First Friday - Downtown Partnership

First Friday

Explore First Friday Downtown

October 4, 2024, 5:00 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 to 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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April 4, 2025 Featured events & shows

 

Events are added as information is received

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. 
Visit Website
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
Visit Website
ICONS
ICONS First Friday: The Kaberet with Kai Lee Mykels Drag Show
  • FIRST Friday: The Kaberet with Kai Lee Mykels Drag Show at 10:00pm
Location:
Picture of ICONS
ICONS
The Colorado Springs Conservatory
Group Dynamics: An Ensemble Experience
  • Join us for an evening of vocal trios, band performances, and more!  We’ll be showcasing the innovative ways that CSC music students collaborate!
  • $20 per guest, includes wine and light fare
  • Tickets: www.coloradospringsconservatory.org/events
Location:
Auric Gallery
Four solo exhibits featuring Kristy Kensinger, Jenny Kruckeberg, Jennifer Parisi and Annie Pieper.
  • Kristy Kensinger paints a variety of subject matters in various mediums finding it difficult to stick to just one genre. Her work is expressive and includes paintings, drawings, and prints. In addition to creating art she loves to share what she learns through art classes and workshops. One of her favorite creative outlets beyond painting and teaching is to curate a class or collection from start to finish. “I love to take an idea and bring it to life. There is an eclectic process I follow to bring my idea into form. I love to get tactile by gathering textiles, scraps, patterns, and imagery creating color palettes and a specific style for a project. The process is so invigorating to my creativity.”
  • Janny Kruckenberg: Lately, I have been returning to familiar landscapes, literal and figurative, and experiencing intense déjà vu. Immersed in a moment, I am struck by the feeling that I have lived it before and know exactly how it will unfold. Time slows. My senses are heightened. I am acutely aware of every minute detail and of myself as both participant and observer. And then I begin to see variation: initially, differences seem subtle, but the closer I look, the more obvious  they seem. The sense of déjà vu cracks. In truth, I don’t know how this will play out.
  • Jennifer Parisi: So many divisive clashes are occurring in our world. What has happened to us?

    This state of affairs can’t last forever.

    AFTER NOW, I’m hoping for re-connection and a return to mutual respect, and an atmosphere in which creativity can flourish.

    I’m envisioning Peace, Peace, Peace.

    Thanks to the many ancient, anonymous southwest petroglyph artists who contributed to and enriched this series.

  • Annie Pieper: The word LUSH evokes saturated color, density of mark, richness of material, softness, sensuousness…but also gluttony, drunken-ness, overabundance. We are pleasure seekers. This series looks up close at that desire and also steps back to let it become abstract. Flat pattern is layered with depth of field, tempting our natural urge to find form and focal point. The patterns represented in these works are inspired by clothing and objects that have meaning for me, and I am interested in how the aura of that meaning still has a voice when separated from its original context and placed in a new one.
  • Cash bar
Location:
Picture of Auric Gallery
Auric Gallery

125 E Boulder St.

Cottonwood Center for the Arts
OMISSION
  • Cottonwood Center for the Arts is pleased to announce a juried exhibition for the month of April featuring works in response to an open call to the public: OMISSION
  • Multiple Artists
  • Two floors of open studios and galleries
  • Beer, wine, and specialty cocktail by donation
Location:
True North Art Gallery
Featured Artist for April: 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.
  • Light refreshments
  • Beer and wine by donation
Location:
Rico’s Cafe & Wine Bar
Multiple artists + The Cleveland Experiment Duo
  • Featured artists: Marc A. Shereck and Kelli Kohn
  • Live music by The Cleveland Experiment Duo
  • First Friday Happy Hour 4-6 p.m.
Location:
Anita Marie Fine Art
Green Days
  • Spring brings green to secret spaces in nature. Gorgeous landscapes and flirty flowers abound in this exquisite exhibit. Runs through May.
  • Wonder at the brilliance of an evergreen spring with a new series of exquisite landscapes by TWO master artists, Chuck Mardosz and Richard Dahquist. Open House on Thursdays and Fridays 5-7p and Saturdays 2-5p, and anytime by appointment (303) 507-6740.
  • Original representational art is experiencing a great resurgence in popularity and value over computer-generated media.
  • Light refreshments provided.
  • Thursday & Friday 5-7p, 5p -8p First Friday, and Sat 2-5p
  • Free Parking
Location:
Picture of Anita Marie Fine Art
Anita Marie Fine Art

109 S Corona St.

Gallery 113
The Colorado Landscape: Recharging the Soul
  • Gallery 113 is featuring artists John McClusky, photographer, and Kim York, oil painter, during April.  McClusky’s photography captures that mountain magic inspiring awe.  York turns an everyday scene of Colorado mountains, streams, and wildlife into a living inspiration on canvas.  See their work and that of the other 16 Gallery 113 artists at the First Friday Art Walk,
  • Gallery 113 is showcasing the work of award-winning local artists in painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and wood turning.
  • Complimentary wine, chocolate, and non alcoholic beverages provided
Location:
Picture of Gallery 113
Gallery 113

125 N. Tejon

Ohana Kava Bar
Kava and Kavas': Fairy Garden
  • Join us this First Friday for a special showcase of Erin Kittleson’s Fairy Garden—a whimsical collection of imaginative works. After the exhibit, stick around for a comedy show and live music to round out a night full of creative energy.
  • Comedy show from 7-8:30pm, and live music from 8:30-10:30
  • Enjoy unique kava drinks in Ohana Kava Bar’s island-inspired atmosphere.
  • Kava and other non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase
Location:
Picture of Ohana Kava Bar
Ohana Kava Bar

112 E Boulder St.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
The Fine Arts Center Look Ahead: 2025–2026
  • Join us for a special First Friday Art Party as we unveil the 2025–26 theatre season, showcase upcoming museum exhibitions, and introduce exciting Bemis School of Art classes with live demos from our talented instructors! You don’t want to miss out on all the fun and excitement, so be sure to mark your calendar and come celebrate with us! This event is free and open to the public.
  • RSVPs are requested:  https://fac-cc.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FUY000005bNCT2A2
  • 5–6 p.m.: Chat with Bemis School of Art Director Tara Sevanne Thomas and watch live demos from Bemis School of Art instructors

    6 p.m.Upcoming museum exhibitions with Director of Visual Arts and Museum Michael Christiano, and upcoming theatre season announcement with Producing Artistic Director Chris Sheley in the Mainstage Theatre

  • Free museum admission
  • Drinks and snacks available for purchase
  • Art for sale by local and regional artists in Deco Lounge
Location:
Bosky Studio
Meditations on Orpheus: A Reclamation of Liminal Spaces
  • Join us on April 4th 5:30-10:30 for a new exhibition by @brettandrus “Meditations on Orpheus: A Reclamation of Liminal Spaces”. Have you ever wanted to to pick up one of Brett’s cityscapes or landscapes?  Now is your chance!
Location:
Picture of Bosky Studio
Bosky Studio

17B E Bijou St. (alley entrance)

Getting around Downtown

 

Hop on a PikeRide electric bike and use coupon code FF25MAY for 30 minutes of ride time for only $5! Take one 30-minute trip or split up your rides with two 15-minute trips and explore art, live music, and special events on First Friday.

Try the new Free Downtown Shuttle to see more of Downtown! The new 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.