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Events for July 4, 2025

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. 

Create your own First Friday itinerary by selecting the hearts for events and experiences you don't want to miss. Receive a custom map and itinerary to guide your First Friday evening!

The Burrow
300 W Hargett St - Warehouse District District
4th of July Sale - $5 Bins
12pm - 5pm

WHOS READY FOR A 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND SALE!!!

Friday, Saturday & Sunday stop by for our $5 Bins Sale, we’re also putting out a TON of glassware and pricing it for $3, $5 & $7! So many deals for you this weekend plus plenty of vintage for you to check out!

Holiday Weekend Hours
12-5 Friday
11-7 Saturday
11-5 Sunday

Captain Cookie & the Milkman in Transfer Co. Food Hall
500 E Davie St - Moore Square District
First Friday at Captain Cookie & the Milkman
6pm - 10pm

We're staying open late! Captain Cookie is extending hours to 10 PM to join the festivities at @transfercofoodhall. Enjoy art, live music, and, of course, our super-powered cookies. First Friday just got sweeter!

The CoLab
14 Glenwood Ave - Glenwood South District
Mimicry: Opening Reception
6pm - 11pm

Join us at CoLab gallery for an evening of art, community and collaboration as we host the opening reception for our new show Mimicry!

There's a lot of emphasis put on the creative individual, but the truth is, nobody does it alone. Every artist cobbles together their style from countless influences, incorporating the techniques of other visionaries, from the old masters, to the folks in their community whose work they admire. Come out and see the work of over 20 local artists exploring the influence community had on their work.

Come for the art and stay for the celebration! We'll have a community painting you can add your mark to, some very affordable donated original art to add to your collection, drinks and snacks, comradery and great conversations! While you're at the Carter building, check out the many other studios that will be open.

Good Trip Ink
416 S McDowell St - Fayetteville Street District
First Friday at Good Trip Gallery
7pm - 11pm

Join us for First Friday at Good Trip Gallery! 🎨✨

Meet us on July 4th from 7PM–11PM with live art, good vibes, and creative energy you don’t want to miss.

Mark your calendars and come vibe with us in downtown Raleigh 💥

Haymaker
555 Fayetteville St - Fayetteville Street District
4Th of July First Friday

Exhibition Dates: Jul 4-Jul 5

9pm

Watch the fireworks right downtown & dance the night away with us at Haymaker.
Vibes by Djmoeskieno

Le Dive
14 W Martin St - Fayetteville Street District
First Friday Flashes at Le Dive with Old Ghosts Tattoo
5pm - 10pm

Join Le Dive and Old Ghosts Tattoo for a unique experience every First Friday in Raleigh! Le Dive, teams up with Old Ghosts Tattoo for an exciting night of flash tattoos, good vibes, drinks and food and creative energy!

Legends Night Club Complex
330 W Hargett St - Warehouse District District
July First Friday Amateur Talent Show
9pm

Kick off your holiday weekend the only way we know how — with a fierce night of performances at Legends Nightclub Complex! 🔥

Hosted by the firecracker herself, Chloe Cassidy, our July First Friday Amateur Talent Show is set for July 5th at 11PM on the dance floor!

The Merchant
126 S Salisbury St. - Fayetteville Street District
First Friday Ladies Night at The Merchant

Join us every First Friday of the Month for a fun-filled Ladies Night at The Merchant! Gather your friends and unwind with a special evening designed just for you. Enjoy exclusive access to our Ladies Night Menu, featuring refreshing and playful cocktails in every shade of pink, from bubbly spritzers to fruity concoctions. Special offers, upbeat music, and an unforgettable vibe make it a night you won't want to miss! Come relax, mingle, and enjoy a glamorous night with the best company in town!

Moore Square
200 S Blount St - Moore Square District
First Friday Market & Movie Night at Moore Square
5pm - 9pm

Join us for this Free family night out in Downtown Raleigh. Bring a blanket or chair to relax on the lawn for the movie, grab a bite from the food trucks and explore the market!

This outdoor movie night will feature:

🔸FREE outdoor movie: Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
🔸Food trucks
🔸Local vendors' market
🔸Free field games for all ages

Event Info:
🔹Market & Food Trucks: 5 - 9 pm
🔹Live Music: 5:30 pm
🔹Free Movie on the Lawn: 7:30pm

This event is presented by Get 2 Know Raleigh, the Raleigh Parks team at Moore Square. We thank our sponsor, Downtown Raleigh Alliance, for supporting this series.

Note: The lawn fills up quickly for the movie. Arrive early to secure your spot!

Stay updated: Follow us @get2knowraleigh on FB and IG and subscribe to our newsletter.

Origami Styling
111 E Hargett St - Moore Square District
Beat the Heat Party
11am-3pm

Beat the heat on July 4th & come shop our vintage! We’ll be serving cool drinks & fresh popcorn. It’s fun for the whole family! We have special hours this First Friday, so join us for 4 hours on the 4th, from 11am-3pm. Be sure to follow @origami_styling to stay in the know.

The Raleigh Times Bar
14 E Hargett St - Fayetteville Street District
First Friday at The Times
7pm - 11pm

We’re keeping the First Friday vibes rollin’ on 4th of July from 7–11PM at The Raleigh Times!

This time, we’ve got Donnie Deneil bringing the live music, a variety of beer on deck, and The Morning Times Vendor Market to browse while you sip.

Music, makers, and your favorite beer bar? Sounds like a Friday night done right.