Are you a Raleigh First Friday Newbie?

You may have noticed the First Friday flags that go up in front of galleries and shops on the first friday of each month.  These signal that you’re welcome from 6-9PM for good conversation, a wide variety of art, and an opportunity to toast to the growing evening attractions of Downtown.

First Friday started at Artspace many years ago, and until recently most of the action stayed focused there and in the Moore Square Area.  But now First Friday celebrations have spread all over Downtown.  The Raleigh Contemporary Gallery changed its name to The Mahler Gallery and moved to Fayetteville Street, joined recently by the Collectors Gallery, located on City Plaza. From there, the action moves west to the Warehouse District (the “IN” place to be) and on to Glenwood South (the Mecca of dining and late night festivities.) 

A friend of mine suggests, “If you have never been before, my suggestion would be to go to Artspace first.  That place is always jumping and always very friendly on First Fridays.  (And there will be extra celebrations the first Fridays in November and December.)   There might be a problem finding parking near Artspace, though.   But if you don’t mind walking a bit, then it will be easy.”  Another alternative would be to start elsewhere in the city where parking is more plentiful and catch the R Line to the City Market area.

No studios in the Boylan Heights area are open on First Fridays.   However, on Sunday afternoon, December 6th. there will be the annual Boylan Heights Art Walk.  Then, all the studios in the area will be open to the public. 

So go Downtown.  Bring the children.  Have a pizza at Vic’s (go early for that).  Or grab a bite at Glenwood South or the Warehouse District and catch the R Line.  Either way, let me know how you like the excitement.