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.
First Friday is a monthly self-guided tour of downtown Raleigh's creative community, featuring late-night hours at galleries, shops, and restaurants. The event brings local artists, musicians, and makers to the sidewalks, creating a lively block-party atmosphere across several downtown districts. If you are bringing strollers, stick to the Fayetteville Street and Moore Square areas where sidewalks are wide and easy to navigate. Because galleries can get crowded after 7:00 PM, arriving right at 5:00 PM gives younger children plenty of space to explore before the dinner rush. This is a reliable Friday night option because it is highly flexible. You can stay for twenty minutes of live music and a quick gallery walk, or turn it into a full evening out with dinner at a nearby patio.
Yes, but stick to the outdoor areas. The live music and sidewalk markets are perfect for toddlers who need to move, while the indoor art galleries are better suited for older children who can navigate tight spaces safely.
