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 -
The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri
Our Visual Arts Cooperative artists have all new artwork on the west wall of the gallery. Nature photography by Darlene Spell is featured on the east wall, and Helen Towner and Abby Williams have artwork featured in the window.
March 6th, 2026
Enjoy some post First Friday tea at The Reynolds House! Carla Jordan is giving a TEA Talk on Sunday, March 8th from 2:00 - 3:00 PM.
Lauren Bishop is the featured artist at Spectrum during the months of March and April! An opening reception for the exhibition is taking place from 8:00 - 10:30 PM on First Friday, so be sure to stop by to purchase some art, vinyl, and a cocktail or two! They are open Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM-10:00 PM and Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM.
Mike Tenholder has his artwork on display at the Cape Public Library for the months of March and April! The work is available for purchase, so if you see something you like, call us at 573-334-9233 or scan the QR code on the signs.
Fragments and Interpretations, an exhibition of paintings by Chris Beaty, will be on display in the main Catapult Gallery from March 6th - 17th.
A Creative Tree, an exhibition of works by Zak Mayfield and his family, will be on display for the month of March in the Slingshot Gallery.
An opening reception will take place for both exhibitions from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on March 6th.
Visit this veteran owned gallery Monday - Saturday from 1:00 - 6:00 PM, so stop by to purchase local artwork as well as get information about the newest Paint for a Cause mural!
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 Jennifer Gardner from 5:00 - 6:00 PM! Check out other class times and sign up by visiting their website.
Nothing during First Friday, but if you’re looking for a laugh, get your tickets now for some Underground Comedy on March 7th!
Cape’s new chicken slingery is OFFICIALLY OPEN! Try some southern comfort dishes with a Greek flair when you’re out and about on First Friday. They’re open til 6:00 PM!
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!
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 Dinosaur Play crew will be in full rehearsal mode during First Friday, so be ready to watch their hard work come to life later in the month! It’s only $10 a ticket to support local theatre, so reserve a seat for the March 20th & 21st performances.
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, The Glenn House, Havco, Music Academy of Southeast Missouri, SendAFriend, Terry McDowell Design LLC, and University Autism Center!