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 -
September 5th, 2025
The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri
The Visual Arts Cooperative has all new work in our new gallery!
VAC artist, Hunter Hale, is featured in the window.
At 6:00 PM, we will host a Members Meeting where we ask all current Arts Council Members to vote on our new Board Members.
The artwork of Helen Towner will continue to be on display for the month of September. The Reynolds House will be open from 5:00 - 8:00 PM on Friday the 5th, and from 1:00 - 4:00 PM every Sunday in August.
Dylan Statler is the first Friends of First Friday artist for Minglewood! His art will continue to be on display and available for purchase throughout the month of September.
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 in September and 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 8:00 PM for the opening reception! All artwork is available for purchase. His work will be on display in September and October.
The opening reception for the September exhibitions will take place on First Friday. Natcha Wongchanglaw is the featured artist in the Catapult Gallery and Kaylee Shelby is the featured artist in the Slingshot Gallery. Click below for more info on both exhibitions!
The Pass the Love project will be displayed at Yoga East Healings Arts during the month of September!
FREE First Friday yoga with Sara McNeil! Register ahead of time by visiting their website.
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.
Cheers to 8 Years, Pick Your Project Workshop + FREE 'Happy Birthday' Bonus Sign! Board & Brush is having a special pick your project DIY workshop from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on First Friday. Pre-registration is required for this workshop. Get more information and register here.
Southeast Missouri Music Academy
Nothing for First Friday, but if you would like to support youth music mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 17th! Get yourself a delicious meal at Burrito-Ville from 5:00 - 9:00 PM and 10% of the sale will go directly to the SEMO Music Academy!
Head to our Friends of First Friday page to learn more about our friends CODES, The Collective at Scout North, First Presbyterian Church, Havco, Mississippi Mutts, Natural Health Organics, R.A.D. Studios, Scout Hall, SendAFriend, The Glenn House, and The Well by Girly Nature!