7 Ways To Enjoy A First Friday in Bryan Even If It's Raining
Every month, Destination Bryan hosts First Friday in Historic Downtown Bryan. In the event of rain, some outdoor activities may be adjusted or canceled, but the restaurants & shops in Historic Downtown Bryan remain open!
Experience live music, business specials, art, and plenty of family-friendly activities every First Friday of the month from 5:00PM - 10:00PM.
Make it a full weekend of fun in Bryan, Texas! Click here to book your stay.
1. Shop Eclectic Boutiques & Thrift Stores
Vintage resale finds, custom cowboy hats, original works of art, hand-blown garden ornaments...You'll find all this and more among the locally owned retail shops in Historic Downtown Bryan. During First Friday our Downtown Bryan shops keep their doors open late and offer various specials and discounts. You might even find complimentary wine, beer, and snacks to enjoy while you shop inside the stores!
Some local shopping hotspots include The Attic Antiques, The Frame Gallery, Bird's Nest, Cowgirl Country Club Boutique, Wonderful Words Bookshoppe, Sweet Repeat Resale, Brazos Glassworks, Itza Bip, and Corner of Time Antiques & Collectables!
See the full list of shops in Historic Downtown Bryan!
2. Grab A Bite To Eat
Take time to let the rain pass and dine at one of Historic Downtown Bryan's many eateries - after all Bryan, Texas is a foodie city!
If you're looking for tasty burgers & fries we recommend: Margies Bar & Grill, 3rd on Main, The Owl, Billy's Grille & Bar, and Proudest Monkey. For tacos or Tex-Mex cuisine, check out Casa Monarca, Papa Perez, Taco Crave, Restaurant San Jose, or Cilantro Mexican Grill.
If pizza is what you're craving, the intersection of 26th Street & Bryan Avenue is where you want to be. RX Pizza and Mr. G's Pizzeria, located across the street from one another, have been local favorites for years.
For a more elevated dining experience you can't go wrong with Elia Cafe & Tapas Bar, Station 36, or Caffe Capri. It’s all on the table in Bryan. All you have to do is bring your appetite!
Follow Destination Bryan on Instagram to learn more about events, places to eat & drink, and live music happening in Bryan!
3. Catch A Movie at The Queen Theatre
Beat the rain and catch a movie at the fully renovated, historic Queen Theatre, featuring a full dine-in menu with service directly to your seat! Having opened in 1939 as one of the finest movie houses in Texas, The Queen Theatre was the first air-conditioned movie theatre west of the Mississippi River. Today, The Queen is recognized as a Bryan, Texas Legend – and operations have returned to the hands of the original owners, the Schulman Family.
Be sure to also visit the recently reopened Stafford 1911, a cocktail bar & music venue located in another historic theater next door to The Queen.
4. Embrace The Local Art Scene
The arts are everywhere at First Friday, but in case of rain, be sure to visit The Frame Gallery and The Parker-Astin! Since opening its doors in 2001, The Frame Gallery has created a haven of local art. In many ways, The Frame Gallery was the birthplace of First Friday. Many Brazos Valley artists have hung their creations inside The Frame Gallery at some point in their careers and the owner, Missy Baron, does everything she can to help keep the arts alive in the community. The Parker-Astin is a newer art gallery and events venue next door to The Frame Gallery, often showcasing local musicians on First Friday as well.
5. Cozy Up At A Downtown Coffee Shop
Cozy up with a latte and watch the rain fall outside at some of our favorite coffee shops in Downtown Bryan! In the historic Kyle House at the south end of Bryan Avenue - Polite Coffee features barista-inspired coffees, spacious seating, and assorted pastries, plus it's the perfect spot to catch up with friends & family.
Another coffee shop we can't recommend enough is Tavo Coffee Co., located at the north end of Main Street. From their fourth-generation Guatemala coffee farm to Downtown Bryan, Tavo Coffee Co. brings their own freshly-roasted coffee beans and serves them to their guests as third-wave specialty espresso and pour-over.
Also be sure to checkout Downtown Bryan's newest coffee shops, House of Rain and Bojo Coffee Co..
6. Say Cheers To Locally Crafted Beverages
With all this talk of food, we can't forget about drinks! From craft cocktails & grain-to-glass spirits, to locally-made beer & mead - there's quite the craft beverage scene in Downtown Bryan!
For locally crafted offerings, stop by Lonestar Meadery, Hush & Whisper Distilling Co., Blackwater Draw Brewery, and Kinderhill Brew Lab & Kitchen.
Other bars in Downtown Bryan include The Owl, Murphy's Law, Billy's Grille & Bar, The Crown, Stafford 1911, Concrete Rodeo, Final Score, and The Boiler Room.
If you're looking to explore a bit more outside of Historic Downtown Bryan, head to Messina Hof Winery, located just 10 minutes from Downtown Bryan. They have wine tastings, tours of the vineyard, and delicious Vineyard Cuisine served at The Vintage House Restaurant!
After-hours fun for all
Downtown Bryan After DarkGrab a locally brewed pint at Blackwater Draw Brewery, sip craft cocktails at one of more than a dozen bars, enjoy live music at The Grand Stafford Theater, or catch a drag performance & dance the night away at Halo. Find the perfect spot for you & your friends below!
7. Tune In To The Downtown Music Scene
Play your First Friday itinerary by ear and experience plenty of live music around Historic Downtown Bryan. Several spots throughout Downtown typically feature live music during First Friday, including The Palace, The 101, Stafford 1911, and Blackwater Draw among others. The Palace is an outdoor amphitheater, but their seats are under a weather-resistant canopy, offering shelter from the rain.
Live Music in Bryan, Texas
Bryan is a Music-Friendly Community
Tune into a live show in a city that has inspired some of Texas's most legendary musicians. From a small acoustic set in a bar in Historic Downtown Bryan to a full concert series at Lake Walk - there's almost always live music to found in Bryan.
November 8
4421 South Texas Avenue Bryan, TX 77802
November 9
4421 South Texas Avenue Bryan, TX 77802
November 11
Historic Downtown Bryan 105 S Main St. Bryan, TX 77803
November 13
Historic Downtown Bryan 105 South Main Street Bryan, TX 77803
November 15
4421 South Texas Avenue Bryan, TX 77802
November 16
Lake Walk 4100 Lake Atlas Dr Bryan, TX 77807
November 16
4421 South Texas Avenue Bryan, TX 77802
November 18
Historic Downtown Bryan 105 S Main St. Bryan, TX 77803
First Friday - Sponsored By
