First Friday Guidelines, Rules, and FAQs
Destination Bryan provides opportunities for a variety of different groups to participate at First Friday. Please select the application that best applies to you. Review First Friday rules, guidelines, and FAQs below.
First Friday Rules
- Street Performers & Musicians: Whether you're in a country music tribute band or an independent acoustic singer/songwriter, submitting this application gives you a chance to perform at First Friday.
- Non-Profit Groups: This application is for non-profit organizations to have a booth space at First Friday to interact with and educate First Friday attendees about their organization, programs, projects, and/or events.
- Food Trucks: Showcase the tasty flavors of your food truck at First Friday.
- Applications for Street Performers & Musicians, Non-profit Groups, and Food Trucks are open from the 1st-15th of the month preceding First Friday (e.g. To participate in October First Friday, non-profit groups will need to register between September 1-15).
- Farmers' Market in Brazos County: Farmers' Market in Brazos County is a partner of First Friday. Vendors at First Friday who are featured at Farmers' Market in Brazos County must apply to become a vendor through the Farmers' Market process.
- Art Vendors: Vendors at First Friday that feature for-sale artwork, jewelry, and photography.
- Religious Affiliated Organizations: Churches affiliated organizations may apply for First Friday quarterly to interact with and educate First Friday attendees about their programs and events.
- Non-partisan Voter Registration Organizations: Non-partisan Voter Registration Organizations may apply for First Friday quarterly to interact with and educate First Friday attendees.
- Organizations and vendors that do not fit the above applications are not eligible to participate at First Friday. This includes independent distributors of commercial products (such as Avon, Scentsy, and the like).
- Fundraising activities, including fundraising for sports teams and clubs, is not allowed.
- Any individual or group who sets up without permission from the Destination Bryan will be asked to leave.
- No soliciting of any kind.
- All rules and guidelines outlined on each application must be followed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I apply to be a part of First Friday?
Applications for First Friday can be found here. Submit your application between the 1st-15th of each month preceding First Friday.
When can I apply for First Friday?
Applications will be open at 9:00 AM on the 1st of the month through the 15th of the month preceding the First Friday that you wish to participate in. For example, applications for September First Friday will be open from August 1st-August 15th.
When will I know if I'm approved to participate at First Friday?
You will be notified of your application status by the 20th of the month, unless otherwise noted.
Can I fundraise at First Friday?
Approved First Friday participants are not allowed to fundraise or take donations on the street at First Friday.
Why did my application get denied?
Art Vendors
We have a limit of 25 artists each First Friday. We try our best to rotate through vendors and provide multiple mediums of art each month. All items sold by artists must be handmade by the seller. Items that are not allowed include: clothing, handmade wreaths, tumblers, baby clothes, non-handmade jewelry, car scents/freshies, bath bombs, candles, and item deemed as "arts and crafts" by Destination Bryan. Due to the number of applicants, we can't ensure that you are able to participate in every First Friday.
Non-Profit Organizations
Since there is a limited amount of space at First Friday, we are not always able to approve each organization to have a space. While First Friday is a great opportunity for us to showcase the organizations in our community, we must also ensure we are doing our part to support downtown businesses, local community partners, as well as local artists and musicians.
We will do our best to work with as many non-profits as space allows, but are not able to approve every organization each month. If you have an upcoming event or program that you wish to advertise, we will do our best to host you at First Friday, but participation in the event is not guaranteed.
We require all non-profit organizations to host an activity at their booth. If an activity is not included in your application, you will not be approved.
Religious Affiliated Organizations
There is a limited amount of space for all organizations at First Friday, and we are not always able to approve each organization to have space. We will do our best to rotate through the organizations that wish to be a part of First Friday.
Please note: Food items are not allowed to be given out other than bottled water and pre-packed candy containing no nuts.
Food Trucks
There is a limited amount of space for Food Trucks at First Friday. Three food trucks are allowed to participate in each First Friday. In choosing these food trucks that can participate, we take into consideration that First Friday was founded with the intention to support businesses in Downtown Bryan, and do our best to feature food options that are not in direct competition with those available in Downtown Bryan.
Why is there a limited number of vendors at First Friday?
First Friday was founded with the intention of supporting downtown Bryan shops and restaurants. In keeping this goal in mind, it is our responsibility to bring additional attractions downtown that appeal to wide audiences, while also ensuring the activities do not detract from downtown Bryan businesses. This means we must limit the number of all artists, organizations, and vendors at First Friday.
Can for-profit businesses participate in First Friday?
For-profit businesses (located outside of Historic Downtown Bryan) may participate through sponsorship of the event, if opportunities are available. If you are interested in sponsorship, please send an email to firstfriday@destinationbryan.com.
Are there any other ways to be a part of First Friday?
Destination Bryan partners with the Farmers' Market in Brazos County to bring 20 vendors to each First Friday.
If you are interested in participating in First Friday through the Farmer’s Market in Brazos County, please see their webpage for more information. Please note, Destination Bryan partners with the Farmer’s Market in Brazos County, but we do not handle the application process for Farmer’s Market vendors at First Friday. Please refer any questions regarding the Farmers' Market to their leadership.
I have another question not listed here. Who can I contact?
For other questions, please contact firstfriday@destinationbryan.com.