THIS WEEK: Friday, September 6th, First Fridays in the Arts District is back to celebrate the Richmond Arts District with happy hour specials, store and sidewalk sales, vendor markets, opening exhibits, live performances, community celebrations & more throughout the Arts District’s galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Here are just a few of the events you’ll find at First Fridays in the Richmond Arts District:

ICA Fall 2024 Season Premiere
6-9PM at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU

Celebrate the ICA’s Fall 2024 season unveiling on Friday, September 6 from 6-9 PM. They will open three new exhibitions: Dear Mazie, Caitlin Cherry: Eigengrau, and Loie Hollowell: Space Between, A Survey of Ten Years. Enjoy a cash bar, refreshments and food trucks, including the Ruby Scoops ice cream truck. While this event is free and open to the public, the ICA encourage people to RSVP online.

Art:

  • ”Artificial Sweetener” by Elizabeth Serna at FIELD / 7-10PM
  • “Needs a Second Chance” exhibition opening at Richmond Public Library / Starts at 6PM
  • Found Emotions: Our Revolution at ART 180 / 5-8PM
  • Artist Showcase and Meet & Greet: Tameka Smith at Urban Hang Suite / 6-8PM
  • once & hopeful stars by George Ferrandi at 1708 Gallery / Open late
  • Open Gallery featuring Julius Davis and Dallas Roquemore, DJ sets by DJ Leos, and pop-up burlesque show at The Basement / FREE admission 6PM-12AM
  • The Abstract Land & Filing Co. at Candela Books & Gallery / 5-7PM
  • “Mystery of Mysteries” by Chris Semtner at Visual Art Studio Gallery / Open late
  • Take Me To Your Garden: an exhibition of Art by the Middle East Diasporas at Gallery5 / 5-11PM
  • Art by Justice Dwight at The Brickhouse RVA / 5-8PM
  • The Structure of Imagination at Hanbury / Open late
  • New Works by Eleanor Goodfellow at Circle Thrift / Open late
  • First Fridays at mOb studiO at 205 E. Broad Street / 5-7PM
  • Virginia Stories: Underground Art at Library of Virginia / 5-8PM
  • Open Cultural Center & music by DJ LIPHE at Elegba Folklore Society / Open until 9PM

Markets:

  • A Mid-Autumn Celebration by Kasama Collective and RVA Moon Market outside of Gallery5 / 5-10PM
  • First Friday Pop-up featuring Summer Bee Clay, Candlecore, and Astrology by Lainie at Quirk Gallery / 5-9PM

Music & More:

  • So Camp at Haute Lot by Here Queer RVA / 6-10PM
  • First Friday in the Rabbit Hole at Vagabond / Doors open at 9PM / Free entry before 11PM
  • First Friday Sale at Passion Project / 12-6PM
  • Late Summer Produce by Olivia Wilson at Odd Bird / Open Late
  • Charged Up First Fridays featuring Stylezlee and a live DJ at Charged Up Flagship Store / 6-10PM
  • First Friday Party at The Hive Bar & Grill / Open until 2AM
  • First Friday Super Sampler! at Coalition Theater / every half hour starting at 7:30PM / Pay What You Can

Explore all of the Richmond Arts District First Fridays events via the Google Map here!

The GRTC Pulse and public transit are FREE.

Plan your route, find bus schedules and pick your stop here.

Parking Lots and Decks for First Fridays:

$5 PARKING
Sponsored by RPAA and CityParking
7th & Broad Street Parking Lot
Use code: FFSEPT24 at the pay station or using the HONK Mobile App

Parking.com Locations:
107 N. 2nd Street: $3.50 for 2 hours
5th & Marshall Street Parking Deck: $5/hour
429 E. Broad Street: $5/hour

CityParking Inc. Locations:
2nd & Marshall Lot (Lot 200) at 401 N. 2nd Street: $2.75
Adams & Grace (Lot 3) at 18 W. Grace Street: $4 for 2 hours
Grace & Madison (Lot 217) at 217 W. Grace Street: $4.25 (1 hour) to $7.75 (4 hours)

On-Street Parking for First Fridays:
Free 2-hour parking can be found along Broad, Grace, Franklin, Marshall and Clay Streets from Belvidere to 5th Streets (don’t forget to check the side streets).