Events for September 5, 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!
In honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), “A Celebration of the ADA: Disability Pride” brings together the work of disabled artists from across North Carolina, whose creativity, identity, and lived experience reflect the spirit and impact of this landmark legislation.
Through a diverse range of media and artistic voices, this exhibition explores themes of disability pride, self-representation, and the vital role of art in expressing and celebrating disability. These works challenge perception, affirm identity, and highlight the transformative power of art. By centering disabled artists and their stories, the exhibition invites us to imagine a world where inclusion is not an aspiration, but a lived reality.
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!
Copperline Plant Co. will be hosting its second Copperline Curiosities during September's First Friday. This time featuring a curated selection of vintage home wares sourced throughout the great state of North Carolina.
Swing by and find some goodies for your home!
Cash or venmo preferred for these items - so plan accordingly!
Join us September 5th from 6-9pm for First Friday at Curate! Halima, the creator for Vase Your Fears, will have a charm bar filled with handmade charms available. Customize your own piece of wearable art and enjoy complementary refreshments while you shop our collection of handmade goods.
The downtown First Friday market will also be happening in front of Raleigh Times. There will be live music, local artists, food and much more! Many of the local shops stay open late and have events going on, so be sure to check them out!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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."
“New and Surprising Works by Gallery C Artists” presents an exciting showcase of creative evolution, featuring seven distinguished artists pushing beyond their established styles into uncharted artistic territory. This dynamic exhibition reveals unexpected dimensions of familiar talents, offering collectors and art enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the innovative spirit that drives contemporary artistic practice.
Discover fresh perspectives from Gallery C’s roster of acclaimed artists: Addison, Chuck Rose, Al Gury, Lynn Cothern, Gibby Waitzkin, Davis Choun, and Ana Guzman. Each artist presents work that challenges expectations and demonstrates their continued artistic growth and experimentation.
Join us for our monthly open house at September's First Friday Raleigh celebration, where art lovers, collectors, and fellow artists join to connect, make new friends, enjoy engaging conversations, and discover fresh, inspiring art from our award-winning circle of fine artists!
Enjoy light nibbles and sips while drinking in our newest body of works.
Glenwood Fine Art at 20 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, is a gallery and working studio featuring the works of award-winning local artists who have sold pieces that are now displayed in public spaces, as well as in private collections in homes and businesses around the globe.
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!
Create and connect with your creative community! Join us for an evening fun and creativity at Leela Improv Theatre at 309 N. Boylan Avenue in Raleigh.
Start your month with laughter, creativity, and community!
Leela’s First Friday Improv Jam & Open Mic is a one-of-a-kind night where everyone is invited to play, perform, and share. Whether you’re an improvisor, musician, poet, comedian, or just someone who loves to cheer others on, this evening is all about connection, fun, and creative expression.
What to Expect:
Improv Jam – Jump on stage and play improv games with new friends. No experience necessary—everyone is welcome.
Open Mic – Share a song, poem, stand-up bit, or any short performance piece in a supportive, welcoming space.
Dry Event – This is a dry improv jam—a fun, creative night without alcohol. Let's let improv be the mind-altering substance to help us let loose and have fun. We'll celebrate with optional drinks AFTER the jam at a local Glenwood South bar.
Celebrate the power of play, try something new, and connect with Raleigh’s vibrant creative community!
When: First Friday of each month
Where: Leela Improv Theatre, Raleigh
Who: Open to all – performers, audience, and community members alike
Schedule:
7:00 PM - Sign up for the Community Jam & Open Mic, Mix & Mingle
7:30 PM - Community Jam & Open Mic begins
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!
Get ready for an epic weekend as Skate Raleigh takes over Martin Street in front of Kings and Neptunes! They’re bringing you extreme sport demonstrations, killer DJ sets, and so much more. Whether you’re ready to drop in and show off your skills or just want to catch the action from the sidelines, you won’t want to miss out.
Friday –
- 4:00pm: Open Skate Session.
- 6:00pm: BMX Jam—open to all entrants, pre-register preferred.
- 8:30pm–11:00pm: Friday Night Roller Disco—open to all, register at the event.
We’re open late for First Friday! Come sip a complimentary beverage, snag some vintage goods and enjoy the groovy tunes. It’s all happening from 6-9! See you there.
Join us for another First Friday Free Tasting featuring On Holiday Wine spritzers! Our friends from On Holiday will be at the shop pouring a selection of their tasty garden wines - infused sparkling wine with natural fruit juices and herbs to create the fizzy fantasy of your dreams. Their fun, fresh, and slightly unexpected. Just as perfect for a little spritz while you're cooking, or while you enjoy these early Fall evenings on the back porch and the kids are in bed. Come find your favorite flavor!
And don't miss another popup with our friends at Alimentari who will be serving up food straight from our kitchen, and view this month's featured artist, Cassie Ott in the Green Room!