Events for June 5, 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
Swing by Artspace each month to view new exhibitions, enjoy a hands-on art activity, and shop with our 30+ studio artists
First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of our city’s creative community. One of the founding organizations behind First Friday, Artspace opens its doors until 10pm every First Friday. Artspace's First Friday also includes a sensory-friendly time with smaller crowds and no amplified music from 5-6pm.
First Friday is always free and open to everyone!
June First Friday will feature:
Where We Work Now with work by Jane Cheek, Adam D. Cohen, Alexandre Henrique, Erin Ives, Jackie Sanders, and Debbie Secan in Gallery 1
Exhibition with work by Wake County Public School System Art Educators in Gallery 2 + Corridors
Meet Connie Sales, the 2026 Universal Access Artist in Residence in the Upfront Gallery
Meet and shop with 30+ studio artists
All ages art activity, 4-8:30pm
Sounds by DJ Deluxe, 7-10pm
Meet the Creative Mornings team
The Art of Resilence with work by Susu Hauser in the People's Studio
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Este evento se celebra el primer viernes de cada mes en Downtown Raleigh y muestra lo mejor de la comunidad creativa de nuestra ciudad. Una de las organizaciones fundadoras del Primer viernes, Artspace, abre sus puertas de 5 a 10 p. m. el primer viernes de cada mes.
¡El Primer viernes siempre es gratuito y abierto para toda la comunidad!
About Artspace //
Artspace is a non-profit visual arts center located in Downtown Raleigh. Visit Artspace to explore exhibitions featuring national and community artists, engage with more than 35 artists working in their studios, and enjoy art classes and community events for all ages and abilities. To learn more about Artspace, visit artspacenc.org
Parking and Accessibility //
Free street parking is available on Davie Street. Free parking is available at the following parking decks:
City Center Deck, 429 S. Wilmington St.
Moore Square Deck, 233 S. Wilmington St.
Municipal Complex Deck, 201 W. Morgan St.
Wilmington Street Station Deck, 117 S. Wilmington St.
There are also several pay lots nearby: City Market parking lot and several Secure P lots for night + weekend parking (314 E Davie St, 415 S Person St, 417 S Person St).
Explore accessibility information with our Know Before You Go Guide.
Join us for a night of art and music. We will have our full beverage bar plus some wine and beer for a suggested donation!
Dinner & a Show every weekend. Experience intimate performances from local and touring artists. Every Friday and Saturday.
Brasco /// will have its agency office doors open for a happy hour fun and music. Stop by for a visit and listen to some funk classics as DJ Rooster (Adam Hajnos) will be spinning some vinyl records.
Our doors will be open for the community to visit.
When: 4pm-7pm
Where: Brasco ///
305 W. Martin St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
What: FUNK Friday! If you’re making the First Friday rounds, sip and stroll by for a visit! We’ll see you there!
Bright Side Books & Wine will be staying open late for First Friday in the Warehouse District. Stop in while exploring downtown and browse some of our newest releases, including Score from local author Kennedy Ryan and signed editions of The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker.
Whether you’re looking for your next beach read, a signed fantasy favorite, or just a cozy stop during your First Friday plans, Bright Side has your summer reading covered.
When: 5pm–9pm
Where: Bright Side Books & Wine
600 W Cabarrus St #107
Raleigh, NC 27601
What: Open late for First Friday! Come explore the Warehouse District, discover new releases, and pick up your summer reading materials.
In difficult times the LGBTQ+ community has always expressed itself through art. As times get tough, we choose to not lose hope and keep fighting for our rights! For Pride Month this June, we are exhibiting art that exemplifies that hope through our pride. Whatever Hope or Pride means to you, come out and celebrate art in support of the LGBTQ+ community in our non-juried uncensored space.
CoLab also hosts 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 for our opening night for our newest exhibition, Patterns of Belonging: English Learners' Reflections on America 250. Celebrate with crafts, drinks, and a first look at this new exhibit.
Visit the exhibit and explore shared expressions of identity and pride in a collaborative community mural, experience the voices of English learners by flipping through their reflection journals, and add your own voice to the conversation by contributing a wish for the future of the United States at the Wish Wall.
a child doing a craft using blue paper and paint
Details
Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Date: Friday, June 5
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free
Pride First Friday Raleigh returns Friday, June 5th with a celebration made for everyone!
Bring your family, friends, or just your fabulous self to this free block party honoring love, community, and the Warehouse District’s inclusive history as Raleigh's "Gayborhood."
Mark your calendars for…
- Local food and drinks from The Pit
- Bingo with Rusty
- Free Pride portraits
- Live music
- Hair and beauty services from Hightide Salon
- Pride First Friday Walking Tours with Raleigh Walking Tours (RSVP required)
- And more!
Dreaming of having your portrait made among a sea of houseplants? This is your chance! Chris Facey, the man behind the @cocobuttershutter lens, will be in the house offering portrait sessions for folks! Select a timeslot that works for you, or sign up in person on a first-come-first-served basis.
After the event, Chris will email everyone a digital copy of their portraits - if you wish to have a physical print, that can be added on for an additional $10 - please make a note on your order and we will coordinate with Chris.
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 on Friday June 5th from 5-9pm for our Blooming with Pride event! There will be pride floral themed flash tattoos by Mary Hannah Tattoos, pick your own and premade bouquets from Sparks & Sand, pride tunes and complimentary refreshments. Be sure to also check out all the other fun events going on at our neighboring shops!
The Davie is your First Friday home base. This June, DJ Diet Citrus spins an all-vinyl set from 8PM — wax only, no shortcuts. Free admission, full bar, and good company in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Black Mountain College existed for just twenty-four years, yet its influence on American art, music, dance, and poetry remains unparalleled. Gallery C is proud to present Black Mountain College: Avant-Garde Art from the Experimental School, 1933–1957, a sweeping survey featuring works by visionary faculty and students including Josef and Anni Albers, Robert Rauschenberg, John Cage, Cy Twombly, and Willem de Kooning, whose ideas reshaped the cultural landscape of postwar America. Spanning painting, printmaking, and mixed media, this exhibition is an invitation to experience the electric spirit of a community that dared to imagine education and art as inseparable from life itself.
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
Stop by the Marbles PlayStore during our extended hours for First Friday! Bring the family by and have fun with some free arts & crafts. While you're here, don't forget to shop for your next favorite fidget toy or that birthday gift you keep forgetting about.
During the extended hours, you can enter the PlayStore from the Blount/Hargett st doors.
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 Story Charlamagne: 5:30
🔹Free movie on the lawn: 7:15 pm, Puss in Boots - The Last Wish (2022)
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.
Raleigh Denim Workshop + Curatory will be staying open late during First Friday in the Warehouse District. Located within the footprint of the energy-packed Pride First Friday activation on Commerce Place, it’s the perfect opportunity to step inside and explore Raleigh’s own internationally acclaimed apparel brand.
Known for handcrafted, small-batch jeans and premium American-made apparel, Raleigh Denim blends craftsmanship, design, and manufacturing right here in downtown Raleigh.
Stop by, browse the space, and say hello as you make your First Friday rounds.
When: Until 8pm
Where: Raleigh Denim Workshop + Curatory
319 W Martin St #100
Raleigh, NC 27601
What: Open late for First Friday! Explore handcrafted apparel and denim while experiencing the energy of the Warehouse District and Pride First Friday on Commerce Place.
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
Join us for First Friday Oyster Pop-Up on the patio Friday, June 5th!
Oysters brought to you by local Mera Brothers, live music with Michael Parker, and craft cocktails, beer, & wine from your favorite late night coffee shop! It’s a party see you there Raleigh!
- Live Music
- Oysters
- Exclusive cocktail menu
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.