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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January 3, 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
Cottonwood Center for the Arts
Skylar Sypher: IMPULSE and Jeffrey Matkovich: Year in Review
  • Cottonwood Center for the Arts is pleased feature two artists for the month of January!
  • Sypher is a Ukrainian born Deaf artist who maintains a studio in downtown Colorado Springs, CO. She works in soft pastels, pencil, and oil paint. Her stylized approach to representationalism adds complex layers of emotion, and an element of story telling to every subject she addresses.

    From the Artist:

    Impulse is the heartbeat of my creativity, a visceral reaction to inspiration that drives me to draw and paint. My work is born from a deep emotional connection to self-discovery and expression. Through colorful abstract forms, l translate my feelings, energy, and the boundless expanse of the universe into visual narratives.

    I am captivated by the beauty of human connection, reflected in my exploration of hand gestures and American Sign Language, which carry an inherent power and grace. These pieces resonate with the rhythm of communication and expression.

    Inspired by the stories and masterpieces of renowned artists, I find joy in re-imagining their influence into something uniquely my own-a tribute to their legacy and a testament to the impulse that fuels my artistic journey.

  • Matkovich is an artist who lives in and maintains a studio in Colorado Springs, CO. He started his art career later in life, attending the Academy of Art University in his thirties. He primarily works in traditional two dimensional mediums, such as charcoal and oil paint. His work has impressionistic qualities, characterized by thick paint and earnestly expressive marks.

    With a playful approach to lighting and a bold color palette often influenced by pop and cartoon art, Year in Review is a collection of portraiture, animals, and unique depictions of well loved characters and tropes of popular culture.

  • Two floors of open studios and galleries
  • Beer, wine, and specialty cocktail by donation
Location:
True North Art Gallery
Featured artist Jasmine McGlade
  • Jasmine McGlade is an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and fine art photographer. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University with an honors concentration in Visual and Environmental Studies (Art, Film, and Visual Studies).

    “As a photographer, I am interested in naturalistic, lived-in settings. Whether shooting on film and presenting images without alteration, or employing digital manipulation to create the vintage looks I desire, my aim is to make evocative art that displays a sense of spirit in the natural world. My work is a combination of directed image creation, and photographing candid moments.

  • Light refreshments
  • Beer and wine by donation
Location:
Rico’s Cafe & Wine Bar
Multiple artists + The Cleveland Experiment Duo
  • Featured artists: Christopher Hureau and Sue Tormoen
  • Live music by The Cleveland Experiment Duo
  • First Friday Happy Hour 4-6 p.m.
Location:
Anita Marie Fine Art
Emerge
  • Times: 5:00p – 8:00p
  • “Emerge” features 30+ original oil paintings focusing on glorious streams of sunlight from winters hideaways.
  • 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.

The Gallery at Cacao Chemistry
Art by Laurel Bahe and Lorraine Danzo
  • Featuring Artists: Laurel Bahe and Lorraine Danzo
  • Live artists demo painting winter pines and mountains
Location:
Gallery 113
Happy Birthday to Gallery 113!
  • Happy Birthday to Gallery 113!
  • 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, is observing its 14th anniversary in January 2025
  • Complimentary wine, chocolate, and non alcoholic beverages provided
Location:
Picture of Gallery 113
Gallery 113

125 N. Tejon

Ohana Kava Bar
Free Admission: Stand-Up Comedy by David Testroet
  • 🎉 First Friday: An Evening of Art, Laughter, and Music! 🎶🎨😂
    Join us for an unforgettable First Friday celebration that has a little something for everyone! Here’s what you can expect:

    🌟 4:30 PM – Art Exhibit & Meet the Artist
    Award-winning nature photographer David Testroet will showcase his stunning photography. Meet David in person, hear about his travels and inspirations, and take home one of his breathtaking pieces or calendars!

    🎤 7:00 PM – Comedy Show
    Get ready to laugh out loud as Morgan Deegan, an Ohana regular, hosts a fantastic comedy show. The highlight of the evening? David Testroet himself! Not only is David an exceptional photographer, but he’s also a seasoned, professional comedian who’s shared the stage with icons like Ron White, Jeff Dunham, Josh Blue, and Jeff Foxworthy.

    🎸 8:00 PM – Live Music by Michael Reese
    Close out the night with an electrifying performance by acclaimed guitarist, composer, and producer Michael Reese. Let his extraordinary talent take you on a musical journey until 10:00 PM.

    🗓 Mark your calendars!
    📅 Date: 01/03/2025
    📍 Location: Ohana Kava Bar
    ⏰ Time: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
    ✨ Don’t miss this evening of creativity, humor, and live music. Bring your friends and make it a night to remember!
    🎟 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.

Getting around Downtown

 

Hop on a PikeRide electric bike and use coupon code OCTAOTS24 for 60 minutes of ride time for only $8! 

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.