First Friday with the Arts

First Friday with the Arts, most commonly referred to as First Friday, is a community-centered event that takes place on the First Friday of every month. Established in 2003, First Friday is an event initiated by local galleries, businesses, and organizations to encourage residents of the Southeast Missouri region to further engage in the arts and support local Downtown Cape establishments.

The Arts Council is a strong believer in supporting local. First Friday with the Arts inspires visitors to enjoy a Friday night with family and friends, visiting local businesses and organizations. Supporting local food establishments, retail shops, and art galleries is important for the economic health of our city.

First Friday celebrations will sometimes include stamp cards or other incentives to visit our Friends of First Friday. A business or organization who is a Friend of First Friday is a member of the Arts Council who is dedicated to growing a strong community in Downtown Cape. Our Friends of First Friday often stay open for the full First Friday hours, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, so everyone gets the chance to celebrate after work or school. As mentioned above, many businesses offer a fun activity, refreshments, or even live music!

Some examples of celebrations on First Friday include,

  • The Arts Council hosts an opening reception for the newest gallery exhibition

  • Artistically Ever After provides a FREE kids craft

  • Yoga East Healing Arts offers a FREE yoga class

  • Board & Brush hosts make and take experiences

  • Plus so much more!

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri

  • Join us for our GRAND REOPENING!

    • 12:00 PM- Chamber Ribbon Cutting

    • 5:00 - 8:00 PM- First Friday with the Arts Opening Reception

  • The Visual Arts Cooperative will have all new work in our new gallery!
    426 Broadway St

UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES

-

UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES -

June 6th, 2025

Southeast Missouri State University River Campus

Catapult Creative Gallery

Painted Wren Art Gallery

  • Visit this veteran-owned art gallery from 1:00 - 6:00 PM. There is so much to see and do in the gallery! Three of their artists are juried Best of Missouri Hands artists and you can find all sorts of art to buy, including paintings, photos, prints, goat milk soap, note cards, and children's books.

Scout Hall

  • More news coming soon…

Spectrum Record Lounge

  • Have you tried their new seasonal cocktails yet? If not, head down for a post First Friday tasty beverage! They have great non-alcoholic options as well, if that’s more your speed.

Yoga East Healing Arts

  • FREE First Friday Yoga takes place from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Check back for more info.

Board & Brush Creative Studio

  • Join them from 4:30 - 8:30 PM for an open studio Make & Take workshop! They provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift.

Head to our Friends of First Friday page to see what R.A.D Studios, CODES, First Presbyterian Church, The Collective at Scout North, Natural Health Organics,
PFLAG, Century Casino, and The Well by Girly Nature have going on in the upcoming months!