July Firefly Nights celebrates community togetherness

Picture of people attending a festival in the middle of a downtown streetStreet view

On Friday, July 18, Bowling Green’s downtown streets were closed in order to make way for the Firefly Nights festival. The nonprofit event featured local food trucks, vendors and free children’s activities, including chalk art, face painting, cornhole and other games.

There were also crafts and inflatables for additional entertainment. Bubbles floated to the sky and music filled the air, first from CBR Trio, then later from a DJ.

Festival-goers also took advantage of the DORA program, enjoying their drinks outside in warm weather.

The last Firefly Nights festival of 2025 will take place at Wooster Green on Friday, Aug. 15, from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Firefly Nights would like to thank volunteers, BGSU, City of BG, State Bank BG, Thayer Family Dealerships, and Visit BG Ohio for making this inclusive, multi-generational event possible.

Photo shows young girl in an odd position, focused on coloring the pavement with chalk
Young girl focused on her artwork
Photo shows people gathered downtown, some standing, some eating at tables that are lined up
Main Street
The photo shows two mascots, falcons, greeting a young toddler and her mother. One of the mascots is squatting to match the height of the child.
Freddie and Frieda Falcon greet a young fan
People cross Wooster St. in the crosswalk while holding food and drinks
Crossing Wooster Street
A child is jumping on a trampoline in a harness, allowing him to flip upside down.
Young boy does a backflip
Photo shows crowd gathered around a magician who is performing an illusion
Magician Andrew Martin performs an illusion
two girls stand on either side of a large connect four game - each girl is trying to put a piece in the game
Two young girls make up their own rules to “Connect 4”
people eat at tables set up in the middle of the street in front of downtown stores
Main Street
People stand around art on the pavement done with sidewalk chalk
People used chalk to express their creativity