Post by Jimmy Schiemann

Are you tired of always doing the same thing on Fridays? Well today I propose to you a different plan:

Raleigh is a city where you can find events every week, but one event that has grown plenty in the last years is the First Friday event around downtown Raleigh.

I heard about first Friday from my friends a long time ago, but not until last week I had the opportunity to experience it. Basically, first Friday is a special day where Art Galleries around downtown Raleigh open their doors (mostly for free) to those interested in the local culture scene. On First Friday thousands of art-enthusiast, or simply interested visitors, attend this event that keeps gaining popularity around the Triangle area. On this night (it usually runs from 6PM to 9PM) artists both local and visitors expose their works in over 70 different venues spread across downtown Raleigh. These venues include art galleries, studio and museums, as well as alternative art studios. There is art for every taste.

I decided I should at least go once, since as a North Carolina State University student I get free entrance to most venues (some charge you an entrance price, unless you have your student ID).

As I mentioned earlier, this event runs ‘early’, considering it’s a Friday night, so you have to be there at least by 7pm if you want to make it on time!  At first, I was a bit uncertain as to how this First Friday would be like, but to my delight, it was a very enjoyable experience. It was a very good opportunity to do something different on a Friday night, and you don’t have to be a passionate art connoisseur to enjoy it. It is only once a month, but I highly recommend everyone to attend this opportunity to obtain a bit of culture and “change of air” of the usual Friday night.

It is not only paintings, you will also find sculptures, live music  and even enjoy the gastronomic tour of Raleigh (Restaurants around downtown will have special dishes on that night). As the popular saying says: Full stomach, happy heart.

On this particular occasion, I visited with my friends 2 different art galleries, one art studio and a modern art show.

The modern art show was my least favorite, but the other venues we visited were really interesting and at the end of the night, makes you appreciate art more.These events are for all age groups, you will see from senior citizens to seniors in college, from families with children to young couples. It is a very good opportunity that the city of Raleigh offers and that by all means should be enjoyed by us students. Go (Cultural) Pack!

Here are some links for further interest on first Friday, including maps with the different venues. If you happen to be in Raleigh next first Friday of the month, enjoy the opportunity to attend!

http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/first-friday-raleigh

http://www.raleighdowntowner.com/firstfriday/

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