First Friday

About First Friday

First Friday is a city-wide public event that occurs on the first Friday of every month. The events may take on many purposes, including art gallery openings and social networking. American cities have promoted such events to bring people to historic areas perceived as dangerous, using the "safety in numbers" mentality to combat urban decay. In some cities this monthly event may occur on the first Saturday of each month instead of Friday. The First Friday of every month is very busy. The term may also refer to monthly gatherings of fighter squadrons to build unit cohesion.

"First Fridays" is also a nationally recognized networking event targeting African American professionals held on the first Friday of every month in various cities throughout North America. These events started in 1987 and provide urban professionals an opportunity to socially network, exchange and share ideas on professional, educational, political and social issues.

In cities such as Honolulu; Phoenix; Richmond; Philadelphia; Raleigh; San Antonio; Kansas City; Louisville; Augusta; Tallahassee; Las Vegas; Burlington; Columbus; Indianapolis; and Denver there are Gallery hops and "art walks" where many of the art galleries in town will have gallery openings and open their doors to anyone who wishes to see works in progress. The idea is that galleries will attract people to the downtown and enrich the art community by pooling their openings together into one monthly evening. Additionally, these are "see and be seen" events that serve as a block party or social gathering open to the general public. These events are not limited to art, and may involve other stores such as cafes and restaurants remaining open as well as including other events such as fire twirling acts, belly dancing, street musicians and other performers, and pub crawling. There are also said to be snake charmers and ice sculptures, street performers, and more!