For more than a year, First Friday Weekends have created a fun atmosphere in downtown Natchez for visitors and residents.

The art walk on Friday evenings and the free outdoor movie on Saturday nights have each attracted their fans who attend on a regular basis. Downtown shop owners report that tourists are planning Natchez visits based on First Fridays.

Now we have a new twist.

In order to create an exceptional event each month, the Natchez Downtown Development Association has decided to bundle all the fun into one night — Friday.

From now on, the First Friday Art Walk will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. with the free movie starting around 8 p.m., depending on darkness. We believe that by combining both activities on one night, an even more festive atmosphere will be created.

If that weren’t enough, this Friday will have the added attraction of the Independence Day fireworks, which are taking place on July 3 this year.

So July’s First Friday will look like this:

-Art walk with about two dozen shops displaying local artists’ work, 6 to 8 p.m.

-Fireworks show, 8 p.m.

-Free movie on a giant screen on Commerce south of Main, after the fireworks.

If you have not yet focused on the outstanding art being produced in Natchez, you may be surprised at the variety and quality of art on sale at reasonable prices. Even if you’re not in the market for art today, you may find that the work of one or more artists would make excellent purchases for your home or gifts in the coming months.

As for the movie itself, this month it’s the picture considered the best “dance” movie of the 1980s, starring Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer. It’s rated PG. This movie reminds us of what teenagers were like two decades ago. Unlike some dance movies, this one gets high marks for its character development, including that of a pastor and father played by John Lithgow. The show also features a young Sarah Jessica Parker.

The combination movie and art walk — even without fireworks — makes First Friday the perfect, affordable date night, even for married couples. And it’s just right for families and groups of friends. Bring your chairs or rent them on-site. Creative folks have been seen bringing their own tables, chairs, food and drink. We haven’t seen candelabras on tables yet, but it could happen.

If you’re not in the mood to pack a picnic, food, popcorn and beverages will be sold at the movie, which is shown in front of the Historic Natchez Foundation in the 100 block of Commerce Street.

In short, the board members and volunteers of Natchez Downtown Development Association believe a good event is about to get better. Come join us.

Bill Furlow is a member of the Natchez Downtown Development Association’s Board of Directors.