First Friday is here, and Downtown Raleigh is alive with art, music, food, and nightlife! Whether you’re looking for gallery openings, live music, guided tours, or late-night mixers, this Downtown Raleigh Entertainment Guide has you covered.

Morning & Daytime

Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca

7:30 am – 2:00 pm | The Mecca Restaurant

Kickstart your Friday with a classic Raleigh tradition—good vibes, good food, and plenty of community at The Mecca.

Art by SRG Pop-Up

All Day | House of Rebellion

Browse bold artwork and connect with Raleigh’s creative scene during this special pop-up showcase.

Make & Take a Raleigh Acorn Bell

All Day | Designed For Joy

Create your own acorn bell—a true symbol of Raleigh—at this fun and family-friendly workshop.

First Fridays at Raleigh Founded

9:30 am – 3:00 pm | Raleigh Founded (North Street)

Entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members come together at Raleigh Founded for networking, collaboration, and celebration.

Hopscotch Day Party at Wolfe & Porter

12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Wolfe & Porter

Get a jumpstart on Hopscotch Festival weekend with an early day party featuring music, drinks, and local vendors.

Historian-Guided Downtown Raleigh Tour

3:00 pm | Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar

Take a guided walking tour and uncover the stories that shaped Downtown Raleigh’s past and present.

Stretch Zone: Grand Opening

11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Stretch Zone

Celebrate the grand opening of Stretch Zone with specials, demos, and community wellness activities.

Afternoon & Evening

Skate Raleigh Pop-Ups

Hopscotch Pop-Up | All Day | Le Dive Hopscotch x First Friday | 4:00 pm | Neptunes Parlour Celebrate Hopscotch and First Friday with skating, music, and community energy in downtown hotspots.

Copperline Curiosities

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Copperline Plant Co.

Shop art, plants, and curiosities at this eclectic First Friday event.

Wake Forest Listening Room Presents…

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Slim’s Downtown

Enjoy live sets from Pillow Foot, Knockout Artist, Bass Battery, and Peter Holsapple at one of Raleigh’s favorite intimate venues.

First Friday Art Shows & Openings

VanDeVelde Gallery: World of High Tide Collection | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Arts Access Gallery: Celebration of the ADA | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Raleigh Wine Shop: Art Show & Free Tasting | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Glenwood Fine Art Open House | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Maison Neue Presents “The Playlist” | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Gallery C Artists: New and Surprising Work | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Curate Raleigh: September First Friday | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Downtown Raleigh turns into an open gallery—walk the streets and experience incredible visual arts throughout the night.

First Friday at Captain Cookie & the Milkman

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Transfer Co. Food Hall

Sweet treats and good vibes with one of Raleigh’s favorite dessert spots.

Tarot & Oracle Readings with Mindful Mer

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | The Self Care Marketplace

Tap into mystical energy with tarot and oracle readings for First Friday.

Vintage Sip’nShop

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Origami Styling

Sip, shop, and discover curated vintage finds.

Nightlife & Performances

Live Music with Asher

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Sir Walter Coffee

Coffeehouse vibes meet live music in this intimate downtown performance.

POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumb*ss Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive

7:30 pm | William Peace Theatre

Catch the opening weekend of this satirical and powerful play running September 5–14.

First Friday Cocktail Mixer & DJ Party

The Architect Bar and Social House

Dance the night away with DJs, cocktails, and Raleigh’s nightlife crowd.

First Friday Ladies Night at The Merchant

The Merchant

Specials, music, and fun for ladies celebrating downtown.

First Friday Improv Jam & Open Mic

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Leela Improv Theatre

Laugh, perform, or just enjoy the show—Raleigh’s improv scene is alive and interactive.

Frozen Fridays at Wolfe & Porter

6:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Wolfe & Porter

Cool cocktails and chill vibes close out your First Friday fun.

Final Word

From morning coffee and art pop-ups to nighttime improv, live music, and gallery walks, Downtown Raleigh is the place to be this Friday, September 5, 2025. Whether you’re exploring First Friday art shows or hitting the nightlife scene, there’s something for everyone.

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