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 -
June 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.
Catapult Creative Gallery
Stop by from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM to check out what’s going on!
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 continue to be on display for the month of July. Check back soon for monthly hours!
Tiffany Johnkoski is the guest artist at Spectrum Record Lounge for July and August! Stop by to see her artwork and enjoy a delicious cocktail. PLUS, bring $5 and join us at Spectrum for a benefit karaoke celebration on Saturday, July 12th! All door proceeds go to our organization!
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.
Enjoy some post First Friday brews and munchies until 10:00 PM! We’ll be dropping live musician info soon…
FREE First Friday Yoga takes place from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Check back for more info.
Join them from 4:30 - 8:30 PM for an open studio Make & Take workshop! They provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. View your project options here!
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.
Check back soon to find out where the Pass the Love project will be displayed for the month of July!
Rumor has it that there will be original artwork displayed during the month of July. Check back soon for more details!
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, and The Well by Girly Nature!