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: albanyfirstfriday@gmail.com 

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, APRIL 4

First Friday at Lark Hall & The Eleven

6p—late night | 351 Hudson Ave

The R Gallery at Arlene's Artist Materials 

4:30—5:30pm | 57 Fuller Rd

Opening reception for the Creative February Show, curated by Takeyce Walter.

Rhythms of the Diaspora at Opalka Gallery

6—8pm | 140 New Scotland Ave

Enjoy a First Friday performance by Jordan Taylor Hill and Friends and see the current exhibition, Osi Audu: The Self in African Art. Free but reserve your spot here.

5—8pm | 488 Broadway

4—5:30pm | Arbor Hill/West Hills, Bach and Delaware Branches

The The Albany Public Library is proud to present in partnership with the Albany City School District Elementary Art Teachers a display of student artwork from local elementary schools.

City Hall Earth in Bloom Photo Exhibit

5:30—7pm | 24 Eagle St

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!

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