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The 6 Must-Attend First Friday Southern Pines NC Events Of 2025: Your Ultimate Guide To Moore County’s Best Street Party

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Planning your 2025 calendar in the Sandhills region? Then mark your schedule for the essential social event of the season: First Friday Southern Pines NC. This beloved monthly gathering transforms the heart of downtown Southern Pines into a vibrant, family-friendly street festival, serving as the premier community fundraiser for one of the area’s most important cultural institutions, the historic Sunrise Theater. As of today, December 23, 2025, the full series is confirmed to run from May through November, offering six distinct opportunities to enjoy live music, local food trucks, and the best of Moore County’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The event is a perfect blend of high-energy entertainment and small-town charm, bringing together residents from Pinehurst, Aberdeen, and beyond. Organized in partnership with the Southern Pines Business Association (SPBA), First Friday is completely free to the public, relying on generous community sponsorship and the enthusiastic support of attendees who purchase food and beverages to benefit the Sunrise Theater’s preservation and programming efforts. It’s more than just a party; it’s a crucial pillar of the local arts and business community.

The Complete 2025 First Friday Southern Pines NC Schedule and Details

First Friday is a seasonal event, traditionally kicking off in the late spring and wrapping up just before the major holiday season. The series takes a brief pause in the middle of summer (July) but returns strong for the late summer and fall months. All events are held on the First Bank Stage, located on the picturesque Sunrise Theater Lawn, making it an easy-to-find, central location for all attendees. The hours are consistent, running from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, allowing for a perfect evening of relaxation after a long week.

Here are the confirmed dates for the 2025 First Friday Southern Pines NC series:

  • May 2, 2025: Season Kick-Off Event (The official start of the outdoor concert series)
  • June 6, 2025: Early Summer Celebration (A great event for families before school lets out)
  • July 2025: No Event (The series pauses for the month of July)
  • August 1, 2025: Summer Return (Often featuring a high-energy band to welcome back attendees)
  • September 5, 2025: Back-to-School/Fall Vibe (Enjoying the slightly cooler Sandhills evening air)
  • October 3, 2025: Pre-Holiday Bash (One of the most popular months, blending music with a festive atmosphere)
  • November 7, 2025: Season Finale (The last chance to enjoy the First Friday experience until the following May)

The consistent 5 PM to 9 PM timeframe ensures that the event is accessible for both young families looking for an early evening outing and couples or groups ready to enjoy the Moore County nightlife. While the event is free, attendees are encouraged to bring cash or cards for the numerous local vendors.

Beyond the Music: What to Expect at a First Friday Event

While the live music acts on the First Bank Stage are the main attraction, the First Friday experience is a multi-faceted event that engages all the senses. It’s a crucial engine for the local economy, driving foot traffic and sales for local businesses, from boutique shops to established restaurants in the downtown area. The atmosphere is always electric, characterized by a friendly, community-first energy that is unique to Southern Pines.

The Culinary Scene: Food Trucks and Local Delights

A major draw of the First Friday series is the rotating selection of regional food trucks. These mobile kitchens offer a diverse range of cuisines, ensuring there is something for every palate. Attendees can expect everything from classic American barbecue and gourmet burgers to international flavors like authentic tacos, Asian fusion, and specialty desserts. The lineup changes monthly, providing a fresh culinary experience at every event.

In addition to the food trucks, the event is a major showcase for local beverage providers. The official beverage vendor is typically the highly popular Southern Pines Brewery, offering a selection of their craft beers and hard seltzers. This partnership not only provides high-quality, local refreshment but also ensures that a portion of the beverage sales directly supports the Sunrise Theater, reinforcing the event’s fundraising mission. Non-alcoholic options are always readily available for all ages.

The Soundtrack of the Sandhills: Live Entertainment

The music is the heart of the event, curated by the Sunrise Theater to feature a mix of local, regional, and sometimes nationally touring acts. The genre selection is broad, often including blues, rock, funk, country, and Americana. Past performers have set a high standard, showcasing talent that turns the Sunrise Lawn into a premier outdoor concert venue. The quality of the acts is a testament to the event’s reputation within the North Carolina music scene. Bringing a blanket or a lawn chair is highly recommended to secure a comfortable spot near the First Bank Stage.

The family-friendly nature of the event means that while the music is top-notch, the environment remains relaxed and welcoming. It's a perfect opportunity for community members to gather, socialize, and introduce younger generations to the joy of live performance.

Supporting the Arts and Local Commerce: The True Mission

While many see First Friday as simply a great party, its deeper purpose is rooted in community support and cultural preservation. This event is the primary annual fundraiser for the Sunrise Preservation Group, the non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and operating the historic Sunrise Theater. Every dollar spent on beverages goes directly toward supporting the theater’s year-round programming, from independent films and live theater to educational workshops.

The collaboration with the Southern Pines Business Association (SPBA) also ensures that the event acts as a significant economic boost for the downtown Southern Pines area. Local businesses often extend their hours, offer special promotions, and set up sidewalk displays to engage with the massive crowds. This synergy between the arts and commerce is a model for successful downtown revitalization, making First Friday a celebrated entity in the greater Pinehurst area.

Key Entities and Local Partners:

  • Sunrise Theater (250 NW Broad Street): The presenting organization and primary beneficiary.
  • Southern Pines Business Association (SPBA): Co-organizer, representing over a hundred local businesses.
  • First Bank: Sponsor of the main stage, demonstrating corporate support for community events.
  • Southern Pines Brewery: Key beverage partner, providing local craft options.
  • Moore County: The geographical entity that benefits from the increased tourism and local spending.
  • Local Artists and Crafters: Often featured with pop-up tents, adding an artistic flair to the street festival.

When you attend First Friday, you are not just enjoying a free concert; you are actively investing in the cultural health and economic vitality of the Sandhills region. It is a powerful example of how community events can serve multiple purposes, providing entertainment while simultaneously fueling local non-profits and small businesses.

Tips for Attending First Friday Southern Pines NC

To make the most of your First Friday experience in 2025, a little planning goes a long way. The event is incredibly popular, especially during the peak months of September and October, so arriving early is always a good strategy to secure parking and a good spot on the lawn.

Parking: Parking can be a challenge in downtown Southern Pines. Consider carpooling or utilizing side streets a block or two away from the main Broad Street area. The event is held rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather. In the event of severe weather, the Sunrise Theater often communicates updates via its social media channels.

Seating: The Sunrise Lawn is a large, open space, but comfortable seating is a must. Bring your own folding chairs or a large blanket. While some seating is available near the vendors, the best spots for viewing the First Bank Stage are quickly claimed.

Supporting Local: Remember that this is a fundraiser. While the music is free, purchasing your food and beverages from the official vendors, particularly the Southern Pines Brewery tent, directly contributes to the Sunrise Theater. Take the time to explore the local shops and restaurants that stay open late; many offer unique First Friday specials that you won't find at any other time.

First Friday Southern Pines NC is truly the pinnacle of the Moore County social calendar. It’s a celebration of music, food, community, and the collective effort to preserve a local treasure. Make sure these six dates are circled on your 2025 calendar—you won’t want to miss a single one.

first friday southern pines nc
first friday southern pines nc

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