July's First Friday will be a joint event with the Stark County Italian American Festival. The Italian American Festival will be at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton from 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Centennial Plaza is on Market Avenue N along Court Avenue and Third Street NW.

Festivities will be both at the plaza and in the surrounding area. Food, novelty and drink vendors will be featured. Kissel Amusement Co. will be providing rides. A bocce tournament also will take place. First Friday's concert will feature New Wave Nation, an '80s tribute band, at Centennial Plaza. The band is presented as part of the Jerzee's Cafe concert series.