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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February 7, 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. 
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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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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
Balsiger Agency – Farmers Insurance
We Love Art
  • We ♥️ Art
  • Did you know – I originally got my start in the art world. I spent years studying art, art history, and architectural history, made my way to the New York art scene (ask me about the years I spent working for Jeff Koons 😬), and worked for museums, galleries, you name it.

    For me, art has always been a passion. At the Balsiger Agency, we believe that supporting the arts enriches our community. That’s why we have decided to dedicate space in our office to showcasing local up-and-coming artists and creatives from the Colorado Springs area. Kicking off this month, we will display selected pieces from photographer Amy Short (more details coming soon).

    Join us in celebrating the launch of this new initiative by stopping by our office during First Friday Downtown, view Amy’s work, and warm up with hot cider and cookies—our treat to you.

    Whether you’re a dedicated art enthusiast or simply looking for a cozy spot to explore during the First Friday Downtown, we’d love to see you! Come support a local artist, mingle with fellow art lovers, or stop in to talk art with me!

Location:
Picture of Balsiger Agency – Farmers Insurance
Balsiger Agency – Farmers Insurance

620 S. Cascade Ave, Suite A, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Auric Gallery
Gratitude and Rita Salazar Dickerson - Love from Lost Valley
  • Two exhibits: Gratitude features 155 local and regional artists. Rita Salazar Dickerson – Love from Lost Valley
  • Colorado native, Rita Salazar Dickerson is a fine art oil painter and commissioned artist based in Colorado Springs. The opportunity to express herself creatively came as soon as Rita could hold a pencil. The middle of seven children, Salazar Dickerson was born and raised in Grand Junction with her father, Joseph Salazar, as her first art teacher: a gifted artist himself, he encouraged and supported Ritas strong desire to draw and paint. Rita’s achievements as a young artist led to her first commissioned portrait while still in high school. Her professional career began as the in-house artist for a large savings and loan, creating pen and ink illustrations and writing text for their weekly newspaper ads — but her desire to create fine art never left her. She began painting in earnest in 1997 and has been doing commissioned work ever since.
  • Cash bar
Location:
Picture of Auric Gallery
Auric Gallery

125 E Boulder St.

Cottonwood Center for the Arts
Featured Artists: Harrison School District 2 Art Teachers
  • Cottonwood Center for the Arts is pleased to announce an exhibition for the month of February composed of works by Harrison School District 2 art teachers.
  • Cottonwood has partnered with Harrison School District 2 for nearly a year, offering scholarships for Cottonwood art classes to youth of all grade levels. As a way of thanking their arts educators for their hard work and dedication to their students, we are showcasing their work, highlighting the delightfully diverse talents that serve our community every day.
  • Two floors of open studios and galleries
  • Beer, wine, and specialty cocktail by donation
Location:
True North Art Gallery
Featured Artist Nancy Roach
  • Nancy Roach is an artist and an educator. Her earlier incarnations in artistic expression were that of a goldsmith and sculptor. She exhibited these works nationally in galleries and art shows including The Cherry Creek Art Show in Denver and the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington DC. She studied sculpture at the University of Illinois, Champaign, and earned her MA in Art Education and MFA in Art and Design.Currently, she is enjoying her expression using acrylics, oil and cold wax processes and teaches 3D Art at Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs.
  • 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
Representing
  • Times: 5:00p – 8:00p
  • The strongest depiction of representational art is when you recognize the place or person, and you feel enveloped in the expression and emotion.
  • Featured Artists: Chuck Mardosz and Richard Dahlquist
  • Original representational art is experiencing a great resurgence in popularity and value over computer-generated media.
  • Light refreshments provided.
Location:
Picture of Anita Marie Fine Art
Anita Marie Fine Art

109 S Corona St.

Gallery 113
Colorado's LOVEly Landscapes
  • February is the month of love, and at Gallery 113, it’s “Colorado’s LOVEly Landscapes.”  This month’s “Featured Artists,” Karen Standridge and Suzy McDowell, paint their hearts out in scenes showcasing Colorado’s lovely landscapes: aspens, evergreens, mountains, rocks, snow, sunshine, and waterfalls.
  • Gallery 113, one of Colorado Springs’ finest galleries, 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 Kanvas': Anxiety + Caffeine
  • Join us for First Friday at Ohana Kava Bar Downtown, a night of art, laughter, and music! Experience an inspiring art showcase featuring local artist Jonas Helvie, followed by an hour of live comedy to keep the good vibes flowing. We’ll close out the night with live music, creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind and connect. Sip kava, enjoy the community, and celebrate creativity with us!
    🎟 FREE ADMISSION – See you there!
  • 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.

Citizens Art Project at City Hall
Zita Quentin: Photography to Raise Awareness for Endangered Species
  • Photography to raise awareness about endangered species – many of them are cat species – and help with the conservation efforts. I am hoping to capture the beauty of nature and memorable moments spent with wild animals in their environment. I really enjoy photographing animal behavior, interactions and love to find humor while observing animal behavior.
  • Enter City Hall through the Kiowa entrance on the Southeast corner of the building.
Location:

Getting around Downtown

 

Hop on a PikeRide electric bike and use coupon code FF25FEB 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.