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—7pm | 125 Washington Ave

The May First Friday features music by DJ Sam and a pop-up by our friends at The Larkin Hi-Fi, who will be serving a selection of natural wines, local beers, and a cocktail (and mocktail) special. After the museum closes, First Friday continues at The Larkin Hi-Fi right around the corner! In addition, Albany Institute is hosting a Floral Design Workshop led by Pepper Floral.

Albany Institute of History & Art holds extended hours for the city of Albany's popular First Friday program every month. Current exhibitions: On the Road to Cragsmoor with Charles Courtney Curran, Americans Who Tell the Truth, and Portrait Pairings. See you there!

6p—late night | 351 Hudson Ave

The Eleven will be hosting a pop-up exhibit by local artist, Scrap, and sounds from Tad Cautious, with a performance by The Steele Wheels and Jack Broadbent upstairs at Lark Hall

6—9pm | 929 Broadway

Nine Pin Cider will be hosting a pop-up exhibit by local artist, J Crandall Art. More to come!

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)!

7—9pm | 6 2nd Street

We’re bringing a little intrigue to fundraising with an exclusive Murder Mystery Dinner Theater event. 

5—8pm | 488 Broadway

Public reception for new exhibition featuring artists Kathy Greenwood, Susan Myers, and Linda Stillman.

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.

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