Celebrate First Friday in Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh is the place to be on Friday, October 3, 2025, with a full lineup of First Friday art walks, live performances, tours, and community events. Whether you’re looking to kick back with live music, enjoy cultural festivals, or dive into Raleigh’s art scene, there’s something for everyone.

Start the day with Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca (7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.) before exploring downtown’s many First Friday highlights. From cocktail mixers at The Architect Bar, Ladies Night at The Merchant, and the darkly creative Fish Market: Dark Arts, the evening will be buzzing with energy.

Festivals, Markets, and Community Events

Big celebrations include the Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival at City Plaza, the 13th Annual Raleigh Film and Art Festival at William Peace University, and Sip Sip Hooray: Hartwell’s 4th Birthday Party. Shoppers can enjoy a First Friday Market & Movie Night at Moore Square, the Vintage Sip ‘n Shop at Origami Styling, and the Celebrate Local Flavor Canned Iced Tea Launch at The Self Care Marketplace.

Family-friendly fun is everywhere with the Spooky Hollow First Friday at Smoky Hollow, free Twilark Concert at Wolfe & Porter, and hands-on crafting like Make & Take a Raleigh Acorn Bell at Designed For Joy.

Tours, Music, and Nightlife

History lovers can explore Raleigh on a Historian-Guided Tour (3 p.m. at Jimmy V’s) or discover secrets on the Downtown Raleigh True Crime Tour (8 p.m. at Moore Square) and the Haunted History Tour (7 p.m.).

Music takes center stage with Michael Parker at The Davie, The Dan Davis Group at Slim’s Downtown, and the North Carolina Symphony’s Music of John Williams performance. Additional live sets include Bud Bar and the Frozen Fridays series at Wolfe & Porter.

Art and Culture

First Friday is all about art in downtown Raleigh. Explore exhibits like Annie Leist: Real Paintings at Arts Access Gallery, The Elisabeth Speight Collection at Gallery C, and open studios at The Carter Building. Artspace’s October First Friday (4–10 p.m.) and Curate Raleigh’s showcase (6–9 p.m.) will keep art lovers inspired all night.

Plan Your First Friday

With so many events—spanning art, food, music, tours, and nightlife—October’s First Friday is one of the biggest nights of the year in downtown Raleigh. Whether you’re looking for a fun date night, family-friendly activities, or an all-night celebration, downtown has it all.

📍 When: Friday, October 3, 2025

📍 Where: Downtown Raleigh

📍 Cost: Many events are free!

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