Downtown Raleigh is set to come alive on Friday, June 6, 2025, with a vibrant array of events for First Friday. This monthly celebration showcases the city’s rich tapestry of art, culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a supporter of local businesses, or simply looking for a lively evening out, there’s something for everyone.

⸻

Pride Month Kickoff at Commerce Place

Celebrate the beginning of Pride Month at Commerce Place with a family-friendly block party from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Enjoy “I Have Bingo!” with Rusty Sutton, “Queer-aoke” hosted by Pepper Insult, delicious food from The Pit, refreshing drinks by Crank Arm Brewing, kids’ activities with Marbles Kids Museum, free rainbow pride portraits by Hannah Chalfant, and pride-themed manicures by Crissy Shined Nails.  

⸻

Art Exhibitions and Creative Experiences

• Artspace (201 E Davie St): Open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Artspace presents several exhibitions, including “Full Spectrum Dominance” by André Leon Gray and “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” by ciara anais stewart. Enjoy a Raleigh Pride Fashion Showcase, community painting activities with The CoLab Raleigh, and live music by Más Culina.   

• Arts Access Gallery (444 S Blount St): From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, explore “Kaleidoscope,” an exhibition showcasing the diverse expressions of autistic artists through vivid paintings, mixed media, and origami tessellations.  

• CAM Raleigh (409 W Martin St): Visit from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for fresh art, good tunes, and great vibes.  

• Glenwood Fine Art (20 Glenwood Ave): Join from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM to connect with local artists, enjoy engaging conversations, and discover inspiring art from award-winning artists.  

⸻

Live Music and Performances

• The Davie (444 S Blount St): From 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, enjoy live music by Michael Parker, blending soulful melodies with crowd-favorite hits.  

• Slim’s Downtown (227 S Wilmington St): Experience First Friday Punk Night from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring live music from Dirt Pump, a Raleigh-based trio delivering a raw fusion of garage punk and sludge rock.  

⸻

Shopping and Interactive Activities

• Curate Raleigh (15 W Hargett St): Celebrate Pride Month from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM with LGBTQ+ makers, a charm bar by Vaseyourfears, complimentary drinks and snacks, and a market featuring local artists and live music.  

• Designed For Joy (517 W Cabarrus St): From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, create your own Raleigh Acorn Bell, a charming keepsake symbolizing the “City of Oaks.”  

• Origami Styling (111 E Hargett St): Join the After Dark Sip ‘n Shop from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring vintage clothing, accessories, decor, and complimentary beverages.  

⸻

Wellness and Community Engagement

• Current Wellness (219 S East St): Participate in “Immerse – Afrobeats x Ballet” from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM, a dance fitness class for all bodies and levels, combining Afrobeats and ballet movements.  

• The CoLab (14 Glenwood Ave): From 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, explore “Pride: We’re Not Going Anywhere,” an art exhibition highlighting the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Contribute to a collaborative painting and check out the Five Dollar Sketch Wall to support local artists.   

⸻

Sip n’ Stroll Downtown Raleigh

Enjoy your favorite alcoholic beverages outdoors within the designated social district from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Participating venues include The Architect Bar and Social House, The Merchant, and The Raleigh Times Bar, among others.  

Follow DoRaleigh.com for more local updates to keep current with Raleigh.