Events for January 2, 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!
Local Artists competed in a mural battle. Art now for sale, displayed inside Boatman Spirits Co. All proceeds go to Food Not Bombs food bank.
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!
For the month of January, CoLab is exploring transience in a show we’re calling “Ephemeral”. Come see art that invites us to contemplate the beauty of the temporary or is itself impermanent. These works capture a fleeting moment, are made from materials not meant to last, or use viewer participation to create an experience that only lasts for the moment.
In addition, we’re celebrating impermanence this month with a wall of post-it note art! You can even contribute your own post-it note masterpiece during First Friday! And also on First Friday, come paint with us by contributing to our collaborative painting! There's also the amazing Five Dollar Sketch Wall- a novel way to build your art collection (even if you're broke) and help support CoLab at the same time, thanks to generous donations from our artists!
The Carter Building will be hopping Friday! While you're here, visit our awesome neighbors throughout the building!
Join us Friday January 2nd at Curate for a permanent jewelry event with Zapped Raleigh! The Zapped team will be popping up with lots of high quality, tarnish resistant gold-filled, rose gold, solid gold and sterling silver chains as well as charms to choose from. Start the new year off right with a customizable jewelry piece that's sure to match your style! Enjoy complimentary refreshments while you shop our collection of handmade goods from over 40 local artists. We can't wait to ring in the new year with you!
An N.A. Dance Party: no booze, all moves
Join us for an uplifting, alcohol-free dance party designed to help you unwind, connect, and groove. This evening blends the best of both worlds: a high-energy dance floor with a supportive, inclusive environment that invites everyone to move in whatever way feels good.
We’ll kick off with a facilitated dance experience with Christina Cobb to help you drop out of your head and into the rhythm. After that, enjoy open dance time with a live DJ spinning feel-good beats, space to move freely, and a crowd focused on good vibes—not booze.
Sip on creative alcohol-free mocktails by Nathan Williams, meet new people, and let the music carry you. Whether you love to dance or just want a joyful night out that doesn’t revolve around drinking, this event is for you.
Come as you are. Leave energized, grounded, and connected.
Cover charge: $10
Mocktails available for purchase
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!
Come listen to Sienna Mcgeehan jam out with coffee and cocktails Friday Jan. 2nd! All ages.