When football season hits Tallahassee, the excitement doesn’t start on Saturday — it kicks off the night before. Every fall, locals and fans gather across the city for the Downtown GetDown and Northtown GetDown, two Friday-night traditions that set the stage for FSU’s big home games. These aren’t just block parties — they’re full-blown community celebrations that mix live music, great food, and Seminole spirit in true Tallahassee style.
Downtown GetDown
If you want to feel the heartbeat of Tallahassee on a Friday night, head to the Downtown GetDown at Adams Street Commons — right on the corner of Adams Street and College Avenue — from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
These pre-game parties have been a local favorite since the late 1990s, bringing thousands of fans downtown the night before each FSU home game. After a few years off, the event has made a big comeback, and it’s as lively as ever.
The Downtown GetDown is free to attend and open to everyone — families, students, alumni, and visitors. You’ll find live music from local favorites like Tom & The Cats and Two Foot Level, plenty of food trucks and craft vendors, a Fun 4 Tally Kids Zone, and even performances from community dance groups.
The whole block transforms into a festive, tailgate-style street party. People show up in their garnet and gold, grab a bite from local vendors, and enjoy a true Tallahassee night under the lights. It’s the perfect way to get into game-day mode without setting up a tailgate.
The event is organized by the Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority with support from Tri-Eagle Sales, Social House Vodka, and the Adams Radio Group.
If you’re interested in getting involved as a sponsor or vendor, you can reach the TDIA at [email protected].
Northtown GetDown
If you live on the north side of town, you don’t have to miss the pre-game excitement. Bannerman Crossings hosts its own Friday-night celebration — the Northtown GetDown — complete with live music, kids’ activities, food, and drinks.
Things kick off around 5:30 PM with bounce houses, face painting, bubbles, and cornhole, making it a hit for families. Then, from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, the stage lights up with live concerts featuring popular local bands.
This year’s concert lineup includes:
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October 6 – Upside Avenue
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November 10 – Rockitz
The Northtown GetDown has a more relaxed, neighborhood vibe — a great place to meet friends, let the kids burn off some energy, and still get hyped for Saturday’s game. There are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, so you can grab dinner, a drink, or dessert between sets. Parking is free, admission is free, and the atmosphere is all about community fun.
Why Tallahassee Loves the GetDowns
Both of these GetDowns have become a core part of Tallahassee’s fall identity. They’re where football weekends meet small-town charm — where alumni reconnect, families mingle, and visitors get a taste of true Southern hospitality.
The Downtown GetDown offers the high-energy, city-center atmosphere with live music echoing through Adams Street and crowds spilling out from the restaurants and bars. The Northtown GetDown gives northside residents and families an easygoing alternative with plenty of space to play and dance under the stars.
Either way, both events carry the same spirit: they’re the city’s big “Friday warm-up” before Doak Campbell Stadium roars to life.
Make the Most of It
If you’re planning to hit one of the GetDowns before a home game, here are a few quick tips:
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Wear your garnet and gold. Everyone else will be decked out — this is game-weekend tradition.
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Come hungry. Between food trucks, vendors, and nearby restaurants, there’s no shortage of great eats.
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Bring the kids. Both events have family-friendly areas and activities.
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Arrive early. Parking fills up quickly, especially downtown.
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Stay for the music. Each event books local bands that keep the energy high all night long.
The Spirit of Friday Nights in Tally
Whether you’re a die-hard Seminole or just love a good community celebration, the Downtown and Northtown GetDowns are what Friday nights in Tallahassee are all about — neighbors gathering, music playing, food sizzling, and that unmistakable game-day anticipation in the air.
So before the next FSU home game, grab your friends, get your colors on, and join the crowd. Because in Tallahassee, football weekends don’t start on Saturday — they start with a GetDown.
