Events for May 2, 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!
"Kaleidoscope" explores the diverse and multifaceted expressions of autistic artists, each piece offering a glimpse into their distinct worlds. From vivid paintings and mixed media work to a captivating Origami tessellation, each piece is a testament to the artists' exceptional ability to perceive and interpret the world around them, transforming everyday experiences into extraordinary visual narratives.
Join us for free at CAM Raleigh for fresh art, good tunes, and great vibes! We always have something new to explore.
Celebrate Raleigh's First Friday with a unique make-and-take event! Drop-in anytime between 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Designed For Joy studio in downtown Raleigh to create your very own Raleigh Acorn Bell—a charming keepsake that symbolizes our "City of Oaks."
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!
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!
The Master Chorale and Youth Choir combine forces to sing "Street Requiem", a work written by Australian composer Kathleen McGuire in collaboration with Andy Payne and Jonathon Welch, in order to bring attention to those who suffer from housing insecurity and to honor those who have died on the streets. The composers set English, African, and Persian texts in multiple musical styles, including contemporary, gospel, and indigenous. This moving and uplifting work invites both performers and listeners to contemplate and address this significant social issue together as a community.
We’re open late for First Friday! Come shop vintage clothing, accessories, decor & furniture until 8pm. Enjoy a complimentary beverage & treats while you browse.
Bring your own project or start a new one at the studio. This is a casual, no pressure gathering for crafters of all levels.