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First Friday Raleigh

First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of our city's creative community. Thousands venture downtown to visit art galleries & studios open late to host exhibits, artist talks, and creative activities. Retailers and restaurants also get in on the fun with live music, vendor markets, specials/discounts, and more. There's something for everyone each First Friday.

Upcoming

March First Friday
Friday, March 7th | Hartwell, 620 W South Street

Join us for a special First Friday celebration dedicated to the incredible contributions of women throughout history, and today.

Kick-off Women’s History Month with...

  • A vendor market featuring local, women-owned businesses
  • Live music by 22 Strings
  • A community art project with Sarah Rosa Glickman
  • Free professional headshots from photographer Hannah Chalfant with hair touch-ups by Hightide Salon artists (This is first come, first serve. You can reserve your slot at the sign-up sheet on-site.)
  • Flash tattoos by Boreälyss Tattoo
  • Marbles Kids Museum science activities
  • Q+A Panel at 7:30pm with Hartwell owner
  • Guests: SAGE Girls and UNC Rex Women's Health
  • Food and drinks on-site
  • And more!

Vendors (subject to change)

  • Here and There Paintings
  • Art by SRG
  • MAR Designs & Arts
  • Mind Body & Scents
  • MORIGLŌ
  • The Crafty Hooker
  • Raleigh Popsicle Co
  • Sugar Euphoria
  • Love Bites Treats and Toppers
  • Joy Worthy Co
  • Sweet Peas Urban Gardens
  • The Bittery
  • Cockamamie Jewelry
  • Sissy Art
  • Styled By Jasmine Boutique
  • Root-Bound
  • Casas Studios
  • Organic Royalz
  • Onward Raleigh
  • A-Peeling Beauty
  • Dell’s Temple
  • Canaans Naturals
  • Glitz and Cosmix
  • Simply Chic by Freda
  • BLNK SPCE Designs

Know Before You Go

A portion of W South Street, in front of Hartwell, will be closed during First Friday. Nearby parking is available along surrounding side streets and the first floor of Platform Apartments' parking deck (entrance on Dupont Circle). If you park at Platform, the fastest walking route to Hartwell will take you from W Cabbarus Street to S Saunders Street, which meets with W South Street after 2 blocks.

Bike parking is available at Hartwell and you can plan your trip via GoRaleigh bus here. There are multiple stops located within just a short walk of the event footprint.

You can also enjoy extended art gallery hours, events at your favorite businesses, delicious food & drinks, and more all in one night, all in Downtown Raleigh. Find events, exhibitions, specials, and more hosted by businesses and build a custom itinerary.

First Friday Events

 

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Contact Us

For general First Friday inquiries, please email communications@downtownraleigh.org. If your company is interested in sponsoring First Friday, please contact IleanaRodriguez@downtownraleigh.org.

Interested in a collaboration or partnership for First Friday? Submit your idea here.