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!
UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES
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UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES -
June 6th, 2025
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
Catapult Creative Gallery
Stop by from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM to check out what’s going on!
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.
Welcome our new Friend of First Friday, The Reynolds House! They’re jumping right in and hosting an art exhibition featuring the artwork of Brenda Seyer and Linda Lovewell during First Friday hours!
No First Friday fun, but the infamous Singo will be taking place on Thursday, June 12th.
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.
FREE First Friday Yoga takes place from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Check back for more info.
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. View your project options here!
They are wrapping up auditions for Winnie the Pooh, so keep your eyes peeled for the official performance dates coming this summer!
Pride in the Park is taking place the Sunday after June’s First Friday this year! PFLAG will have a booth with great resources and an interactive art project so be sure to say “hello”!
We can’t wait to see what they have in store for June’s First Friday! They are full of amazing ideas and we’re so happy to have them as a member!
Broadway Bistro & Vintage Trade
Welcome our new Friend of First Friday, Broadway Bistro & Vintage Trade! They’re open til 4:00 PM on Fridays so get your caffeine fix before taking your First Friday stroll! Look for their name on the exhibition schedule soon…
Enjoy some post First Friday brews and munchies until 10:00 PM! First Friday musicians will be on the slate for upcoming months, so check back near July for more info!
Head to our Friends of First Friday page to learn more about our friends CODES, The Collective at Scout North, First Presbyterian Church, Havco, Natural Health Organics, SendAFriend, the Southeast Missouri Music Academy, and The Well by Girly Nature!