The first Friday of every month, Downtown Raleigh showcases its art, music and food during its First Friday Gallery Walk. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., but venues’ hours may vary. It’s a free self-guided tour and a chance to visit art galleries, studios, alternative art venues and more.
Museums stay open late on the first Friday of the month. Live music is plentiful and many restaurants and retailers offer specials. Look for the First Friday flags to identify participating venues.
Here’s a First Friday map.
Here’s some of what’s happening Friday, November 1, 2019. Most, but not all, of these events are free.
The following descriptions were provided by the venues. Learn more, including addresses, here.
A SPIRIT FILLED ROOM: A FIRST FRIDAY COCKTAIL ROUNDTABLE @ VIDRIO
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
At Vidrio, they know the art of cocktail mixing. Understanding the alchemy of how each simple to complex ingredient works together from the flavors to the aromas. They bring together top bartenders in the region that truly understand the craft, to compete in mixing innovative, one-off cocktails using top-tier spirits.
Join them every First Friday of the month to experience the sights, smells, and flavors of the world’s best spirits and craft cocktails. Vote for your favorite to move to our finale and featured as cocktail of the year!
They welcome guest bartenders from the Triangle and beyond to join in this friendly competition.
Event craft cocktails are $8.
CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM FIRST FRIDAY @ CAM RALEIGH (CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM)
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Stop by this First Friday, December 6, and experience CAM’s Fall exhibitions including ¡Viva Viclas! The Art of the Lowrider Motorcycle. The exhibition features ten customized Lowrider Harley-Davidsons and eleven works of art celebrating and exploring themes in lowrider culture including heart, pride, respect, brotherhood, and family.
Also on view: Maria Martinez-Cañas, Rosana Castrillo Diaz, Marisol D’Estrabeau, Gonzalo Puch, Nate Scheaffer, and Georges Le Chevallier. Create make and take art projects inspired by the exhibitions, DJ, dancing, and a few surprises.
[Image courtesy of Adam Chapin Photography]
DECEMBER FIRST FRIDAY: JOHN LOWE BLACK & WHITE SPOTLIGHT SHOW @ THE CENTERPIECE
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
This First Friday, come see John Lowe’s black & white show, described as “a free-form collaboration between the paint and the surface.” By employing a flow medium and varying the depth of the background paint, Lowe creates engaging forms that allow the viewer to interpret the work based on their own unique perspectives.
Join The Centerpiece for an opening reception on Friday, December 6 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, of these black and white works created by the local Raleigh artist. Works will be displayed throughout the month of December.
FINE CONTEMPORARY CRAFT @ ARTSPACE
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
This biennial national exhibition is a celebration of the spirit of tradition and innovation found throughout contemporary craft in the United States. Juried by Mia Hall, Executive Director of Penland School of Craft.
First Friday Reception: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Award Ceremony: 7:00 pm
FIRST FRIDAY @ UNLEASHED, THE DOG AND CAT STORE
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
First Friday with Abby Moreno!! Abby Moreno is a pet photographer and owner of Paws Fur Joy Photography. Her work showcases your fur baby’s love and unique personality through visual stories. She views the images from each session as a celebration of the many gifts your pet has given you.
Abby of Paws Fur Joy Photography serves clients in the Triangle area and also volunteers with several local rescues. Learn more about her work on Facebook and instagram: @pawsfurjoyphoto. They’ll be having BOGO free on packaged treats.
FIRST FRIDAY FEATURING DJ CASTRO @ CIRCA 1888
First Friday Event Time: 10:00 pm – 1:00 am
Join Circa 1888 after your First Friday art show for music from DJ Castro! Spinning tunes from the 80s, 90s and 2000s! Free with your $1, one-time Circa 1888 membership.
FIRST FRIDAY JAZZ WITH FOSCOE PHILHARMONIC @ IRREGARDLESS CAFÉ & CATERING
First Friday Event Time: 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Come listen to Foscoe Philharmonic @ Irregardless. Learn more about their music at www.reverbnation.com/foscoephilharmonic
First Friday, Irregardless Cafe hosts live jazz and cocktails starting at 9:00 pm. Come join the fun with appetizers, hand-crafted cocktails, and jazz artists from around the country. For any questions about the event, call 919-833-8898.
FLAVORED OLIVE OIL & BALSAMIC VINEGARS TASTING @ BROVELLI OILS, VINEGARS & GIFTS
First Friday Event Time: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: Nov 2-Dec 20
Come and visit Brovelli Oils, Vinegars & Gifts storefront in City Market to see, smell, and taste over 70 samples of Italian Infused Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars, Herb Blend, Sea Salts, and so much more. Enjoy the fragrant aromas and robust flavors of quality ingredients that will transport your culinary understanding to new heights, and get ideas for gifts going into this holiday season.
HEIRLOOM: COULTER FUSSELL + ANTONIA PEREZ @ ARTSPACE
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Alabama-based quilter, Coulter Fussell and New York-based mixed media artist, Antonia Perez explore the notion of the heirloom through textile based techniques.
Fussell applies a modernist aesthetic to traditional Southern quilting and dying techniques. Perez, crochets monumental scale objects out of plastic bags. Both artists use fiber art skills from their heritage to tell stories that speak to their own intergenerational experiences as makers while producing bodies of work that speak to universal ideas such as home, art and consumerism.
Exhibition Dates: November 1 – December 28 Reception: December 6, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
HEIRLOOM: COULTER FUSSELL + ANTONIA PEREZ @ ARTSPACE
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: Nov 1-Dec 28
Alabama-based quilter, Coulter Fussell and New York-based mixed media artist, Antonia Perez explore the notion of the heirloom through textile based techniques.
Fussell applies a modernist aesthetic to traditional Southern quilting and dying techniques. Perez, crochets monumental scale objects out of plastic bags. Both artists use fiber art skills from their heritage to tell stories that speak to their own intergenerational experiences as makers while producing bodies of work that speak to universal ideas such as home, art and consumerism.
Exhibition Dates: November 1 – December 28 Reception: December 6, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR: DISPOSABLE DIARIES @ ARTSPACE
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The culmination of local photographers and mentors Caitlin Penna, Jade Wilson, and Taylor McDonald’s collaboration with Neighbor to Neighbor, in which youth documented and shared their lives through photography.
OPENING RECEPTION – NEW WORKS BY LAURA LACAMBRA SHUBERT @ GALLERY C
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: Nov 1-Dec 29
Please join Charlene Newsom and Laura Lacambra Shubert to celebrate the opening of their newest exhibition. Come meet this prominent artist, mingle with interesting guests, and enjoy some light refreshments.
OPENING RECEPTION: VERDANT TRANQUILITY : BOTANICAL COLORED PENCIL WORKS BY JAIMON CACERES @ GALLERY C
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Please join Charlene and Jaimon to celebrate the opening of his newest exhibition.
“My new series showcases the beauty of botanicals. I am visually inspired by the rich colors and intricate textures of plants, but also by the peaceful energy they radiate. These new works capture both of these facets of plants, giving viewers verdant tranquility.”
THE POLAR EXPRESS IMAX 3D ON FIRST FRIDAY @ MARBLES IMAX THEATER
First Friday Event Time: 7:50 pm
Journey to the North Pole on First Friday, Dec 6 at Marbles IMAX! Completely immerse yourself in the Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book and animated classic starring Tom Hanks, brought larger-than-life through surround sound and IMAX 3D.
$9-$12 tickets. Beer and wine available for purchase. Ticket and concession proceeds benefit Marbles Kids Museum, a community nonprofit.
WINTERTIDE @ V L REES GALLERY
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Winter treasures are present for everyone you love. Original, colorful, and local art from my studio to their hearts. Meet the artist during First Fridays from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
“MUSINGS,” THE ART OF OLIVIA GATEWOOD @ INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER
First Friday Event Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
First Friday at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Presents “Musings,” the Art of Olivia Gatewood
Join them for an exhibition of works by Olivia Gatewood. Many of her pieces can be found in the personal collections of talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, actress and singer, Suzzanne Douglas, the late Dr. John Hope Franklin, jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon, and corporations like Mitsubishi International in Tokyo, Japan, and SAS Institute. In addition, her work has been several feature films and syndicated television shows.
This First Friday exhibition will feature paintings and works of various media on display at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center in Downtown Raleigh during December First Friday. Between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm, stop by, meet, and converse with Olivia and network with others. Enjoy the exhibit and have a complimentary glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink along with other refreshments.
See all of the events and get the addresses and more information here.
