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
Solo exhibitions in local organizations and businesses
Yoga East Healing Arts offers a FREE yoga class
Board & Brush hosts make and take experiences
Plus so much more!
Thank You to Our First Friday with the Arts Sponsors
Helen & Bob Towner
UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES
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UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES -
October 3rd, 2025
The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri
The Visual Arts Cooperative has all new work in our new gallery!
VAC artists Rachel Pollock & Aaron Eisenhauer are featured in the window.
We are excited to announce a very special exhibition for the months of October and November! Artists from Creative Forces, our multidisciplinary art program for veterans, has artwork on display. Tom Feltmann, the lead of the oil painting classes, will be the featured exhibitor. The Reynolds House will be open from 5:00 - 8:00 PM for First Friday, so be sure to make your way down Main Street! Keep your eyes peeled for exciting plans for November’s First Friday and Veterans Day celebrations. The Reynolds House is open on Sundays, 1:00 - 4:00 PM.
Not only are they open until 10:00 PM on Fridays for all your craft brew and late night munchie needs, but they have a brand new exhibition for the months of October and November! Visual Arts Cooperative artist, Mike Tenholder, is the featured artist. Order a pizza with a side of art, because his works are for sale!
Mike Mills is the first Friends of First Friday artist at Spectrum! Doors open at 10:00 AM so you have all day to check out (and purchase!) his work. Closing time isn’t until 11:00 PM, so be sure to grab a post First Friday featured margarita. His work will be on display ithroughout October.
Broadway Bistro & Vintage Trade
Thomas Shaner is the guest artist at Broadway Bistro & Vintage Trade! Stop by to see his artwork and caffeinate before making your First Friday rounds. They will be open late until 7:00 PM on October 3rd! All artwork is available for purchase. His work will be on display throughout October.
The opening reception for the October exhibitions will take place on the SECOND Friday of October! Angie’s Underground, an exhibition of works by Mara Cressey, will be on view in the main gallery and FACILIS DESCENSUS AVERNO, an exhibition of works by Cecilia Merlone, will be on view in the Slingshot Gallery. The opening reception will be from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on October 10th.
Terry McDowell Design LLC
Our newest Friend of First Friday is having a special opening reception from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, featuring the artwork of Dr. Robert Ward. Stop by to say hello to our new friends while supporting a local business and local artist!
Check back soon to find where the Pass the Love project will be displayed during the month of October!
FREE First Friday yoga with Juniper Whitmore! Register ahead of time by visiting their website.
Join Board & Brush for a 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. Choose from a variety of paint colors in the workshop. Be sure to drop in from 4:30 - 8:30 PM while you’re on your First Friday journey!
Enjoy a pre First Friday concert! Ax and the Hatchetmen came here to party. The Chicago based rock and roll band’s shimmering guitar attack, earthy rhythms, and blistering horns have gained them a loyal following nationwide. See them at Scout Hall on Thursday, October 2nd at 8:00 PM. Get your tickets now!
Bare Bones Ghost Tour at The Glenn House, one night only this Friday! No frills. No bands. No tarot. Just you, a small group, and the echoing halls of The Glenn House after dark. Step inside and hear the ghost stories and haunted history that have made this Victorian home infamous for more than a century. By the light of a single guide, you’ll wander through shadowy rooms and creaking staircases, listening for whispers of the past. Is it the floor settling, or someone (or something) unseen following close behind? Just $10 a soul.
Tours Run Every Half Hour from 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Head to our Friends of First Friday page to learn more about our friends CODES, The Collective at Scout North, First Presbyterian Church, Forte Tea Lounge, The Glenn House, Havco, Mississippi Mutts, Natural Health Organics, Painted Wren Art Gallery, R.A.D. Studios, SendAFriend, StevMark, Southeast Missouri Music Academy, and The Well by Girly Nature!