Events for May 1, 2026
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!
Join us for First Friday at VanDeVelde Gallery, where a new body of work is presented each month by Raleigh artist N8than VanDeVelde. The work blends symbolism, story, and lived experience — exploring how ordinary moments can hold something larger beneath the surface.
The gallery is an open space for conversation and connection. Whether you’re simply curious, collecting, or building ideas of your own, you’re welcome here. Questions are encouraged. Dialogue is part of the experience.
VanDeVelde Gallery is inside the Professional Building
We’re raising the par on your First Friday plans!
Meet us in Bloc[83] at the ArtPutt presented by UNC Health Championship tee-off party and celebrate the return of this surrealist pop-up experience where every hole doubles as a work of art. The playable mini-golf course features installations by local artists that highlight the color, creativity, and character of North Carolina.
Putt your way through the ArtPutt, sip on NC-crafted beer, shop a curated local vendor market, and explore the surrounding small businesses that make downtown thrive, all while enjoying everything May First Friday sponsored by the NC Courage has to offer.
ArtPutt is presented by
First Friday is sponsored by
321 Coffee will be open for evening hours during the Par-Tee at Bloc83 as part of First Friday in May!
LOVE THE SKIN YOU'RE IN
Randi Jones, Nurse Practitioner
Skin Clique Provider: Offering Neurotoxin with a 10% discount (other rewards available), Free Skin Assessments and Skin Care Plans
Randi has 13 Years in the medical field and is a full-time Primary Care Provider. She looks forward to meeting you!
ENJOY "SUNDAY TREATS" ON FIRST FRIDAY
Sunday Treats is a faith-based baked goods business specializing in homemade desserts that bring comfort, joy, and a touch of sweetness to every occasion. From rich pound cakes to classic treats, each item is made with love, quality ingredients, and a whole lot of heart.
WHOA MOMMA...
Buy a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win an Adara Spa day and dinner for two (total value over $500) while supporting children participating in AAU basketball. You don't have to be present to buy your ticket(s) to support Carolina Gold Athletics
Drawing to be held May 9th... just in time for Mother's Day.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/carolina-gold-athleticss-annual-raffle--2026
Join us at the Bike Library Cafe for First Friday! We will be showcasing art by small local artists. There will be art for sale, beverages to be drank, music to be listened to, and vibes to be had. Bring a friend and spread the word!
Hop on the mic every Friday night at Crank Arm Brewing for Karaoke Night! Bring your crew, start with some "liquid courage", and warm up those vocal cords. Whether you’re here to belt it out or just sip and cheer, it’s the perfect way to roll into the weekend.
Crank Arm offers craft beers, wine, cider, seltzer, and cocktails, as well as THC-infused beverages & non-alcoholic options.
So pedal over, raise a glass, and let’s turn those Friday nights into full-throttle sing-alongs!
Join us Friday May 1st from 6-9pm at Curate for a First Friday event with Stay Polished and Let it Brie. Stay Polished will be set up with a custom press on station to get your nails ready for spring time fun! Let It Brie will also have delicious snacks available for you to enjoy. Stop by for a spring refresh and shop our collection of over 40 local vendors. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Kick off your weekend at The Davie with an intimate live performance by Michael Parker.
Join us on Friday, May 1st at 8:00 PM for an evening of soulful acoustic melodies and reimagined crowd favorites. Located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, The Davie offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxed night out with friends, craft cocktails, and the best local talent in the Triangle.
Whether you're a regular or visiting Blount Street for the first time, grab a seat early—it’s going to be a night to remember.
Join us for Bar Brew Friday! Did you know Flour & Barrel has its own on-site brewery? Come give us a visit for the first Friday of the month and enjoy any of our draft beers for $5 at the bar. We can’t wait to see you there!
Two West Johnson Street neighbors are teaming up for First Friday! Kenda Kist Jewelry and Neighbor Bespoke Tailors are opening their doors side by side for an evening of handcrafted jewelry, custom tailoring, and good community energy. As a special feature, Sarotone Swim will be popping up inside Kenda Kist with her latest swim collection — a little something for your summer wardrobe. Come meet the makers, shop local, and celebrate the neighborhood.
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!
Are you ready to create and connect with your improv community?
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a curious first-timer, this is the perfect place to jump in, have fun, and discover the joy of improv. Hosted by our skilled and experienced Leela faculty, our intention is to foster a welcoming space where improv artists of all experience levels can take risks and build community.
Whether you want to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, or just laugh your heart out, our Improv Community Jam has something for everyone. So grab your friends, bring your Yes And! attitude, and come join the FUN! Let’s play!
When: First Fridays, at 7:00 PM, on-going, monthly
Where: Leela Improv Theatre, 309 N Boylan Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603
Why Join Our Improv Jam?
* Mindful Intent: Our jams promote mutual respect, collaboration, and joyful play.
* No Experience Needed: Everyone is welcome! Just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to try something new.
* Instant Fun: Jump right into games and scenes, and let your imagination run wild.
* Supportive Community: Meet fellow improv lovers, make new friends, and share the stage with people who love to play.
* FREE to Join: Register on Eventbrite (below), then show up and play!
* Dry Jam: Let’s allow improv be the mind-altering substance that brings us together. We’ll celebrate with optional drinks at nearby watering holes AFTER we jam.
* This is an 18+ event.
What to Expect:
* A warm-up session to connect with your play mates and get that energy flowing.
* A Leela host facilitating a kind, structured, and supportive jam experience.
* A chance to perform, watch, and cheer on your fellow improvisors- all experience levels welcome and encouraged (even if none!)
* Laughter, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
* Sign-ups begin at 7 pm for solos (open mic), improv pairs, and improv groups (5+). Sign up for one, none, or all of these categories and the host will curate an evening of entertainment on the fly
* Jam goes from 7:30-9:30 pm
We are running an app feature for the Raleigh First Friday celebration! Smoked Brisket Egg Rolls will be available at Midwood Smokehouse for a limited time.
Free outdoor movie and market! Bring a blanket or chair to relax on the lawn, enjoy the music, watch the movie, grab a bite from the food trucks and explore the market!
This is a monthly First Friday series.
Our May 1 event features:
🔹Food trucks & local vendors: 5:00-9:00 pm
🔹Free Live Music by Donovan Harrel & Mike Casey: 5:30
🔹Free movie on the lawn: 7:15 pm, The Incredibles (2004)
Note: The lawn fills up quickly for the movie. Arrive early to secure your spot!
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.
Stay updated: Follow @Get2KnowRaleigh and subscribe to our newsletter.
Fiesta After 5 is calling 🌴🍹
We’re turning up First Friday with Cinco vibes, fun cocktails, and a crowd that keeps the energy going from sunset to late night.
Pull up with the First Friday LGBTQ+ crew from 6–8PM, grab a drink, and post up on our outdoor patio in the heart of Glenwood South.
Drink specials all night:
$7 Wells
$8 Flavored Margs
$10 Corona/Mexican tea combo (tequila, peach schnapps, sour, sprite)
$2 Mystery Shots
$9 Espresso Martinis
$10 Aperol Spritz
Dog-friendly until 9PM 🐾
Perfect for daytime into late-night
Start here. Stay late. See where the night takes you.
FIRST FRIDAYS 2026—LET’S GO!
Join us every First Friday from 7–11 PM at The Times!
What’s on deck?
- BEER
- LIVE MUSIC
- MORNING TIMES GALLERY ARTIST & VENDOR MARKET
We're celebrating First Friday in May! Enjoy Vanilla Caramel Profiteroles, Mini Stuffed Cookies and Raspberry Pistachio Mini Cakes made by Chef Nathan Simons of Simons Says Dip This, showcasing his talents beyond dipped cones!
First Friday Malort Tasting at Slim’s on May 1st, 4:30pm-9:00pm! Come by to try Malort and earn your “I Malorted” sticker and swag! Stay for Impossible Creatures and Late Model performing at 9pm. Open 4:30pm-2am!
Impossible Creatures and Late Model are playing at Slim’s on May 1st at 9pm! Grab a drink and enjoy two energetic local rock bands!
Art you say? You got it! Every game at super rad has been fully restored to be time period accurate - new paint, new art, all original game hardware. These are not just arcade games, they are a throwback to another era. Come and check out our games and get 8 free tokens to try them for FREE! We know you will love them.
Kick off your First Friday the right way with ice-cold $5 beers at Veloce. Whether you’re winding down from the week or just getting the night started, swing by for great vibes, good company, and unbeatable food. Grab your crew, find your spot, and toast to the weekend without breaking the bank—because nothing pairs better with First Friday than a perfectly poured $5 beer.
Local artist Chris Scholl’s debut Charity Art Event for Perfectly Imperfect Pups at Westwood in downtown Raleigh. Live painting @ 6:30. Live art raffle. Over 30 original artworks for sale. Sounds by @djprotoj.
Help us kick off First Friday with a free Coachella Recap themed Y6 Power Flow class at YogaSix Glenwood South. Please plan to arrive by 5:15 PM to check in and get settled before class begins at 5:30 PM. This energizing, hour long class will be set to a playlist inspired by artists from this year’s Coachella lineup.
Y6 Power Flow is a strength-building, full-body yoga class designed to improve focus, endurance, and flexibility in a hot room. This vinyasa-style class moves at a steady pace to keep your practice fluid, creative, and challenging.
Spots are limited and advance registration is required. Use the link to submit your information, and our team will follow up by text or phone to confirm your spot.