Youngstown kicks off week of downtown events with Cinco de Mayo
Downtown Youngstown comes alive on Friday with a Cinco de Mayo celebration that kicks off a full week of events, performances and activities across the city center.
The celebration runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on Phelps Street and West Commerce as part of First Fridays Youngstown, featuring live music, food, family activities and a community art experience.
Live music by Romero Norteño at Twisted Roots will anchor the evening, along with food trucks including La Palma, a kids fun zone, vendors and a pop-up skate park presented by the Youngstown SkatePark Association.
A centerpiece of the event will be a community mural designed by artist Gabriela Mottino Fernandez, which attendees will help paint throughout the evening.
Fernandez, a Columbiana resident, was introduced to art by her father, artist Juan Mottino, while growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has worked across a range of styles and media, with many of her large-scale murals featured in schools throughout the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District in California, where she lived and worked for more than 30 years.
While attending First Fridays, visitors can also enjoy live music throughout downtown, including Andy Timko from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Federal and Feral Company Band from 4 to 6 p.m. at Twisted Roots.
The Cinco de Mayo celebration is part of a broader lineup of events that continue through Thursday, offering a mix of arts, entertainment and family-friendly experiences.
Additional events during opening weekend include:
Halfway to Halloween Horror Fest — 5 p.m. to midnight today and noon to midnight Saturday, Penguin City Brewing Company. Dead Ink Apparel presents a two-day celebration of Halloween and horror.
Visitor Appreciation Weekend — 8 p.m. today and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Ward Beecher Planetarium. Guests can vote for their favorite shows from the past year and enjoy a free encore presentation. Doors open about 30 minutes before showtime, with seating first come, first served.
YoPass Launch Party — 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, McDonough Museum of Art. The kickoff event for a new digital family passport will feature hands-on activities, refreshments, giveaways and a YSU prize basket drawing.
Events continue throughout the week across downtown:
Sunday
BYOB Brunch — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penguin City Brewing Company.
Sensory Sunday — 11 a.m. to noon, Butler Institute of American Art.
Twisted Roots Brunch & Vibe + Live Music — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Twisted Roots.
World Press Freedom Day — noon, Butler Institute of American Art.
Youth Orchestra Concert — 4 p.m., Stambaugh Auditorium.
The Beauty Legacy Industry Mixer — 4 to 7 p.m., Penguin City Brewing Company.
Tuesday
Workshop: Writing Through Grief — 6 p.m., Main Library, 305 Wick Ave.
R&B Bingo — 8 p.m. to midnight, Twisted Roots.
Wednesday
Mahoning Valley Civic Forum — 6 to 7 p.m., Stambaugh Auditorium.
Thursday
Stroller Art — 10 to 11 a.m., Butler Institute of American Art.
Pop Up on Phelps — 4 to 6 p.m., Phelps Street Gateway.
Food for Thought: State of Wonder — 5:30 p.m., Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers.
Trivia Night with Gregg — 7 to 9 p.m., Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers.
Thirsty Thursday Karaoke — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Penguin City Brewing Company.
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, a partner in advancing downtown redevelopment, said it continues to help connect businesses and organizations so local retailers, restaurants and bars can prepare for the city’s growing schedule of events.