Downtown Greensboro, Inc. (DGI) has announced a Fall Shop, Sip & Stroll for First Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3. The Greensboro community is encouraged to get a jump on holiday shopping, shop local and enjoy complimentary beverages from participating downtown retailers. Some retailers will also feature live music and select restaurants are signing on with specials as well.

“What better way to start your holiday shopping than a fall stroll through Downtown Greensboro,” says Stacy Calfo, DGI’s Director of Marketing. “This new initiative aims to further support our small business owners throughout downtown who continue to struggle to keep their doors open during this challenging time.”

Visitors to Shop, Sip & Stroll will be asked to mask up while they shop locally owned stores in the center city on Friday, 5-9 PM, and Saturday, 12-9 PM. The Saturday portion of the event will also overlap with Open Streets, a pedestrian-friendly closed Elm Street, from 5-11 PM.

“As small business owners, we bring an enormous amount of passion and skill to the community and in turn, we depend upon our neighbors to keep us going,” says Tinker Clayton of Hudson’s Hill. “Downtown Greensboro is an eclectic mix of businesses that provide unique and creative services and products all in one convenient and easy to navigate package. Local customers are the lifeblood of our store and we wouldn’t be here without the kindness and support of our friends.”

Dan Weatherington of Gate City Candy Co. agrees, “Save our shops, come downtown and support local businesses to help ensure downtown continues to thrive.”

View a complete list of participating retailers and specials at www.downtowngreensboro.org/events/shop-sip-stroll/. Specials will be added daily leading up to the start of the event.