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]

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 

Are you a business or organization with an event (or special offer) for First Friday? Tell us about it! 👇

5—8pm | First Presbyterian Church, 362 State

Enjoy a performance by the Albany Gay Men’s Chorus and an exhibition of paintings by Joe Klockowski, Kevin Bruce, Jon Tasker and David Hinchen. Concert begins at 6:00 pm, refreshments will be served. All are welcome to this free event!

5—7pm | 125 Washington Ave

5:00pm–7:00pm Albany Institute of History & Art holds extended hours for the city of Albany's popular First Friday program! Enjoy free gallery admission to visit our current exhibitions: On the Road to Cragsmoor with Charles Courtney Curran, Americans Who Tell the Truth, and Portrait Pairings. June First Friday features music by a local DJ and a pop-up by The Larkin Hi-Fi, and a Floral Design Workshop led by Pepper Floral.

While you’re there, catch the 11th Annual City School District of Albany Art Show!

Parent’s Night Out (last month!)

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)!

6—7:30pm | 517 Western Ave

Join us at the Pine Hills Library for the opening reception of Sight Specific, an exhibition of artworks by Michael Bach, Seth Butler, Matt Chinian, Sean Hemmerle, Susan Hoffer, Maeve McCool, Rob O'Neil, Andrew Pellettieri, and Laura Von Rosk. There will be live music from The Pine Hills Band and light refreshments will be served. We’re thrilled that this is the tenth installment of Art at the Library, curated by Opalka Gallery. All are welcome to this free event.

5—8:30pm | 56 2nd Street

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.

5:30—7pm | 48 Hudson Ave

Come explore the oldest building in Albany, the Van Ostrande-Radliff House, as Historic Albany restores the 1728 Dutch house back to its original appearance.

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.

6p—late night | 351 Hudson Ave

The Eleven will be hosting a pop-up exhibit, and sounds from Tad Cautious, with a performance by Tops of Trees upstairs at Lark Hall.

6—10pm | 929 Broadway

Doors Open at 6pm | 240 Washington Ave

Enjoy First Friday with mouthwatering Caribbean-inspired curry dishes straight off the grill, vibrant music, and expertly crafted cocktails at Umana Yana.

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