July St. J Final Friday Brings Free Summer Fun Downtown

ST. JOHNSBURY – The second St. J Final Fridays event of the year, on July 28 will bring a street fair and nightlife feel to the downtown. Starting at 4 p.m., Railroad Street will be closed to motorized vehicles and filled with more than 30 free interactive live art demonstrations, family activities, a gallery stroll, sidewalk sales, treats, a beer garden, and more. At 7 p.m., the event closes out with a free performance.

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to spread some joy during such a difficult time for Vermonters.” says Gillian Sewake, Director of Discover St. Johnsbury. “St. Johnsbury has been spared the flood damage that has rocked so many other communities, and we want to especially invite our neighbors from affected towns to come out and enjoy some free, family-friendly fun. We’ll have free treats like ice cream, free portrait drawing, and dozens of free art experiences to build our community back up again.”

Featured free programming at the street fair includes Tibetan dance, song and music performances by Migmar Tsering; live music by Koa Phoenix; the St. J Art on the Street Gallery Stroll by Catamount Arts, featuring art exhibitions, meet-the-artist activities, and refreshments in a dozen locations along Railroad Street and Eastern Avenue; pet portrait drawings from Kingdom Animal Shelter (bring a pic of your pet!); doggie hydration stations from the Friends of Dog Mountain; storytime from Everybody Wins! Vermont; henna tattoos from Amal Eltaib; fitness popup classes by NEK Prosper!; and lots more activities planned including kids crafts, dance demonstrations, and free popcorn, cookies and lemonade. Food trucks will be available with meals for purchase during the street fair, along with a beer and mocktails garden hosted by Kingdom Taproom and Cosmic Cup Café, which opens at 6 p.m.

Businesses along Railroad Street and Eastern Avenue will also stay open late and host sidewalk sales and activities in-store. The Kitchen Counter Cafe and Yummies at The Star will offer free ice cream during the event.

At 7 p.m., the night closes with a performance by Adam Ezra Group. Catamount Arts will bring their mobile stage to the heart of downtown St. Johnsbury, turning Railroad Street into a summer concert venue to showcase the band’s folk and rock energy.