Odessa city centre, also called Downtown Odessa, is a defined area with civic offices, cultural organizations and community events. First Friday brings music, art, food and local shopping on a monthly pattern.
- Where: Downtown Odessa spans 1st to 10th Streets and Bernice Avenue to Adams Avenue.
- Recurring event: First Friday is usually held on the first Friday of each month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Admission: First Friday is free and open to all ages.
Where is Odessa city centre, and what’s there?
Odessa city centre covers the area between 1st and 10th Streets, and Bernice and Adams Avenues. The City Council established these boundaries in early 2016.
The City of Odessa identifies City Hall, the Ector County Courthouse, the Ector County Library, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, the Odessa Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Odessa Council for Arts and Humanities among downtown’s institutions.
Medical Center Health Systems and Odessa Regional Medical Center flank the area to the west and east, connected by the tree-lined 5th Street corridor.
Downtown Odessa, Inc. is a volunteer-based nonprofit that works with the City Council and City Manager’s Office on downtown economic development. Downtown events include the Downtown Egg Hunt, Firecracker Fandango, First Friday, Treats on the Streets and the Parade of Lights.
What should you check before going?
For First Friday, check the official site before you go, since event details can change. The Odessa tourism site describes it as a free monthly event, usually held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, with music, art, food and local shopping. It is open to all ages.
For a visit focused on downtown institutions, plan around the places you want to see rather than assuming they share one schedule. Downtown includes public offices, the courthouse, library and arts organizations.
How do you get to Odessa city centre?
For a city-centre visit, Executive Inn Odessa is about a 6-minute drive away and offers a room for your downtown visit.
The White-Pool House is one of the city’s named attractions.
For details on visiting it, read how to visit the White-Pool House.
The Stonehenge Replica is another Odessa attraction to pair with a city visit.
Find practical details in this guide to visiting the Stonehenge Replica.
FAQs
What are the boundaries of Downtown Odessa?
The City defines Downtown Odessa as the area from 1st to 10th Streets and Bernice Avenue to Adams Avenue.
When is First Friday held in Odessa?
It is usually held on the first Friday of each month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Does First Friday cost anything?
No. The event is described as free and open to all ages.