Friday, February 6, 2026 | Arts, Nightlife, Music & More

It’s First Friday in Downtown Raleigh, one of the best nights of the month to explore art, culture, nightlife, music, and community events across the city. Whether you’re gallery hopping, catching live music, exploring downtown tours, or enjoying late-night vibes — here’s your curated DoRaleigh First Friday guide.

First Friday Art Walks & Creative Events

Downtown Raleigh shines during First Friday with dozens of galleries, pop-ups, artist receptions, and cultural showcases.

Highlights include:

Artspace First Friday — 4PM–6PM Residential Urbanity Skate Photography Showcase — 6–9PM | City of Raleigh Museum First Friday at CoLab: Uncomfortable Together — 6–11PM Hartwell Artist Reception + Live Music & Pizza — 6–9PM Reflections of Us Portraiture Exhibit — 6–11PM | Fish Market Gallery Gallery C: Venice — New Paintings by Bert Sult — 6–8PM Street Frame New Artists Opening — 5–7PM Curate Raleigh First Friday with Made By Macie — 6–9PM Linda Ruth Dickinson Open Studio — 6–8PM Glenwood Fine Art First Friday Event — 6–8PM

Expect vibrant creativity, local artists, and plenty of opportunities to explore Raleigh’s growing arts scene.

Music, Performances & Entertainment

North Carolina Symphony Performances

Gershwin & More — 12PM Gershwin & Bernstein — 8PM

Live Music & Comedy Highlights:

Daddy’s Soda Live at The Davie — 8–11PM Free Improv Jam & Open Mic — Leela Improv Theatre — 7–9:30PM Karaoke Night — Crank Arm Brewing — 8–11PM Late Nights at Neptunes Parlour — 10PM–2AM

These performances make First Friday a perfect night for both culture lovers and nightlife explorers.

Tours, Experiences & Unique Activities

Looking for something different? Downtown Raleigh has plenty:

Downtown Raleigh Historian-Guided Tour — 3PM Downtown Raleigh True Crime Tour — 8PM | Moore Square Virtual Reality Beach Lounge + Mocktails — Current Wellness — 5:30–7PM Sip, Sign & Support Wine Event at DRINK — 5–7PM

These events combine education, entertainment, and social experiences.

Nightlife, Social & Late-Night Events

Downtown Raleigh keeps the energy going into the night:

Salsa Night — Boatman Spirits Co. — 10PM–2AM School Photo Day Party — Wolfe & Porter — 7–9PM First Friday Flashes Tattoo Event — Le Dive — 5–10PM

Perfect options for anyone looking to extend the First Friday fun.

Why First Friday in Raleigh Matters

First Friday isn’t just an art walk — it’s a community tradition that:

✔ Supports local artists and businesses

✔ Activates downtown public spaces

✔ Builds Raleigh’s creative economy

✔ Creates opportunities for community connection

It’s one of the best ways to experience Raleigh’s culture.

Stay Connected with Downtown Raleigh

For more updates on:

Downtown Raleigh events First Friday art walks Local concerts, festivals, and nightlife Community and government happenings

👉 Keep following DoRaleigh.com for daily event guides and local coverage.

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