It's First Friday Season in Canton! Here's Your 2026 Lineup

Apr 27, 2026

The days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising, and First Friday season is upon us! Each year, Downtown Canton's biggest celebration of the weekend keeps getting better, and 2026 is shaping up to be the most exciting lineup yet. Here's everything you need to know about taking part in one of Canton's most beloved annual traditions!

What is First Friday?

First Fridays are Downtown Canton's signature warm-weather tradition. On the first Friday of each month, from May through October, East Main Street closes to traffic, Cannon Park comes alive with live music, and the community gathers to kick off the weekend in style.

Be sure to come hungry! Downtown Canton's restaurants are the perfect place to fuel up before the show. Prefer to stay close to the action? A rotating lineup of food trucks and vendors along East Main Street have you covered.

Best of all, First Fridays are free to attend, and as always, so is parking in Downtown Canton!

May 1: The Purple Madness

What better way to start the First Friday season than with a little purple rain? On May 1, The Purple Madness returns to Canton by popular demand, and if you were there last time, you already know why. This Prince tribute act delivers the full royal experience, from the flamboyant stage presence, to the scorching guitar work and soul that made Prince one of the most iconic musicians of all time.

The response from Canton crowds in 2023 was so overwhelming that bringing them back was a no-brainer. Welcome back to the First Friday stage, Purple Madness. Let's get this party started!

June 5: The Molly Ringwalds

The '80s are calling, and you'd better pick up, because The Molly Ringwalds are coming to Downtown Canton on June 5!

Billed as the "ultimate '80s cover band," this powerhouse act is a full-blown time machine to one of the most iconic eras of pop culture. Complete with era-appropriate costumes, high-energy theatrics, and a setlist that spans the full glorious spectrum of the decade, from from Bon Jovi to Madonna, The Molly Ringwalds are as wildly entertaining as they are musically impressive.

July 3: Bryce Leatherwood

Bryce Leatherwood grew up in Cherokee County, went to school right here in Canton, and spent his summers on his grandfather's farm falling in love with the classic country sounds of George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Conway Twitty.

Since winning Season 22 of The Voice, Bryce has been making serious waves in country music, earning spots on country radio playlists around the country and delivering his debut Grand Ole Opry performance to a packed house. After selling out shows nationwide, he brings it all back home on July 3 for this special homecoming show you won't want to miss.

August 7: Nashville Nation

Keeping things country in August is Nashville Nation!

This six-piece crowd-favorite has made a name for itself as the ultimate country party band, with a setlist that includes the biggest chart-toppers of the past 25 years from artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and more.

Grab your boots and get ready to dance all night long, because if there's one band guaranteed to get Cannon Park on its feet, it's Nashville Nation!

September 4: Emerald Empire Band

What do Motown, funk, soul, R&B, pop, and rock all have in common? Emerald Empire Band plays them all!

This Atlanta-based group, backed by musicians who have performed alongside legends such as Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars, and Stevie Wonder, puts on a genre-blending show like no other. Now that sounds like a party!

If you're the kind of person who has a bit of everything in your playlist (who isn't?), this is the show for you!

October 2: On the Border

We saved a fan favorite for last! On the Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute makes their triumphant return to Downtown Canton to close out the 2026 First Friday season, and after the response they got from Canton audiences last year, we're thrilled to welcome them back!

As seen on AXS TV's The World's Greatest Tribute Bands, On the Border is renowned for their five-part harmonies and spot-on renditions of the Eagles' most iconic hits. On October 2, we invite you to take it easy one last time this season to the timeless sounds of one of rock's greatest bands.

A few more details...

You know the lineup, now here's the rundown of everything you need to know before you get here:

📍 First Fridays take place at Cannon Park and along East Main Street in Historic Downtown Canton (130 East Main St., Canton, GA.)

⌚ The music kick off at 6 p.m., but we encourage you to arrive early to experience everything Downtown Canton has to offer!

🚗 Street parking on East Main St. is unavailable during First Friday events, but there is plenty of free parking just steps away from the action. Be sure to check out our Downtown parking map HERE for more information. Alternatively, catch the free park & ride shuttle from The Mill on Etowah (the pickup point is at the flag pole adjacent to Bully Run and Rock N Roll Sushi.)

🪑 Lawn chairs are welcome, but please do not set them out before 7 a.m. on the day of the show - they will be subject to removal. For everyone's safety, we also ask that walkways and flowerbeds are kept clear at all times.

We can't wait to see you all at First Friday this year! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, and don't forget to tag Explore Canton in any pictures you post - we'd love to see them!

Author

Michael Loizou

Digital Content Specialist; City of Canton, GA

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