After several years away, First Fridays are returning to Warren. The Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry (WCCBI), in collaboration with the City of Warren and Explore Downtown Warren, is bringing the monthly event back starting in May.

Each First Friday will run from 5 to 6:00PM, featuring local vendors, live music, and specials at many downtown shops and restaurants.

Following a unique theme each month, beginning with “Art” in May, the event will take a break in July due to scheduling conflicts with the city’s Fourth of July celebration and parade.

Organizers say the event is part of a broader effort to revitalize the city’s core and support local businesses.

"The city's Downtown Joint Task Force worked alongside WCCBI to bring this back in part of the larger effort to revitalize downtown Warren," explained Kassie Damcott, City of Warren Department of Public Works. "We are all looking forward to it, it's all a part of our effort to get people out into the downtown area to experience what the city has to offer."

"It's been great to see how many businesses are getting together again, supporting one another," Savannah Casey, Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry said. "They are very active and engaged. It feels great downtown, to see the hub of activity going on, and at the heart of it - it is always about supporting local."

The series will be running from May until October, featuring a different theme each month, and encouraging locals and visitors alike to discover the city.

Organizers and residents alike are eager to see the tradition not only return, but grow.

For a full list of themes and participating vendors and businesses, visit Explore Downtown Warren, PA's social media page, here.