First Friday - Downtown Partnership

First Friday

Explore First Friday Downtown

September 6, 2024, 4:30 pm

Free and open to the public, First Friday Downtown features new art, live music, and special events on the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. at dozens of galleries, retailers and nonprofits throughout Downtown Colorado Springs.

Galleries offer in-person First Friday experiences compliant with current public health guidelines. Scroll down for a comprehensive of participating venues, updated monthly.

First Friday

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Events are added as information is received

October 3, 2025 Featured events & shows

 
Cottonwood Center for the Arts presenting Sew Subversive
Cottonwood Center for the ArtsSew Subversive
  • 5-8 p.m.
  • We asked artists: what can you say with fiber that you can't say with other mediums? This call for entries invited artists to submit works that feature textile techniques as an art medium. 
  • Two floors of open studios + galleries 
  • Beer, wine, and cocktail by donation. 
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True North Gallery presenting December After Dark with True North
True North GalleryDecember After Dark with True North
  • 5-10:30 pm
  • True North Art Gallery is proud to present art by 20 fantastic local creatives. Explore all different mediums from painting to sculpture to printmaking and even lipstick!
  • Wine and treats will be available in the gallery PLUS the doors are staying open late.
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G44 Gallery presenting 12th Annual Show
G44 Gallery presenting 12th Annual Show
G44 Gallery presenting 12th Annual Show
G44 Gallery presenting 12th Annual Show
G44 Gallery presenting 12th Annual Show
G44 Gallery12th Annual Show
  • 5-9 p.m.
  • Over 100 local and regional artists
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Kinship Landing presenting Katie Scruggs Galloway
Kinship LandingKatie Scruggs Galloway
  • 5-9 p.m.
  • Katie Scruggs Galloway from Becoming // Poetry presents her new book, Still and Still Moving
  • Live music courtesy of Jason Lee Band 7-9 p.m.
  • $2 Kinship Lagers
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The Look Up Gallery presenting Distortion
The Look Up GalleryDistortion
  • 5-9 p.m.
  • Located inside Yobel
  • Distortion is a new collection of large scale works by local artist Ben Bires. 
  • Beverages offered
  • Music by DJ Rocky Ross
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The Gallery at Cacao Chemistry presenting Art by Laurel Bahe and Lorraine Danzo
The Gallery at Cacao ChemistryArt by Laurel Bahe and Lorraine Danzo
  • 5-9:30 p.m.
  • Artists in person doing demonstrations
  • Sample delicious chocolate while you browse local art! 
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Kreuser Gallery presenting Three new exhibits for December!
Kreuser Gallery presenting Three new exhibits for December!
Kreuser Gallery presenting Three new exhibits for December!
Kreuser GalleryThree new exhibits for December!
  • 5-9 p.m.
  • Atmospheres and Orbits, a playful new series of paintings done in oil and cold wax depicting an attitude of experimentation and play by Nancy Roach.
  • Release of the Trammels, a new exhibit of works by Don Goede
  • Shifting Reality, a collection of works by Lori Goede.
  • Music by Dubfuscious
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Gallery 113 presenting In the Spirit of the Season
Gallery 113 presenting In the Spirit of the Season
Gallery 113 presenting In the Spirit of the Season
Gallery 113 presenting In the Spirit of the Season
Gallery 113 presenting In the Spirit of the Season
Gallery 113In the Spirit of the Season
  • 5-8 p.m.
  • December at Gallery 113 features timeless and innovative art works by our seventeen local member artists. 
  • Wine and Chocolates
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Colorado Co-op presenting Jewelry Trunk Show with Christy Metz Design and Like Water Jewelry
Colorado Co-opJewelry Trunk Show with Christy Metz Design and Like Water Jewelry
  • 1-8 p.m.
  • Christy Metz Design and Like Water Jewelry will both be in-store with new pieces just in time for Holiday Shopping!
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Universal Education Foundation presenting Just Art (and Gifts!)
Universal Education Foundation presenting Just Art (and Gifts!)
Universal Education Foundation presenting Just Art (and Gifts!)
Universal Education Foundation presenting Just Art (and Gifts!)
Universal Education Foundation presenting Just Art (and Gifts!)
Universal Education FoundationJust Art (and Gifts!)
  • 5-8 p.m.
  • Featured artists: Michelle Bracewell, Nicole Curtis, John Hagerty, Stephanie Lassen, Daniel Logan, Elizabeth Mackiewicz, Kristine Urban, Michael VanGalder, Frechelle Wilson
  • Snacks will be served, wine and beer by donation
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Studio Noir presenting First Friday at Studio Noir
Studio Noir presenting First Friday at Studio Noir
Studio NoirFirst Friday at Studio Noir
  • 4-7:30 p.m.
  • Featured artist Tim Bachman {Odd Dream Design)!
  • Refreshments will be available.
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Mash Mechanix presenting Countywyde Bluegrass
Mash MechanixCountywyde Bluegrass
  • 6-9 p.m.
  • Countywyde is a high-energy bluegrass band from Colorado Springs who loves making music
  • Craft beer and NA options
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The Bridge Gallery presenting Small Works
The Bridge GallerySmall Works
  • 5-8 p.m.
  • We’ve invited some of our favorite artists to create smaller size works in clay, photography, painting, fiber, and mixed media.
  • Great for holiday gifting! 
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Anita Marie Fine Art presenting Storied Places 2
Anita Marie Fine Art presenting Storied Places 2
Anita Marie Fine Art presenting Storied Places 2
Anita Marie Fine Art presenting Storied Places 2
Anita Marie Fine ArtStoried Places 2
  • 5-8 p.m.
  • A continuation of a series of places where the artist discovered a personal meaning and motivation to paint with an unshared intimacy.
  • Featured artists Richard Dahlquist and Chuck Mardosz
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Auric Gallery
4 exhibits featuring 10 artists

Auric Gallery is proud to present the work of 10 local artists this month through four exhibits.

  • Heidi Almosara – Neon Obscura
  • Honey Lea Gaydos – Journey in the Making
  • Sara Tucker – Sonder
  • Intricacy featuring Corey Drieth, Margaret Kasahara, Karen Khoury, Michelle McMahan, Wendy Mike, Deborah Schoen and Clark Valentine

Cash Bar

Image Info.: Fall of Angels by Honey Lea Gaydos; Notation by Margaret Kasahara; Circle No. 3 by Clark Valentine; Korean Wires by Heidi Almosara and New Gold Dream by Corey Drieth

Location:
Picture of Auric Gallery
Auric Gallery

125 E Boulder St.

Cottonwood Center for the Arts
SOFA KING ABSTRACT
  • Cottonwood Center for the Arts is pleased to announce a juried exhibition for the month of November, featuring works in response to an open call to the public: SOFA KING ABSTRACT, with a special Guest Juror – Lauren Ciborowski of The Modbo.
  • Image Info: The Sofa
Location:
The Look Up Gallery
Kicking Off Arts Month

Join us at The Look Up Gallery on First Friday to kick off Arts Month! Visit with our 30 local artists represented in our gallery and studio spaces, enjoy tunes spun by DJ Astralselector and drinks from the bar in Yobel.

Location:
The Look Up Gallery

517 S. Cascade Avenue, Suite E

True North Art Gallery
Featured Artist for November: Sophia Hanna

Light refreshments and beer and wine by donation. The work of 15 local artists

Artist Image Info: “Unphased”, “My Doing”, “Jist a Glimpse 1”

About Sophia Hanna: Sophia Hanna, local artist and instructor, creates figurative oil paintings on large-scale, die cut wooden panels, watercolor paintings, and interactive installations. She often focuses on themes of body image, mental illness, growing pains, sexuality, and overall, people

Location:
Gallery 113
Emerging

“Emerging,” the show at local artists’ award winning, Gallery 113, features painters Teri Homick and April Stark. Homick’s paintings welcome figures that emerge through several layers of color, marks, and shapes. Stark’s works emerge from her inspirations and memories. Both artists will welcome you to First Friday Art Walk, Friday, November 7 at Gallery 113, 125 N. Tejon St. from 5 to 8 pm.  Join us for complimentary wine and chocolate!

Image Info: Primary Image – Inside Gallery 113, “Misty Mountain” by April Stark, “Come as You Are” by Teri Homick, Vases by April Stark, “I Was Wrong” by Teri Homick

Location:
Picture of Gallery 113
Gallery 113

125 N. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

The Gallery at Cacao Chemistry
Art by Laurel Bahe and Lorraine Danzo
  • Jin Zhang will do Art show and tell while Lorraine and Laurel are away at Rocky Mountain National Park YMCA where Lorraine is the Artist in Residence until October 22.
  • Image Information: Small tables and stools by Laurel Bahe, Jin Zhang and her block print art
Location:
Poor Richard’s Downtown
At the Table
  • Join us in Rico’s Cafe to enjoy works from our newest featured artist, Lindsay Goss, as she unveils her latest show – At the Table.
  • Enjoy live music from 6-9pm by the Cleveland Experiment Experiment. Then continue browsing works in Poor Richard’s Restaurant by Brenna Swift and Sue Tormoen.
Location:
Poor Richard’s Downtown

324 1/2 Tejon St.

Green Mtn Haven
Halloween Sip & Shop

Shop our local Colorado Artists’ merchandise along with new Fall Home decor, Fall and Halloween Candles and accessories. We also have a free kids grab bag with a project and some treats for the kiddos and coupon for Kids Hour on Friday afternoons. Along with free adult beverages!

Location:
Picture of Green Mtn Haven
Green Mtn Haven

332 N Nevada Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Ohana Kava Bar
Light x Time

Ohana Kava Bar is hosting a vibrant First Friday celebration featuring Light x Time, a photography exhibition by local artist Lucas Almond, along with a showing of various art. Enjoy the chill, community-driven atmosphere while sipping kava and connecting with friends. The evening continues with a comedy show from 7–8pm, followed by live music from Dan Lee from 8–10pm. A full night of creativity, laughter, and good vibes awaits!

Image Info: “Trouble in Paradise”, “Whimsical Way”, “Snowcapped”

Location:
Picture of Ohana Kava Bar
Ohana Kava Bar

112 E Boulder St.

KAE | Event Studio & Floral Boutique
After Hours Flowers + Fashion
  • Build Your Own Bouquet Bar + New Fall Clothing Collection Release. Buy one get one 10% off
Location:
Novis Mortem Collective
First Friday With Jesse Lewis

Artist Jesse Allan Rozell will be showcasing his work titled; Post/Erasure Pt .II […a collage-based exhibition that explores grief, loss, longing, desire, and love.]

About Jesse:

Jesse Allan Rozell is a multidisciplinary designer and artist with 20 years of experience uniting visual art and brand strategy. His design work spans print, digital, packaging, web, and social media, focusing on clarity, purpose, and impact. Since 2006, he has exhibited mixed-media pieces across Colorado’s Front Range, exploring themes of time, culture, memory, and the human form through layered textures and narratives. Guided by curiosity, storytelling, and craft, Jesse creates work that fosters connection, sparks dialogue, and pushes creative boundaries.

Location:

Getting around Downtown

 

Try the Free Downtown Shuttle to see more of Downtown! The shuttle operates from Cache La Poudre to Rio Grande streets, seven days a week on 7-10 minute intervals. Click to learn about the free Downtown Shuttle.