First Friday Albany

Celebrate Albany. Every first Friday of the month.

First Friday Albany is a monthly celebration of arts and culture in the city of Albany, happening year-round. Each month, we showcase a wide diversity of art, music, tours, talks and other cultural programming. Come out to experience the best of the city. All events are free (unless noted otherwise)!

Got something cool for First Friday?

Next First Friday: July 5th 🇺🇲 🎆 

ART

Art at City Hall Rotunda

24 Eagle Street. 5-7:30 pm.

The City Hall Rotunda is hosting a different artist each month, and July will exhibit work from Rachel Anne.

A note from Rachel: “Art as a personal practice is cathartic for me and I believe that creative expression is a fundamental right for humans. In my own creative expression, I focus on subject matters from found objects and toys of interest, plants and critters encountered, joy-sparking landscapes, tasty treats, and playful abstractions on these themes. My hope is to cultivate curiosity to give second glances to the familiar, and courage to engage with the unfamiliar.”

STREET FAIR

Lark Street BID Makers Market

Trinity Church Parking Lot, 249 Lark Street. 6-9 pm.

Come out and browse arts and crafts from the many talented makers and artists from all over the city, all in one place.

ART

Art at Albany Elks Lodge — Jolly Corks Lounge

25 S. Allen Street. 5-8 pm.

Albany Elks Lodge #49 is hosting Jennifer Richard-Morrow of Fort Oranje Art. The Jolly Corks Lounge will be open as well.

Jennifer Richard-Morrow is a pastel painter and apprentice iconographer in upstate New York who features the natural beauty of the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys in her work. Her paintings build a “connection with the past so as to not forget what has happened here, both historically and artistically… It is important to record the landscape before it possibly disappears under encroaching development.”

COMMUNITY

Game Night at Underground Railroad Education Center

194 Livingston Ave. 6:30-8:30 pm.

This fundraising event supports ongoing research, youth programs, restoration projects, and new constructions. Your donation of $10 helps us make a difference! 🌍

🎟️ Limited tickets available! Purchase yours in advance to secure your spot. Visit the link or call us (518) 621-7793 to reserve your tickets today.

Stay connected and participate in pre-Game Night online activities by following us on social media! Facebook & Instagram 

Enjoy an evening of games, munchies, music, prizes! 🎉 Don't miss out—let's have a blast while supporting a great cause.

ART

Art at the Washington Avenue Armory

195 Washington Ave. 5:30-7:30 pm.

The Armory will have their lounge open for drinks, while patrons can take in the art of Ryze Viola.

MUSIC

Community Drum Circle

Corner of Lancaster & Lark Streets. 5-8 pm.

A Community Drum Circle will be led by John and Heidi Kowalchyk of Ripple Effect Spiritual Therapies. The community is invited to join! Some drums will be available for use.

ART

Art at Common Roots Albany Outpost

19 Quackenbush Square. 5-9 pm.

Common Roots will host two artists this month. Both Far Eye and Oskr (Oscar Bogran) are bound to intrigue with their visual art pieces and canvases. Special thanks to Common Roots for supporting First Friday Albany by providing this venue!

TOUR

First Church Tour

110 N. Pearl Street. 6 pm.

Did you know that First Church in Albany is the keeper of some of the City’s earliest history? Organized as a Dutch Reformed Church in 1642, First Church is Albany’s oldest institution, predating the village of Beverwyck, established in 1652. Two previous churches stood at the intersection of State Street and Broadway, starting in 1656. Come into the magnificent 1796 sanctuary designed by renowned architect Philip Hooker, learn some highlights of the church’s four-century history, and view some of Albany’s earliest artifacts and documents. The tour will be led by Jim Folts, Trustee at First Church.

The tour entrance is at the Sheridan Avenue entrance to the parish house. Pay parking is available in the FCIA Inc. lot operated on Sheridan Ave. Or visitors may park on the street or in other facilities nearby.

Tickets are required for this event!

TOUR

Van Ostrande-Radliff House Tours

48 Hudson Ave. 5:30-6:30 pm.

The first floor of the Van Ostrande-Radliff House is beginning to turn back in time to the 18th century. Dutch doors, leaded glass, shutters, and hinges are all being made as we speak, all to make our little plywood covered box look like the home it was when built this summer. Stop in to see what's going on at the oldest building in Albany! Free, but reservations encouraged!

TOUR

NYS Capitol Tours

NYS Capitol Building. 5:30 pm.

Highlights of our 45-minute tours can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases, and carvings. Tour access and route are subject to change. All tours begin at the Information Desk in the Capitol’s State Street Lobby and are free of charge. Details here.

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