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 -
July 11th, 2025
NOTE: Due to Independence Day, July’s celebration will be on the second Friday
The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri
The Visual Arts Cooperative has all new work in our new gallery!
VAC artist, Clay Guthrie, is the featured artist of the month.
I’m So Local…I’m Right Here guitar paintings are featured in the window.
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.
The artwork of Brenda Seyer and Linda Lovewell will be on display for the month of July. The Reynolds House will be open from 5:00 - 8:00 PM on Friday the 11th, and from 1:00 - 4:00 PM every Sunday in July.
Tiffany Johnkoski is the first Friends of First Friday artist at Spectrum! They open at 10:00 AM so you have all day to check out (and purchase!) her work. At 8:00 PM, bring $8 to jam to a live show with Year of October, Dead Nuts, and Negative Whiplash!
Broadway Bistro & Vintage Trade
Joshua Newth 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.
Enjoy some post First Friday brews and munchies until 10:00 PM! Check back in August for an art exhibition…
Looking for a fun way to connect with friends or family? Join their most popular DIY workshop and create your own unique wood sign! They provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Pre-registration is required, so head to their website to sign up!
No First Friday fun, but get tickets for a Bourbon Dinner with Abstraction Spirits on July 12th!
Nothing for First Friday, but Winnie the Pooh performances at the Generational Center will take place on July 31st, August 1st, and August 3rd at 7:00 PM, with a matinee taking place August 2nd at 2:00 PM.
The Pass the Love project will be displayed at the Arts Council during July’s First Friday! Take a photo with the installation and leave an encouraging note behind.
Shop for your four legged friend until 7:00 PM! Check in about upcoming First Friday exhibitions and other community events while you're there.
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, The Glenn House, Yoga East Healing Arts, and The Well by Girly Nature!