What is the most fun way to spend a Friday night?

It would have to be the 3rd Fridays in Downtown Decatur! On the third Friday of each month between April and October, Downtown Decatur transforms into a lively street festival! 2nd Avenue is the host to one of Decatur's most popular recurring events full of food, fun, and entertainment. Downtown Decatur started celebrating 3rd Fridays fourteen years ago with a small block party that would help raise attendance to downtown restaurants. Over the years, 3rd Fridays have turned into a huge community-wide celebration complete with vendors, food trucks, dance parties, contests, and so much more. There is so much to do at Decatur's 3rd Fridays that we made a list for you! 

You can visit local restaurants

There is no better place to be than a lively downtown restaurant on 3rd Fridays! The Decatur restaurants create a fun atmosphere like no other on that special day of the month. You can find live music, specialty drinks, and of course the most delicious food. The Downtown Decatur area has plenty of different options when it comes to cuisine! If you are in the mood for a chill night, stop by the most mellow place in town for some sizzling pizza, Mellow Mushroom! Maybe you are more into BBQ and beers? Moe's BBQ is a hot spot on 3rd Fridays that is sure to please. Or if you are looking for something out of the ordinary you can visit Josie's Mediterranean Café which offers a unique dining experience. Another must-stop spot in Downtown Decatur is the Brick Deli & Tavern. This local sandwich shop has original flavors, amazing homemade cornbread, and a large selection of beers on tap. A newer addition to Downtown Decatur is Krab Kingz Seafood! This newcomer offers excellent seafood right in the heart of Downtown. Lastly, if you are wanting some southern comfort food make sure to check out the Railyard. The Railyard is a perfect destination for a family dinner or date night in Decatur. If you are in the mood for dessert you can head to the end of 2nd Avenue to find Tess' Place, a new ice cream and soda shop that will treat your sweet tooth! Wherever you chose to dine, you can't go wrong!

Learn a line dance

Shop from unique local vendors

One of the best parts of 3rd Fridays is exploring all the vendor booths that line the streets! Local vendors and vendors from all over will bring their merchandise to Downtown Decatur to showcase their unique items. Talented artisans and craftsmen, specialty bakers, local businesses, and so much more all set up displays! So make sure to stop by and browse around because you never know what you may find at a 3rd Friday booth.

Discover something delicious at the food trucks

If you are more of an on-the-go type person then 3rd Friday has the solution for you! No need to hang out in a restaurant all night long when you could grab a tasty meal from one of the many food trucks. The street festival has different food trucks each month that offer all kinds of sweet and savory treats. You never know which food trucks will be at each event so if you see a dish you would like to try we suggest going for it!

Try your best at the mechanical bull

A popular addition to Decatur's 3rd Fridays is the Absaroka mechanical bull! Absaroka is a western wear store located on 2nd Avenue. As a fun way to entertain guests in front of their store, Absaroka decided to offer mechanical bull rides. This wild ride is a sight to see and challenges anyone brave enough to ride it! The mechanical bull makes its' appearances at some 3rd Friday events. If you would like to conquer the bull yourself then check out the area in front of Absaroka and Ottis and Kate for the next available ride!

Take photos with some special guests

If you have little ones, 3rd Friday can be a great way to have some family-friendly fun! Your child might even be lucky enough to spot their favorite character walking around. Decatur is the home of Magical Memories, a talented group of young actors and actresses that portray different characters from all of the kids' favorite shows and movies. You may have the chance to meet a Disney princess or a pirate or even a Marvel Superhero! You never know which characters could be appearing at a 3rd Friday event but you can find them walking around taking photos with and interacting with all the kids!

Browse around the local Jeep Club

Another newer addition to Downtown Decatur's 3rd Fridays is the local Jeep Club that meets in front of the Historic Princess Theater. This club is an awesome opportunity to see Jeeps like never before. Jeep owners display their tricked-out rides for the community to look at while also getting to meet and connect with other Jeep owners. This monthly meeting of Jeep owners can result in a lot of cool pictures, and interesting stories. Some Jeep owners may even receive a collectible rubber duck to display on their dashboard. If you see a Jeep with a collection of ducks, be sure to ask the owner about their origin stories!

Or check out some awesome antique cars!

One of the most unique parts of Decatur's 3rd Friday events is seeing all the incredible antique cars that are on display each month! These vintage vehicles will bring you back in time with their sleek paint jobs and pristine leather interiors. The owners of these antique cars have done a fantastic job of preserving some iconic cars and trucks throughout American history. While you are visiting Downtown Decatur on 3rd Friday take a moment to browse around, take photos, and learn about your favorite antique car!

Please check out 3rd Friday Downtown Decatur's Facebook page for announcements, updates, specials, contests, and more in the link below