Events for August 7, 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!
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 4-6pm.
First Friday is always free and open to everyone!
August First Friday will feature:
辫（biān) / 彼岸 (bǐ àn) exhibition with work by huiyin zhou + Laura Dudu in Gallery 1
Year of the Zebra exhibition with work by Molly Lastra, 2025 Universal Access Artist in Residence in Upfront Gallery
Meet and shop with our 30+ studio artists
Tactile Collage Art Activity in the Learning Studio, 6-9pm
Dog Walk performance by Vera Weinfield, 2025 NC Emerging Artist in Residence, 6-8pm
First Friday series made possible by Sharefile.
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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. Metered parking is available on adjacent streets. There are also several pay lots/decks nearby: City Market parking lot, Blount Street parking deck, 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.
https://artspacenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/KnowBeforeYouGo_2025.pdf
Join us at the Bike Library Cafe for First Friday! There will be art for sale by local artists, coffee bar open with wine and beer for a suggested donation, music by a local DJ, and vibes. Bring a friend and spread the word!
Dinner & a Show every weekend. Experience intimate performances from local and touring artists. Every Friday and Saturday.
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 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
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 lives music by Story Charlamagne: 5:30 pm
🔹Free movie on the lawn: 7:17 pm, Zootopia 2 (2025)
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.
Party at Neptunes with us late night! Dance to some of the most talented Djs in the local area! Playing house music to hip-hop, top 40's blends over the decades and everything in between!
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
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.