As Concord gears up for a packed summer of outdoor events, First Fridays kick off at the start of May, bringing fun for people of all ages.

Hosted by local nonprofit InTown Concord, First Fridays are a monthly celebration of community in downtown Concord featuring live music performances, art gallery exhibitions, food trucks and refreshments, seasonal theme-based activities and shopping opportunities.

“I think that the goal is really to show off that Concord is a really fun place to live, and it's a fun place to connect with your community and to highlight some of the cool things that are already happening downtown,” said Berit Brown of InTown Concord. “It's just another reason to come and hang out in Concord on a Friday night.”

Participating in First Fridays comes at no cost. This year will bring a fun new addition: a free yoga class at each event.

Brown has also worked closely to coordinate with art galleries this season so their hours can coincide with First Fridays.

“It's kind of a way of making the gallery spaces more accessible and more inviting for people to feel comfortable walking in and checking out the art and not making art such a highbrow thing,” she said. “In Concord, a lot of the gallery owners are really, really excited to be able to have their spaces open on First Friday because they're like, ‘I want people to come in and check out the art.’”

The season kickoff on Friday, May 2 will be themed “Petals & Pedals.” The event will feature live music from the NH Music Collective at City Plaza and The Wandering Souls Band in Bicentennial Square.

Food trucks Wicked Tasty and The Gravy Train will set up shop downtown. The Concord Arts Market will have stalls on Capitol Street, and City Councilor Stacy Brown will lead a free, guided tree tour of the city. Pillar Gallery + Projects, Glimpse Gallery and Go Native Gallery will all open their doors to the public for the evening. Firefly Crystal & Tarot, Lelise Designer Resale, Sue’s Kimbap House and Wine on Main will offer discounts to customers during First Friday hours.

“I think that it's a good excuse to go out and wander around and meet new people,” Brown said. “It just makes it really memorable to live in Concord, and it feels good that you're in such a vibrant community.”

More information:

Each First Friday event takes place from 4-8 p.m. Here are the dates and themes. (Note: There will be no First Friday in July.)

May 2: Petals & Pedals

June 6: Beach Party

August 1: Dog Days of Summer

September 5: “Fall” in love with Concord

October 3: Spooky Season

November 7: Concord Art Walk

For more information on First Fridays, visit www.firstfridayconcord.com.

Rachel Wachman can be reached at rwachman@cmonitor.com