First Friday Raleigh

First Friday Raleigh A program produced by Downtown Raleigh Alliance, First Friday is one of Raleigh's most popular evening escapes.

Join us on the First Friday of every month for a fun-filled introduction to Raleigh's exciting art, music and dining scene.

03/05/2026

Feminist First Friday is tomorrow! 💕 🎉

Come join us as we celebrate the impact women have on Downtown Raleigh every day. This night is about honoring the creativity, resilience, and individuality that women bring to our community.

Bring your friends, bring your confidence, and celebrate the power of being exactly who you are. Everyone’s invited, including your leashed furry friends.`

: March 6th is the last day to enter DRA’s Explore Downtown Raleigh Giveaway. If you support any Downtown Raleigh storefront businesses during Feminist First Friday, you can save and submit your receipts for a chance to win $250 at https://bit.ly/3NZtgGU.

📍Hartwell Raleigh
📆 Friday, March 6th 🕔 5-8pm
Find a full list of market vendors and all event programming 👇
https://bit.ly/37u84T3

Feminist First Friday is sponsored by Maeve

Self-expression is personal, and sometimes it’s permanent. ✍️💘 At Feminist First Friday, Tiny Ghost Tattoo of Pinky Swea...
03/03/2026

Self-expression is personal, and sometimes it’s permanent. ✍️💘

At Feminist First Friday, Tiny Ghost Tattoo of Pinky Swear Tattoo will be on site offering curated flash tattoos, with sign-ups available at the event. Arrive early to secure your spot, choose the design that resonates with you, and leave with new ink that’s entirely your own.

: March 6th is the last day to enter Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Explore Downtown Raleigh Giveaway. Save your receipts from First Friday and submit them for a chance to win $250. Yes, your tattoo receipt counts too!

📍Hartwell Raleigh
📆 Friday, March 6th 🕔 5-8pm
Find a list of Feminist First Friday vendors and even more things to do across downtown this Friday 👇
https://bit.ly/37u84T3

Feminist First Friday is sponsored by Maeve

First Friday is about more than art; it’s about community. 🫶This week, we’re hosting Feminist First Friday—a celebration...
03/02/2026

First Friday is about more than art; it’s about community. 🫶

This week, we’re hosting Feminist First Friday—a celebration of the women who make Downtown Raleigh stronger, more creative, and more connected. Join us for free professional headshots, live music, food and drinks, flash tattoos, local shopping, and more.

We’re one of many events happening across downtown that night, with galleries, pop-ups, and activations all evening long. Start at Feminist First Friday, then explore everything else downtown has planned.

: March 6 is the last day to enter Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Explore Downtown Raleigh Giveaway. Save your receipts from First Friday festivities and submit them for a chance to win $250.

📍Hartwell Raleigh
📆 Friday, March 6th 🕔 5-8pm
Find a list of Feminist First Friday vendors and even more things to do across downtown this Friday 👇
https://bit.ly/37u84T3

Feminist First Friday is sponsored by Maeve

Confidence looks good on you. Let’s capture it! 📸 ✨We’re celebrating YOU at Feminist First Friday Raleigh next week with...
02/26/2026

Confidence looks good on you. Let’s capture it! 📸 ✨

We’re celebrating YOU at Feminist First Friday Raleigh next week with free professional headshots from Chalfant Photos and glam touch-ups from downtown businesses DRFT Salon and The Bardot.

Whether you’re leveling up your career or just refreshing your LinkedIn, don't miss this opportunity capture your best self (because you deserve it).

This free service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and ends promptly at 8pm.

📍Hartwell Raleigh, 620 W South Street
📆 Friday, March 6th 🕔 5-8pm
List of all programming 👇
https://bit.ly/2In56Df

02/17/2026

Feminist First Friday isn’t just a night out, it’s a celebration of the amazing women in our community! 💕

Come to West South Street on March 6th for...
📸 Free headshots + hair touch-ups (first come, first served!)
🛍️ 20+ local vendors
🎶 Live music
🎨 Community art
🤘 Flash tattoos
🍽️ Food and drinks
🤩 And more!

📆 Friday, March 6th 🕔 5-8pm 📍Hartwell Raleigh

You're invited to the ultimate girls' night out! 💌 🎉 Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Feminist First Friday returns to kick o...
02/14/2026

You're invited to the ultimate girls' night out! 💌 🎉

Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Feminist First Friday returns to kick off Women’s History Month for a third year with a night full of shopping, art, music, and community.

Look forward to...
🛍️ A women-owned vendor market
📸 Complimentary professional headshots with hair & makeup touch-ups
🎀 Flash tattoos
🎨 Local art
🥂 Food and drinks onsite
🎶 Live music
✨ And more throughout the evening!

📍Hartwell Raleigh, 620 W South Street
📆 Friday, March 6th 🕔 5-8pm

CALL FOR VENDORS 🛍️ 💖 This March First Friday, March 6th, Downtown Raleigh Alliance is celebrating Women’s History Month...
01/26/2026

CALL FOR VENDORS 🛍️ 💖 This March First Friday, March 6th, Downtown Raleigh Alliance is celebrating Women’s History Month with our annual block party and market at Hartwell Raleigh.

We’re seeking local, women-owned businesses and food trucks interested in vending. This is a free opportunity with priority given to Downtown Raleigh businesses.

Learn more and apply by February 2nd 👇
https://bit.ly/4adWMmS

In celebration of the New Year and the 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 First Friday of 2026, we challenge you to go out and try something new! 💡He...
01/02/2026

In celebration of the New Year and the 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 First Friday of 2026, we challenge you to go out and try something new! 💡

Head downtown this evening to discover exciting art exhibitions, live music, pop-ups, and parties worth crossing off your bucket list for First Friday Raleigh.

Tonight is also one of the last times to experience our FREE annual large-scale, light installation event Illuminate Art Walk presented by Cooperating Raleigh Colleges before it closes January 6th!

🩷 Memaw, Nana, Gram, etc by Abby Parker & Marty Rogers | 1 Market Plaza

Check out the growing list of January First Friday events 👇
https://bit.ly/37u84T3

It's the most colorful and dazzling First Friday of the year! ✨ 🌈 Today marks the start of Downtown Raleigh Alliance's I...
12/05/2025

It's the most colorful and dazzling First Friday of the year! ✨ 🌈

Today marks the start of Downtown Raleigh Alliance's Illuminate Art Walk presented by Cooperating Raleigh Colleges. Visit downtown this evening to admire 15+ large-scale light installations created by some of the best & brightest artists from North Carolina, and beyond.

While you're out, enjoy extended art gallery hours, events at your favorite businesses, delicious food and drinks, and Illuminate magic—all in one night, all in Downtown Raleigh.

🌃 Illuminated 5-11pm
🎟️ Free, family-friendly, and self-guided
Find 15+ events for First Friday and the full map of Illuminate installations 👇
https://downtownraleigh.org/illuminate
https://downtownraleigh.org/first-friday-raleigh/events

Illuminate Art Walk is presented by Cooperating Raleigh Colleges, with support from Raleigh Arts

SNEAK PEEK ⚡🚴‍♂️ This Friday we switch on the lights for downtown's brightest time of the year: Illuminate Art Walk pres...
12/01/2025

SNEAK PEEK ⚡🚴‍♂️ This Friday we switch on the lights for downtown's brightest time of the year: Illuminate Art Walk presented by Cooperating Raleigh Colleges!

Illuminate Art Walk is an annual tradition that transforms downtown plazas, storefronts, and other public spaces with over a dozen light installations from local and international artists.

Illuminate is a self-guided experience, but if you’re eager to explore with a pro you can join Raleigh Walking Tours for a guided tour through the installations. Sip, stroll, and make your way up Fayetteville Street while learning the stories behind each piece. Visit Raleigh Walking Tours, LLC to learn more and RSVP!

🎨 "Light Lane" by Le Monde debuting this Friday
📅 December 5th – January 6th, 2026 🎫 Free to the public
A full map of installations will release later this week—learn more and plan ahead 👇
https://bit.ly/47OU8QU

11/03/2025

It’s not just another Friday, this week is November in Downtown Raleigh! 🥳

Dozens of local businesses, galleries, and venues are opening their doors late for an evening filled with art, music, and downtown magic.

While you’re out exploring, join us at Pop-Up Shops at Wilmington Street for DRA’s own First Friday party with ! Enjoy complimentary appetizers from , sip and shop local, and help us celebrate Casa Imperial Finery’s first few months in their new storefront.

📆 Friday, November 7th
Explore events happening this Friday and keep checking back throughout the week at our link in bio 📲

Spooky Hollow First Friday is bringing a sustainable twist to Halloween! ✨👻This Friday, shop the Vintage Spirit Hallowee...
09/30/2025

Spooky Hollow First Friday is bringing a sustainable twist to Halloween! ✨👻

This Friday, shop the Vintage Spirit Halloween Pop-up featuring a curated selection of fall wardrobe essentials and costume-ready finds from Downtown Raleigh's very own Origami styling and One For All Thrift.

📆 Friday, October 3rd 🕔 5-8pm 📍Smoky Hollow
Learn more about our Smoky Hollow block party and find things to do this First Friday 👇
https://bit.ly/37u84T3

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Downtown Raleigh, NC

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9am - 9pm

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