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Celebrate Albany’s culture on the First Friday of the month
First Friday Albany brings the city’s arts and culture scene to life, setting the stage for a vibrant evening where community, creativity, and local talent are front and center. Organized by dedicated volunteers and local venues, First Friday connects artists with places to share their work. You’ll find exciting pop-up vendors, live musical performances, and art installations that celebrate the diverse voices and artistic expressions of Albany. All events are free, unless otherwise noted 😉 To get in touch and learn more, email: [email protected]
Are you a business or organization with an event (or special offer) for First Friday? Tell us about it! 👇
Would you like to exhibit your creative work for First Friday Albany? Sign up for a pop-up exhibit spot at one of our partner locations 🌟
Alacrity Frame Shop • Albany Black Chamber of Commerce • Albany City Hall • Albany Elks Lodge • Albany Unitarian Universalist • Common Roots Albany Outpost • The Eleven at Lark Hall • First Presbyterian Church • Hold Up Roll Up • Nine Pin Cider • Washington Avenue Armory
COMING UP: FRIDAY, MARCH 7
Celebrating Women Pop—up Exhibits
Aly Parrott | Albany City Hall | 24 Eagle St
Melissa Mansfield and Lori Kochanski | Albany Elks Lodge | 25 S Allen St
Merrcow | Alacrity Frame Shop | 215 Lark St
Sabrina Dier | Nine Pin Cider | 929 Broadway
Come out for First Friday to enjoy Albany’s diverse and inspiring culture! Visit our partner locations for pop—up exhibits showcasing creative works by women, about women, and for women.
6pm | 262 Lark St
Hailing from the rolling hills of Washington County in Upstate NY, Laura Leigh gained her following by busking and singing around every late night campfire in the Capital Region. Quickly becoming what Greg Bell called “the new darling of the Albany music scene,” LL is known for her archetypal songwriting, Appalachian-style vocals, and her evocative stories that may or may not be true.
Blending an eclectic mix of rock, old time, country and blues styles, Lucy has toured and performed with a number of songwriters and groups across the US, including Berklee World Strings and the Kronos quartet. She can be seen playing locally with the Brule County Bad Boys.
For more information, visit the link below!
Doors Open: 6pm | Vibes Start: 9pm | 240 Washington Ave
Enjoy First Friday with bold flavors, vibrant music, and expertly crafted cocktails at Umana Yana. It’s Curry Q Friday, and we’ll be serving up mouthwatering Caribbean-inspired curry dishes straight off the grill, paired with specialty curated cocktails designed to elevate your dining experience. Setting the vibe for the night is DJ Foxyt, bringing the best Afrobeat, jazz, and global rhythms straight from Nigeria! Make a reservation to secure your spot!
Funky Fridays with Tad Cautious at The Eleven at Lark Hall
10pm | 262 Lark St
Tad Cautious is a DJ and musical curator who has performed at festivals such as Waking Windows in Vermont, Chicago’s Sacred Rose Festival and Phish’s Riviera Maya festival in Cancun. He is the host of The Bunny, a weekly free-format show on SiriusXM, based on the onsite station of the same name that he has helmed at Phish festivals since 1996. His sets range from international funk, psychedelic jazz and soul to muddled electronics, classic dub, and archival oddities, resulting in a pleasant disorientation.
Albany Patroons Double Header at Washington Avenue Armory
7pm | Friday & Saturday | 195 Washington Ave
After an incredible season opener that brought nearly 2,000 fans to the stands, the Albany Patroons are ready to keep the energy high with a thrilling double-header weekend on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8; tip off is at 7pm on both nights. With two chances to catch the action, fans won’t want to miss this opportunity to support Albany’s home team!
5:30—8:30pm | 602 Broadway
Castle Island Bilingual Montessori School is offering parents an opportunity to enjoy First Friday Albany, with their children safe and engaged! Ages 2-12 are invited. The children will be playing games and doing fun activities at our very own First Friday party, which includes dancing, a movie and pizza dinner. The children's art gallery will also be open from 5:30—6:30p. Available on First Fridays during the months of February, March, April, May, and June. Click here to see costs and to register (required)!
5—7pm | 125 Washington Ave
Enjoy free admission and extended hours on First Fridays 🌟 The Albany Institute of History & Art connects diverse audiences to the art, history, and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley. Come check it out!
Albany Barn | 6—8:30pm | 56 2nd St
Join us for a First Friday opening reception of Our Story: Unsealed Voices and Spirits, featuring artists’ expression and contemplation during this time of difficulty in the world. Presented by Black Dimensions in Art in partnership with Albany Barn.
12—9pm | 229 Lark St
Showing DE SOLAS organic soy candles and book collages by Linda Kindlon Cary, owner of the former Bake for You.
5pm—2am | 199 Lark St
Connect with the sensei in you with our First Friday cocktail special, Sage Against the Machine, a next level mix of Toki whiskey, cinnamon, sage, lime, and egg white to twist your tongue and your mind.
2 for 1 margaritas at El Loco Mexican Cafe
5—8:30pm | 465 Madison Ave
El Loco invites First Friday patrons to enjoy 2-for-1 margaritas from 5pm until close. El Loco Mexican Cafe is a member of the Lark St BID and supports collaboration along the corridor.
Gilded Age Tours of the Cathedral of All Saints
5—7pm | 62 South Swan St
Tour the Gilded Age through the art of The Cathedral of All Saints! A unique example of Gothic Revival architecture with real flying buttresses and stained-glass windows by LaFarge and Clayton and Bell, the cathedral sits beside the State Education Building on South Swan St. Your tour will take you into the heart of this hidden gem through its history, art, and symbols of sacred beauty contained in its stone interior elaborately carved with images of flora and fauna, memorials to state governors and families of prominent figures of the Gilded Age.
5:30pm | NYS Capitol Building | Information Desk, State Street Lobby
Join us for a First Friday Albany adventure where every corner tells a story! Tour highlights include: historic staircases, ‘gram-worthy photo ops, quality time with the Capitol's carvings, nooks, crannies, and legislative chambers. Special time will also be taken to view the Capitol’s awareness month exhibitions on view in the Governor’s Reception Room. Tour access and route are subject to change.
Reservations are not required. Walk-ups are permitted. Larger groups of 10 or more should call (518) 474-2418.
7—10:30pm | 25 S Allen St
Founded more than 30 years ago by Pat Melita and Teresa Broadwell, this event promotes live music and dance. The dancing is sponsored by Dance Flurry Organization. March will feature music by the Alan Thomson Little Big Band. Cost: $20 General, $15 Student, 65+ Senior, DFO Member
