A special day of shopping, art and entertainment downtown! Enjoy a full day and evening of culture and activity. Visit a variety of retailers, artist venues and fabulous restaurants, plus music and drinks at all your favorite hot spots!

Learn about downtown through the centuries! Free Historical Walking Tours of Phillips Ave will be given at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Tours will last about an hour, starting at 12th & Phillips and progressing north to 9th Street and back.

In the evening, don't miss theBlock Party on the East Bank at 8th & Railroad Center from 6-11pm. We'll kick things off with "Short Fuse" and follow with "Blues Bashers". Beer and wine available for purchase, along with a fresh and interesting mix of food vendors to complement your tastes. Picnic table seating provided, but feel free to bring your lawn chair if you please.

Also, Carriage Rides looping through downtown, provided by Majestic. Load and unload at 12th & Phillips, 6:00-8:30pm. $5 per person.

Plein Aire Artists will be painting at various locations on Phillips Ave from 5-8pm, and street musicians performing on Phillips from 6-8pm.

Other Merchant Specials:

24/7 Fitness and Tanning - Free one-day fitness pass -- or tanning session, if you stop by on First Friday and mention this special, 11am to 7pm. 300 N Dakota Ave.

24/7 Fitness Club - Try our Boot Camp for FREE, this First Friday. Group exercise class in Van Eps Park (7th & Minnesota Ave) at 6am every Mon/Wed/Fri.

8th & Railroad Center - Gaps in Employment, a fine art show featuring new paintings and photography by Shaine & Shelbi Schroeder. 8th & Railroad Center Commons Area (Behind Galleries). Free food & refreshments, live music by DJ FooLProoF. 7-10pm.

Great Outdoor Store - footwear sale! 20% off all men and women's shoes. 201 E 10th St.

Home Porch - 20% off store-wide and free chocolate with any purchase! 217 S Phillips Ave.

K - selling assorted pizzettes and cookies to go, to enjoy at the block party. Full dinner available inside the restaurant and on the back patio, featuring summer wine specials. 401 E 8th St, #128.

Oh My Cupcakes! - open until 8pm and kicking off the 4th of July weekend with FREE Frosting Shots! 524 N Main Ave.

Simply Perfect - 25% off all BBQ and kitchen items. 401 E 8th St, #108.