When you’re new to West Chester it can be hard to figure out where the fun is, especially if you don’t know where and when to look. Have no fear, though! The Dynamic Team has compiled a list of the top five fun activities in the downtown area!

1. First Fridays!

On the first Friday of every month, the shops downtown stay open late, and put tons of unique merchandise on sale, while local restaurants will have great appetizer and drink specials for the First Friday enthusiasts.  Also on First Friday, West Chester will be hosting it’s own semi-annual  Art Gallery Walk in the months of June and October. First Friday is a great way to get acquainted with the area, and to get in touch with the local art scene. Retailers all over High and Gay Streets host the area’s most talented artists and artisans.

2. Open Mic Night at Fennario!

Every Wednesday night, West Chester’s hippest coffee shop, Fennario, hosts an open mic night. Whether you’re a musician or a music enthusiast, make sure you walk, bike, or skateboard up to 111 N. Church Street to catch musicians and poets of all genres, skill levels, and specialties performing live. Make sure you grab a coffee, latte or tea — it is tough to beat Fennario’s baristas!

3. The Note!

Sometimes, it can be rough being into the music and social scene when you’re underage. Everyone’s been there — a great band is playing a show nearby but you can’t get in because you’re under 21. Luckily for West Chester students, The Note hosts all ages and 18 and over shows on a regular basis. For example, on June 26, Bedoin Soundclash, DeLeon, and Among Criminals are playing an 18+ show; July 18, Jealousy Curve is playing a series of back to back shows with Fooling April and Red Wire Black Wire and the earliest show is all ages; and August 11, Kevin Devine is playing an 18+ show featuring Fred Marashino of Taking Back Sunday. Check the show schedule at www.thenotewc.com regularly to see who is in town!

4. The Restaurant Festival!

West Chester’s Annual Restaurant Festival will be held on Sunday, September 20th.  Local eateries line Gay Street with booths and offer delicious samples of their best selling appetizers, entrées, and snacks at heavily discounted prices! Attending the festival is an awesome chance to enjoy the late summer weather, hang out with friends, and sample some of the best food West Chester has to offer! Bring your friends and some good walking shoes!

5. The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium

On July 11th at 5:15pm, one of the Iron Hill Bike Races will take place, rain or shine. Grab a few friends and walk up to the intersection of Gay and High Streets to cheer for these incredible athletes! Arrive for an early dinner if you can, and get seated outside at Iron Hill or Kildare’s! The Iron Hill bike races are some of the most fun and exciting events held downtown and definitely worth the trip!

Whatever your interests might be, there is plenty to do in the West Chester area. If you know of a great event in the downtown area, feel free to drop us a line, and we’ll include it in our next Top Five!

- Hilary Nunes @ Dynamic