Downtown Lewisburg celebrates The Lewisburg Literary Festival this First Fridays after Five on Friday, Aug. 3! Join the fun … live music, poetry slam, art events and tasty treats, all free to the public. Everyone is welcome!

Catch the tunes of Apostles of Boogie, Johnny Foster and Friends, a Lively Blues and Soul acoustic performance, in the City Green Space from 5:30 to 8 p.m.! Hang out for a while and enjoy!

Champion slam poets Brian Olivia, Joe Limer and Torli Bush come to Lee Street Studios for an evening of performance poetry like you have never seen. Brian “Super B” is an accomplished writer and spoken word artist with a touch of R&B and Soul and co-founder of Urbane Culture, one of the most successful open mic venues in Pomona, California. Joe Limer, originally from West Virginia, is a 4-time national poetry slam competitor from San Diego. He is a champion of slams in Long Beach, Encinitas, Honolulu and Pittsburgh. Torli Bush has performed in several slams, most notably the 25th Annual Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Louisville, KY.  Doors open at 7 p.m. and the throw down begins at 7:30 p.m. You don’t want to miss this! (232 Lee Street North, 681-318-3551)

The Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center welcomes you to the Lewisburg Literary Festival!  The center is the home of the Literary Festival Bookstore and will host book vendors, authors, and two writers’ workshops thru Saturday, Aug. 4.  In conjunction with the festival, Greenbrier Artists will present a show titled “Poetry Inspires Art.” The paintings are inspired by poems written by the artists and their family members.  Several of the artists will be on hand to chat about their creations. Don’t miss this fun evening of art and literature! (905 Washington Street West, 645-1000)

Pop a Cork at Bella Gourmet – Get a Free Signed Champagne Print from John Reburn of Appalachia Press (really old school and really cool printing press company from Roanoke, VA.) John will be at Bella signing his handmade prints AND it’s all about Champagne! Try some great champagnes and purchase any bottle of bubbly to receive your very own signed Champagne Print from Appalachia Press! What a great way to celebrate the Lewisburg Literary Festival! (1017 Washington Street East, 520-4921)

Cooper Gallery hosts an artist reception of new original paintings in the American barn series by Virginia artist, Bruce Macdonald. Stop by to meet the artist! (1067 Washington Street East, 661-1752)

At WV Fine Artisans, meet local talent, Judy Lewis, this First Friday’s featured Artist in Action. Judy is well known for her ability to expertly use oil and acrylics and has most recently started to explore the impressionist’s techniques. Lewis’s paintings are reflective of the world around her, often painting something in nature. Join us for a complimentary glass of wine or fruit infused water while you explore the beauty of Judy Lewis’s artistic vision. (1042 Washington Street East, 667-0320)

Try your luck at Harmony Ridge Gallery in hourly drawings to win unique Literary Festival inspired prizes: A Vintage Book Journal, “The Book is Always Better” Rustic Wooden Sign or a Handcrafted WV Bookmark. (886 Washington Street West, 645-4333)

A New Chapter, Lewisburg’s newest Book Store, invites you to stop in for complimentary wine and live music. You’ll also find a book selection available written by the visiting authors of the Lewisburg Literary Festival.  (922 Washington Street West, 992-4323)

Qiet performs at Hill & Holler at 9 to 11 p.m. as part of the Lewisburg Literary Festival. Qiet defies the boundaries of traditional music, taking in every culture and orchestrating the sound, feel and spirit into a high energy pop package… A blend of jazz, gypsy, funk and beyond! (540 Jefferson Street North, 647-4429)

At the Irish Pub, Lewisburg’s very own Celtic musician, Patrick O’Flaherty, will play Irish tunes from 6 to 10 p.m. No cover charge. (1030 Washington Street East, 645-7386)

Top off your evening with a visit to The Asylum for live music by Snyder, Lazare & Snyder, playing 9 p.m. to midnight. (399 Randolph Street East, 681-318-3515)

First Fridays after 5 takes place all year long, except January, in downtown Lewisburg with shops, galleries and restaurants in downtown Lewisburg open until 8 p.m. serving complimentary refreshments and entertainment, sponsored by City National Bank. Downtown Lewisburg, America’s Coolest Small Town, is just 1 mile south of I-64 via exit 169. The town center is located at Washington Street (Rt. 60) and Jefferson Street (Rt. 219). For more information go to www.downtownlewisburg.com or become a fan on FaceBook.