ways To Enjoy A First Friday in Bryan Even If It's Raining
Every month Destination Bryan hosts First Friday - rain or shine! In the event of rain, some outdoor activities may be adjusted or canceled, but the restaurants & shops in Historic Downtown Bryan remain open! Experience live music, business specials, art, and plenty of family-friendly activities every First Friday of the month from 5:00PM - 10:00PM.
Scroll below to read about all the ways to still enjoy a First Friday in the event of rain! Follow Destination Bryan on Facebook to learn more about events, places to eat & drink, and live music happening in Bryan.
Make it a full weekend of fun in Bryan, Texas! Book your stay directly on destinationbryan.com
1. Plug Into The Downtown Music Scene
Despite the weather, you can play your First Friday itinerary by ear and experience plenty of live music around Historic Downtown Bryan. Every First Friday, The Grand Stafford Theater, an indoor venue, hosts a free, family-friendly show with doors typically opening at 7:00PM!
As far as street performers - local musicians & bands will either set up under tents or post up inside various shops & restaurants in Downtown Bryan. If you're able to drop some spare cash in their guitar case - it's always appreciated!
Live Music in Bryan, Texas
Bryan is a Music-Friendly Community
Tune into a live show in a city that has inspired some of Texas's most legendary musicians. From a small acoustic set in a bar in Historic Downtown Bryan to a full concert series at Lake Walk - there's almost always live music to found in Bryan.
November 21
Historic Downtown Bryan 105 S Main St. Bryan, TX 77803 Website
November 27
Historic Downtown Bryan 105 S Main St. Bryan, TX 77803 Website
November 28
Historic Downtown Bryan 105 S Main St. Bryan, TX 77803 Website
December 4
Historic Downtown Bryan 105 S Main St. Bryan, TX 77803 Website
Interested in showcasing your musical talents at a future First Friday? We accept applications for musicians & bands here!
2. Grab A Bite To Eat
Take time to let the rain pass and dine at one of Historic Downtown Bryan's many eateries - after all Bryan, Texas is a foodie city!
If you're looking for tasty burgers & fries we recommend: Margies Bar & Grill, 3rd on Main, Billy's Grille & Bar, and Proudest Monkey. For tacos or Tex-Mex cuisine, check out Taco Crave, Restaurant San Jose, or Cilantro Mexican Grill.
For a more elevated dining experience make reservations at Ronin Farm & Restaurant. It’s all on the table in Bryan. All you have to do is bring your appetite!
3. Shop Eclectic Boutiques & Thrift Stores
Vintage resale finds, custom cowboy hats, original works of art, hand-blown garden ornaments...You'll find all this and more among the locally owned retail shops in Historic Downtown Bryan. During First Friday our Downtown Bryan shops keep their doors open late and offer various specials and discounts. You might even find complimentary wine, beer, and snacks to enjoy while you shop inside the stores!
Some local shopping hotspots include Catalena Hatters, Pot Heads Plant Shop, Savage Diva, The Frame Gallery, Bird's Nest, Sparrow Lane, Brazos Glassworks, Itza Bip, and Corner of Time Antiques & Collectables!
See the full list of shops in Historic Downtown Bryan!
Follow Destination Bryan on Instagram to learn more about events, places to eat & drink, and live music happening in Bryan!
4. Catch A Movie at The Queen Theatre
Beat the rain and catch a movie at the fully renovated, historic Queen Theatre, featuring a full dine-in menu with service directly to your seat! Having opened in 1939 as one of the finest movie houses in Texas, The Queen Theatre was the first air-conditioned movie theatre west of the Mississippi River. Today, The Queen is recognized as a Bryan, Texas Legend – and operations have returned to the hands of the original owners, the Schulman Family.
Be sure to also visit The Crown Bar located on the 3rd floor of The Queen to enjoy cocktails and delicious bar bites!
5. Embrace The Local Art Scene
The arts are everywhere at First Friday – and Art 979 vendors of various trades (woodworking, painting, sketching) are typically set up along Bryan Avenue with individual booths.
In case of rain - be sure to visit The Frame Gallery! Since opening its doors in 2001, The Frame Gallery has created a haven of local art. Many Brazos Valley artists have hung their creations inside The Frame Gallery at some point in their careers and the owner, Missy Baron, does everything she can to help keep the arts alive in the community.
6. Cozy Up At A Downtown Coffee Shop
Cozy up with a latte and watch the rain fall outside at some of our favorite coffee shops in Downtown Bryan! In the historic Kyle House at the south end of Bryan Avenue - Polite Coffee features barista-inspired coffees, spacious seating, and assorted pastries, plus it's the perfect spot to catch up with friends & family.
Serving specialty coffee and a gourmet menu Harvest Coffee Bar is in the center of Downtown Bryan, and offers a welcoming ambiance of exposed brick walls, warm lighting, picturesque views of Main Street, oh and of course delicious coffee!
Another coffee shop we can't recommend enough is Tavo Coffee Co., located at the north end of Main Street. From their fourth-generation Guatemala coffee farm to Downtown Bryan, Tavo Coffee Co. brings their own freshly-roasted coffee beans and serves them to their guests as third-wave specialty espresso and pour-over.
7. Say Cheers To Locally Crafted Brews
With all this talk of food, we can't forget about drinks! From craft cocktails & wine tastings to locally-made beer & mead - there's quite the bar scene in Downtown Bryan!
A few of our favorite spots include Lonestar Meadery, KinderHill Brew Lab, Blackwater Draw Brewery, and Bavarian Brauhaus.
If you're looking to explore a bit more outside of Historic Downtown Bryan - head to Messina Hof Winery, located just 10 minutes from Downtown Bryan for wine tastings, tours of the vineyard, and delicious Vineyard Cuisine served at The Vintage House Restaurant.
8. Dance The Night Away
Celebrate First Friday late into the night at Downtown Bryan's LGTBQ+-friendly entertainment venue, and one of Aggieland's most upscale and largest high-energy dance venue - Halo Bar! Halo's well-known drag shows occur every Friday and Saturday at 11:30PM; you won't want to miss out!
After-hours fun for all
Downtown Bryan After DarkGrab a locally brewed pint at KinderHill Brew Lab or Blackwater Draw Brewery, sip craft cocktails at one of more than a dozen bars, enjoy live music at The Grand Stafford Theater, or catch a drag performance & dance the night away at Halo. Find the perfect spot for you & your friends below!
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