Things to do: First Fridays, Arts Blend at CAB, parents' night out and woodworking

Now that the smoke and confetti from 4th of July has settled, roll the celebration into another long First Fridays weekend.

1. First Fridays & Strolling on 6th

Columbia's popular monthly gathering will return this weekend as we come upon another fun First Fridays.

First Fridays, as always, will mainly run from 5-8 p.m., including shops staying open late, an artisan vendor market, street performers and more.

This month is also the second First Fridays since its newly implemented changes were put in place. This includes closing down a portion of the square facing West 7th Street to provide a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

For classic car fans, the new First Fridays will also feature a Cruise-In car display along the closed portion of West 7th.

Also be sure to check out Strolling on 6th block party, expanding First Fridays to feature more music, vendors and food trucks along West 6th Street.

2. Art Blend Night at CAB

Artists of all kinds are invited to a special art show/mash-up at the Columbia Arts Building.

Hosted by Vida Nova Coffee Lounge, Art Blend Night will feature an "open-mic style" format for local artists to get up and share their work with others.

The event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday in the CAB's third level, 307 W. 11th St.

Each artist will be given 3-5 minutes to showcase their works, whether it is photography, paint, sculpture, music, anything one would consider "art."

3. Discovery Parents Night Out

Need a night out but can't find a babysitter?

Discovery Gymnastics, 1943 Union Place, will host a Parents Night Out from 6:30-10 p.m. Friday.

The event will be open for children ages 4-11. Cost is $20 per kid.

Parents Night Out will feature an evening of fun games, prizes, as well as a zipline and inflatables. The night will also include a pizza dinner with snow cones.

For more information, contact Discovery Gymnastics by calling (931) 388-3679.

4. Intro to Woodworking

Need a new hobby, one that uses your hands to create something new for the home?

Or maybe you missed out on being part of the generation who grew up with woodshop class in school.

Soulmates and Sawdust, 1515 Center Star Road, will host an Intro to Woodworking class starting at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The class, which is for ages 16 and up, will discuss different wood types, lumber, terminology, as well as skills like measuring and marking. There will also be an emphasis on safety while working in the woodshop.

Saturday's class will also teach students how to build a birdhouse.

To register online, visit www.SoulmatesandSawdust.com .

5. Live entertainment

Tom Saffell & Lydia Anderson will perform at McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 814 S. Main St., starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

Stephanie Adlington will perform at Farmstead Roots Market & Cellar, 803 S. Main St., starting at 6 p.m. Friday.

Justin Bowman and the Drifters will perform at Grinder's Switch Winery, 510 N. Garden St., starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

Khris Glaring Band will perform at The Tilted Mule, 102 Depot St., starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson will perform at McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 814 S. Main St., starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Bird + The Bear will perform at August Sage, located in The Factory at Columbia at 101 N. James M. Campbell Blvd., starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.

The Black Hole Sons will perform at Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 150 Stephen P. Yokich Parkway in Spring Hill, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.

John Eason will perform at The Tilted Mule, 102 Depot St., starting at 3 p.m. Sunday.

2 Bad Sons will perform at The Rebel Bar and Grill, 307 Riverside Drive, starting at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Things to do: First Fridays, Arts Blend at CAB, parents' night out and woodworking