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 -
December 2025 & January 2026- NO FIRST FRIDAY WITH THE ARTS IN JANUARY!
The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri
Our Visual Arts Cooperative artists have all new artwork on the east wall, as well as tons of art in miniature in the window! There is plenty of artwork for every budget, so get your Christmas shopping done at the Arts Council. Supporting an artist is supporting a local business. PLUS you will be giving the coolest gifts around!
Our Annual Members Exhibition is on the west wall of the gallery. Our membership has grown over the past year so we are so excited for you to see the talent of all of our new friends! We are honored to have Dr. Joni Hand as our juror this year.
Our very own Visual Arts Cooperative member, Patricia Holloway, is the December and January artist! Visit The Reynolds House on Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 PM to see (and purchase!) Pat’s art.
Visit this local brewery Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, or Sunday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM for your craft brew and pizza needs! Mike Tenholder has all new artwork available for purchase throughout December and January.
Zyra Neal is the Friends of First Friday artist at Spectrum! All of her super colorful art is for sale! 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.
Thomas Shaner is the featured artist at the Cape Public Library in December. Check out their website to find their weekly hours.
DEAD/BOLT, an exhibition of works by students in AR399: Professional Practices, will be on display in the main gallery. Art in Existence, an exhibition of works by Jaszmine Walton will be in the Slingshot Gallery. Visit the gallery Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Visit this veteran owned gallery Monday - Saturday from 1:00 - 6:00 PM! They sell paintings, photos, prints, goat milk soap, note cards, children's books, and more!
Pass the Love will be at Annie Laurie’s during the month of December! Stop by to add a note of love or encouragement to the installation. Snap a picture with it and tag PFLAG Cape, Annie Laurie’s, and the Arts Council! Annie Laurie’s is open Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 PM.
They have plenty of yoga classes this holiday season! Check out class times and sign up by visiting their website.
Christmas Singo, Noon Year’s Eve, and Underground Jazz are all coming at ya in December and January! Grab your tickets here.
Check out their classes for the remainder of the year and the beginning of 2026 by visiting their website! From Pick Your Projects to a cupcake and champagne celebration to ring in the New Year, you have plenty to choose from!
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.
If you need to send an adorable package to friends out of town, find their perfect buddy at SendAFriend this holiday season!
Get all your organic grocery needs for the holiday! Check out their hours at their website and be sure to peruse their sale flyer!
The Rainbow Fish Musical tryouts are taking place on January 20th & 22nd at 6:00 PM! Anyone age 8-18 who is looking for their chance to take the stage, this is your chance to shine! Download the audition packet today.
All are welcome at First Presbyterian Church. Join them for service at 10:45 AM on Sundays. Follow their Facebook for updates about special holiday services.
Take a tour of this historical gem from 1:00 - 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays! This year’s holiday theme is Through the Looking Glass so preregister for a tour so you don’t miss the magic.
Music Academy of Southeast Missouri
Spring semester sign ups are underway, so you’re encouraged to give the gift of music education this holiday season! Sign up online before Friday, January 2nd, 2026.
If you haven't heard, our friends at Broadway Bistro & Vintage Trade have started a new business venture! In the same space, Broadway Biscuit Co is NOW OPEN! Biscuits are hot and ready Tuesday - Sunday in shop from 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM or order online from 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM (yep, you read that right!) to satisfy your nighttime breakfast craving. Let's show this new local business some love!
Head to our Friends of First Friday page to learn more about our friends CODES, The Collective at Scout North, George’s, Havco, Terry McDowell Design LLC, and University Autism Center!