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
-
UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES -
The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri
Our Visual Arts Cooperative artists have all new artwork in the window and in the hallway of the Scout Hall building!
The 26th Annual Children’s Arts Festival is taking over the gallery! Come see the most joyful and colorful exhibition of the year! This year’s festival will showcase visual artwork from nearly 200 students and 19 teachers representing schools across the SEMO region. In addition to the visual arts exhibition, guests will enjoy live performances by Hip Hop Dance Studios, local band Lost Prayers, guitarist Grant Berry, under the direction of Jake Tropf of Shivelbines, and indie midwest rock group, King Pink!
February 2026
The Reynolds House is closed until Spring! Follow along on Facebook for any updates.
Rachel Pollock is the Friends of First Friday artist at Spectrum! Her fusion of flowers and art is something you don’t want to miss! Be sure to stop by to purchase some art, vinyl, and a winter cocktail or two! They are open Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM-10:00 PM and Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM.
Ken Howard has his artwork on display at the Cape Public Library for the month of February! The work is available for purchase, so if you see something you like, call us at 573-334-9233.
A Gathering of Crones, an exhibition of sculptures by Deanne Row, will be on view for the month of February in the main Catapult Gallery.
Exquisite! an exhibition of works byAvery Johnson, Cecilia Merlone, and Allison Heckmann, will be on view for the month of February in the Slingshot Gallery.
An opening reception will take place for both exhibitions from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on February 6th.
Visit this veteran owned gallery Monday - Saturday from 1:00 - 6:00 PM, but you will also see them at the Children’s Arts Festival with a brand new Paint for a Cause honoring the Blues Highway!
Become a PFLAG Member today! Being part of a supportive community is important now more than ever. Follow them on Facebook to find out other ways to support.
FREE First Friday yoga with Juniper Whitmore from 5:00 - 6:00 PM! Check out other class times and sign up by visiting their website.
Enjoy live student performances in Scout Hall during First Friday with the Arts! Then be sure to come back on Saturday, February 7th for Dawson Hallow. Get your tickets now!
George’s On Broadway
Cape’s new chicken slingery is having its GRAND OPENING on First Friday! Enjoy Greek meets Southern fusion on the corner of Broadway and Frederick.
Looking for a fun way to connect with friends or family? Join their most popular DIY workshop and create your own unique wood sign! Plus, get a free drink! Pre-registration is required.
Are you an artist or collector looking to custom frame some artwork? Support local and head to StevMark! Visit them Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM -4:00 PM. Plus, Brian Alworth has some of his photography on display!
If you need to send an adorable package to friends out of town, find their perfect buddy at SendAFriend for Valentine’s Day!
Please help us thank Natural Health Organics for becoming our newest Sustaining Donor! Get all your organic grocery needs ! Check out their hours at their website and be sure to peruse their sale flyer!
The Rainbow Fish Musical cast list was just announced! Follow them on Facebook for show updates, audition packets, and more!
All are welcome at First Presbyterian Church. Join them for service at 10:45 AM on Sundays. Follow their Facebook for updates about weather and upcoming programs.
Word on the street is that you’ll get the best biscuits and gravy in town at Broadway Biscuit Co! They’re open Wednesday-Sunday , 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM so stop by and support a new local business.
Head to our Friends of First Friday page to learn more about our friends CODES, The Collective at Scout North, The Glenn House, Havco, Music Academy of Southeast Missouri, Terry McDowell Design LLC, and University Autism Center!