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

  • Artistically Ever After provides a FREE kids craft

  • Yoga East Healing Arts offers a FREE yoga class

  • Board & Brush hosts make and take experiences

  • Plus so much more!

UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES

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UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES -

March 7th, 2025

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri

  • The Visual Arts Cooperative will have all new works in the upstairs gallery of Spanish Street Mercantile, located at 26 N Spanish St.

  • The 16 B Spanish St Arts Council gallery will be closed to the public in preparation for the move to the Scout Hall building.

Southeast Missouri State University River Campus

Catapult Creative Gallery

Painted Wren Art Gallery

  • 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.

Scout Hall

Spectrum Record Lounge

  • Gary Robert and Community with Palm Ghosts and Versace Moped start playing at 8:00 PM. Bring $10 at the door, order a delicious cocktail, and get ready to rock!

Yoga East Healing Arts

Board & Brush Creative Studio

  • 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. Choose from a variety of paint colors in the workshop. View your project options here.