DEEP ELLUM INTRODUCES “FIRST FRIDAYS” SERIES ON DEC. 1 WITH NEW NEIGHBORHOOD LIGHTING, DECKING THE STREETS WITH STRINGS OF JOLLY
Inaugural First Friday puts holiday twist on art, culture, and music with annual Tree Lighting,Pink Tree Contest kickoff, cozy dinners, hot drink specials, live music, shopping, and more
DALLAS - (Nov. 16, 2023) – A new “First Fridays in Deep Ellum” monthly event series will launch December 1. Billed under the campaign tagline “Your Weekend Starts Here,” a cross-section of Deep Ellum businesses are coming together to showcase the cultural district’s art, music, food, beverage, and shopping offerings. Each First Friday from 5-8 p.m., participating Deep Ellum businesses will offer discounts, special promotions, live music, art activations, and seasonal happenings throughout the district. Retailers and galleries will stay open late.
The inaugural First Friday on December 1 will offer unique holiday happenings, as well as debut new district-wide holiday lighting connecting the rooftops of businesses on Main and Elm streets between Good Latimer and Malcolm X and added lights on Commerce Street.
The December 1st event also kicks off the annual Pink Tree Contest among Deep Ellum businesses. Participating businesses create pink Christmas tree displays and a memorable, interactive experience for residents and visitors to celebrate the season while supporting local businesses. The neighborhood’s holiday tradition showcases the creativity and holiday spirit of Deep Ellum businesses with a chance for one lucky visitor to win a $100 gift card redeemable at the venue that receives the most votes.
Some featured attractions at the December 1st First Friday include:
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
5 p.m. - Pink Tree Contest opens and runs through December 24 around the district. Visitors cast votes via in-store QR codes or by posting a photo of their favorite tree and tagging both the location of their favorite tree and Deep Ellum on these Facebook or Instagram pages. Winners are announced on social media on December 25.
6:30-8 p.m. at Deep Ellum Plaza next to Jade and Clover (2633 Main St., #150, Dallas, 75226) – 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, ornament decorating with ‘Tis the Season, holiday photo activation spaces, performance and caroling by Texicana, and letters to Santa.
Shop, sip, and stroll the vibrant streets of Deep Ellum to find unique holiday gifts while enjoying discounts and supporting small and local businesses. On December 1, John Fluevog Shoes hosts a pop-up shop featuring local vendors and a 15% discount on purchases from 4-8 p.m. Deep Ellum specialty store 1890 Marketplace hosts a sip-stroll-and sampling of their artisanal olive oils and vinegars and offers a gift with purchase. Stationery shop Archer Paper Goods and candle boutique Proper Wax are offering 20% discounts.
Holiday hair is a thing, and Cia Kett Beauty is discounting extensions. Reservations are recommended.
Holiday sips are scattered around the district. The Pittman Hotel’s “Holiday Chalet” (2551 Elm St.) offers boozy hot chocolate, hot toddies, Four Corners Peppermint Porter, and s'mores kits for purchase and roasting at their fireplace. Steam Craft Coffee (2719 Main St.) introduces its first holiday menu featuring chai and matcha, and Trinity Cider (2656 Main St., #120) is offering $5 Apple Brandy shots.
ART HAPPENINGS
5 p.m. - Live painting activations curated in partnership with Kettle Art Gallery owners Frank Campagna and Paula Harris will be positioned throughout the neighborhood during the event.
5-8 p.m. - Live Art Series with Mikayla Magee at Federales (2820 Commerce St.) Visitors can grab a drink and watch artists with different backgrounds and styles create artwork live. Each artist will have artwork for sale, including the piece they create that night. Free admittance with with advance reservation.
5-8 p.m. - Esteemed local photographer Justin Terveen’s works will be on display at Kettle Art Gallery (2650 Main St.) Terveen’s First Friday photos shot December 1st will be shared in real-time via projection in the district.
6-7 p.m. - Murals & Margs – Frank Campagna, a fixture in Dallas’ music and art scenes who earned the moniker “Godfather of Dallas Street Art,” will lead a one-hour walking tour of Deep Ellum’s murals and history. Tour departs from Deep Ellum Plaza (2647 Main St.) Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 day-of, with a maximum of 20 guests. Tickets include the tour, swag bag with collectible, limited-edition glass artwork by a local artist, and rooftop margarita.
CULTURE HAPPENINGS
5 p.m. – Enjoy live music by L25 and light bites and beverages (while they last) by Hawkers at the newly opened Deep Ellum Community Center (2528 Elm St. A) then take a free, guided walking history tour of Deep Ellum at 5:30, ending at the Deep Ellum Plaza just in time for the Annual Tree Lighting at 6:15 p.m.
MUSIC HAPPENINGS
5 p.m - Live music curated in partnership with Deep Ellum 100 director Gianna Madrini will occur indoors and outdoors throughout the neighborhood during the event.
7 p.m. – Doors open at Deep Ellum Live First Fridays: Connor Gibbons & Friends in Concert at Three Links (2704 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226.) Adults 18+. Tickets are $10 pre-sale or $15 day-of.
The 2024 “First Fridays in Deep Ellum” are January 5, February 2, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1, and December 6, 2024. To see participating “First Fridays in Deep Ellum” businesses and happenings visit www.DeepEllumFirstFridays.com and look for “First Fridays”-branded signs, window clings, and posters.
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DIGITAL PRESS KIT (includes high-res, captioned, credited photos and the First Fridays logo)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/z3a22k823zsllk6hsedmm/h?rlkey=tfgw7gf11svsbdhcklag4shzu&dl=0
About Deep Ellum
Established in 1873, Deep Ellum is one of the most historically and culturally significant neighborhoods in Dallas. The district boasts over 20 historically recognized buildings. Now in its 150th year, the neighborhood is home to over 3,000 residents and 400 businesses including shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, galleries, museums, murals, and an historic hotel. It is known as the live music capital of North Texas as well as a hub for the performing arts from theater to comedy. Every night of the week presents an opportunity to experience local music, performances, art shows, and more. To learn more, visit https://www.deepellumtexas.com/.