Your guide to Raleigh's First Friday

It only happens once a month, but First Friday is a great way to see and experience downtown Raleigh. The next First Friday event this Friday - Sept. 4.

Events run from 6-9 p.m., unless otherwise noted, and involve tons of galleries, restaurants and other venues in downtown Raleigh.

All places participating in First Friday will have flags outside.

Our Best Bets for this month's First Friday:

Help BREW Coffee Bar celebrate one year in business with a birthday bash. The event will include live music by Katelyn Read, BREW inspired ice cream by Two Rooster and BBQ by Prime BBQ. Proceeds from the event will benefit Help One Now.

Enjoy local art, live music and local craft beer at The Morning Times Market from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. right in front of The Morning Times at 10 E. Hargett St.

Head to The Pour House for a free concert from Fat Cheek Kat and Lefty Williams Band. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m. All Foothills drafts are on special for $5.

Enjoy some mixed media skateboard art by Clark Hipolito at North Street Beer Station. The First Friday reception will also feature a tap takeover by Goose island Beer Company.

In City Market, enjoy a free concert from Midnight Ramblers, face painting, hula-hoopers and more from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

There are so many more First Friday events, we had to make a list of them all. Browse through the listings below:

Food and drink (All First Friday deals are 6-9 p.m. unless otherwise noted)

The Architect Bar - Featuring local artists, live music, and drink specials

The Big Easy - Buy one Taste of Louisiana, get one free

Bolt Bistro & Bar - Chef-created $5 appetizer and select specialty $5 cocktails

BREW Coffee Bar - Live music, local artists, and $1 off local drafts

buku - $15 wine flights featuring a different wine region of the world each month, This month it is Fair Game Wines from Pittsboro.

Busy Bee Cafe - $3 craft tap

Caffe Luna - Free bottle of San Pellegrino with purchase of two entrees

Capital Club 16 - Half price select appetizers from 5-7 p.m.

Centro - $2 off all tequila flights and live music

Crema on Fayetteville - Free cone with purchase of ice cream

Cupcake Shoppe - Buy one get one

Dickey's Barbecue Pit - Enjoy our drink and dinner specials including: $2 all beer, $5.75 Appetizer Plate, including waffle fries, fried okra, onion tangles, and hushpuppies, and Kids Eat Free.

Donato's Pizza - $5 off a second large pizza (coupon code #050)

Dos Taquitos Xoco - Free queso dip with the purchase of an entree and kids eat free if they dress like Frida Kahlo

Five Star - $5 appetizers and $5 glasses of wine

Hibernian - Specials change monthly

Holly's on Hargett - Half price wine by the bottle and nightly features

Irregardless Cafe - Half price bottles of Irregardless' fine house wine

Jose and Sons - Half-price select appetizers from 5-7 p.m. and live music from 7-10 p.m.

Kimbap - Special entrée features and buy one, get one half price appetizers all evening (open 5:30-10 p.m.)

Level Up Kitchen and Barcadium - $2 Miller High Life and $4 Fireball

Mosiac Wine Lounge - Featuring different artists, DJs, musicians and monthly specials

North Street Beer Station - $4 craft drafts

Pogo at Marbles Kids Museum/IMAX - Buy one, get one free Pogo Bites and $3 draft beer

The Pour House - Free admission or 20% off admission (when applicable) with mention of First Friday

Rum Runners - Free admission until 11 p.m., half off all shots, $3 beer special and $6 double Long Islands

Shish Kabob - Free hummus sampler and toasted pita with any gyro sandwich purchase

Solas - Special changes monthly

Sono - $2 edamame from 5-7 p.m. and a $7 feature cocktail

The Station at Person Street - Specials to be announced

Taverna Agora - Specials to be announced

Tir na nOg Irish Pub - $1.25 off all craft bottles, $4.50 Fireball shots, and half off appetizers from 4-6 p.m.

Treat - 10 percent off all ice cream and sorbet cones and cups

Tuscan Blu - 10 percent off any wine purchase

Troy Mezze Lounge - Select drink specials each month

Woody's at City Market - Half price appetizers and wings from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; 20 percent off appetizers from 6:30-9:30 p.m.; $2.50 PBR Tallboys; tequila shot specials and $5 Jagerbombs (open until 2 a.m.)

Yellow Dog Bread Company - 10% OFF all goodies from 6-9 on participating First Fridays and an Ice Cream Social with Yellow Dog Bread Co. & Two Roosters!

Other venues (All First Friday times are 6-9 p.m. unless otherwise noted)

Alter Ego Hair & Nails, 119 E Hargett St., Suite 200
What? Hair and nail salon and art venue in a beautiful loft
Special: Monthly art exhibits and periodic music, dance performances, special events and product or tool specials

Bottega Hair Studio, 301 Glenwood Ave. (Hours 6-10 p.m.)
What? A hair salon with art openings every other month.
Special: Complimentary light food and beverages

Capitol Smoke, 215 W Martin St.
What? Glass art from national and local artists, wall art, and the finest imported cigars
Special: 10 percent off wall art and 25 percent off cigars

City Market, 200 E Martin St.
What? Houses multiple First Friday venues
Special: Live music from March-November

Clark Patterson Lee, 415 Hillsborough St., Suite 101 (Hours 6-9 p.m.)
What? Full-service architecture, engineering, interior design, master plans and art gallery
Special: Free architectural advice during First Fridays

City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St.
What? City history museum featuring receptions and rotating art exhibits

Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W Martin St.
Special: First Friday admission is free. Exhibitions on view, make and take art, DJs, food trucks, and more.

Deco Raleigh, 19 W Hargett St., Suite 108
What? A collection of unique and local decorative items
Special: Refreshments, entertainment and artist meet-and-greet

Downtown Dental, 205 Fayetteville St., Suite 100
What? Dental office hosting art exhibits and receptions with light hors d'oeuvres

Feelgoodz, 206 S Wilmington St.
What? Natural, comfortable, and ethical footwear
Special: Changes monthly

HagerSmith Design, 300 S Dawson St.
What? Architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, historic preservation and art gallery

Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown, 600 Glenwood Ave.
What? The premier boutique hotel in downtown Raleigh. Featuring art.

High Cotton, 19 W Hargett St.
What? 100 percent cotton bow ties and apparel for gentlemen, handmade in North Carolina
Special: Free gift with purchase

House of Swank, 315 S. Bloodworth St.
What? Home of the raddest NC and Raleigh themed t-shirts and swag.
Special: Featuring local artists and entertainment

HQ Raleigh, 310 S Harrington St.
What? Shared work space for entrepreneurs featuring work by CAM and Artspace

HUE, 300 W. Hargett St. (Hours 6-8 p.m.)
What? Vibrant urban apartment community.

Klish and Eldreth, PLLC, 304 Glenwood Ave.
What? Intellectual property boutique law firm featuring photography from local artists

LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S Harrington St.
What? A safe and welcoming resource center for the LGBT community and friends featuring monthly art exhibits

Lisa Stewart Designs, 323 Blake St.
What: Handcrafted leather, fine art and gifts made in Raleigh
Special: Free gift with purchase of $75 or more

Makena Skin Care, 304 Glenwood Ave. Suite 7
What? A skin care studio featuring local artists on a rotating basis
Special: Book a facial on First Friday and receive $10 off

Marbles Kid Museum (Museum open until 7 p.m.)
Special: Create | Innovate every First Friday night at Marbles as part of downtown Raleigh’s monthly art celebration ($5 per person, members play free)

Moon and Lola, 208 S Wilmington St. (Hours 6 -10 p.m.)
What? Upscale jewelry and accessory boutique
Special: Pop a balloon for a surprise up to 20 percent off your purchase and up to 50 percent off summer sale! Enjoy pink champagne, cupcakes, and a special in-store giveaway.

Nora and Nicky's Designer Resale, 19 W Hargett St., Suite 104
What? Luxury and designer consignment specializing in high-end labels
Special: 15 percent off any single item

Nuvonivo, 111 E Hargett St.
What? Trendy fashion for babies and kids
Special: Nüvonivo is giving away free Made in the USA wooden flags with a purchase of $25 or more! This promo is in store only and starts 6/29, but hurry supplies are limited. Ask one of their sales associates for details. Happy Birthday USA!

Oak City Coffee Roastery, 615 W Hargett St.
What? An independent coffee shop in downtown Raleigh
Special: $2 off select coffees

Oak City Cycling Project, 212 E Franklin St.
What? Independent bike shop selling new and used steel bike frames and fun
Special: 10 percent off t-shirts and free high fives

Ornamentea, 509 N West St.
What? Fine beads and jewelry making supplies
Special: Free jewelry project from 6-8 p.m.

Quercus Studio, 201 S. Salisbury St.
What? Jewelry workshop and gallery

The Pour House Music Hall, 224 S Blount St.
What? Raleigh's premier live music venue presenting local and international bands nightly
Special: Free admission or 20 percent off admission (when applicable) with mention of First Friday

Triangle Downtowner Magazine, 402 Glenwood Ave.
What? The Triangle's most popular magazine
Special: Enjoy local art, music and drinks

Unleashed, 329 Blake St.
What? Dog and Cat store.
Special: Free grand opening celebration including giveaways and more.

Raleigh Wine Shop, 126 Glenwood Ave.
What? Fine wine and provisions
Special: 10 percent off of bottle purchases from the WineStation and/or tasting wines to drink on-site or to go

Ramble Supply Co., 123 E. Martin St.
What? Home & Lifestyle Boutique supporting artists and makers with a focus on quality and design.
Special? Each First Friday Ramble Supply Co. will showcase a different artist or maker.

Runologie, 401 Hillsborough St.
What? Free gait analysis, local art, beer, apps + discounts. Join us + keep moving.
Special? Free wine, beer, apps and special 1st of the month discounts

SkyHouse, Raleigh, 308 S. Blount St.
What? Your new premier high-rise apartment community in downtown Raleigh.
Special: Application fee ($50 value)will be deducted from your first month's rent.

Stitch & Holly Aiken Bags, 20 E Hargett St.
What? Retail showroom of Raleigh handbag designer Holly Aiken
Special: 10 percent off all bags

Videri Chocolate Factory, 327 W Davie St., Suite 100
What? Freshly-made chocolate and confections
Special: 10 percent off all chocolate products

Vintage Shops at the Krate, 508 St. Mary's St.
Special: 10-20 percent off select vintage clothing, jewelry, and mid-century modern furnishings

Wine and Design, 806 N. West St.
What? Drink and paint
Special: 10 percent off anything purchased during First Friday hours

Art on display

There are also several art exhibits happening throughout downtown. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance has a list of the exhibits and a complete rundown of the galleries and museums participating in First Friday.

311 West Martin Street Gallery & Studios, 311 W Martin St.
What? Gallery featuring 20 working artists and regional artist exhibits monthly
First Friday event: Birds of a Feather exhibit

Adam Cave Fine Art, 115 1/2 E Hargett St., Second Floor
What? Upstairs gallery featuring original fine art by over 25 artists

Ann Marie Print Art and Blue Iris Salon, 711 N Person St.
What? Mixed medium original stencil art and unique wax works

Artspace, 201 E Davie St. (Open until 10 p.m.)
What? Visual art center with artist studios, exhibits and educational programs

Brasco, 305 W. Martin St. (Open until 10 p.m.)
What? Local Artists Exhibit on view, Purchase Artwork, Tunes, Drinks & More

Brushstroke Studio and Gallery, 520 N. West St.
What? Gallery and studio featuring works by local artists and photographers.

CAM Raleigh (Contemporary Art Museum), 409 W. Martin St. (Hours 6-10 p.m.)
What? Exhibitions on view, make and take art, DJs, food trucks, and more
Special: Free admission thanks to community sponsors

The Carter Building, 12-22 Glenwood Ave. (Hours 6:30-10 p.m.)
What? A collection of art studios, retailers, and service providers

The City Gallery, 118 S. Person St.
What? Vintage Church's gallery hosts art exhibitions, serves artists, and loves Raleigh

Designbox, 307 W Martin St. (Open until 10 p.m.)
What? Gallery and shop featuring art, design and unique gifts

The Fish Market Student Gallery, 133 Fayetteville St., Alexander Building basement (Hours 7-11 p.m. Open select months.)
What? Student gallery specializing in work by NC State College of Design students

Flanders Gallery, 302 S West St.
What? Contemporary work by established and emerging artists

Gallery C, 540 N Blount St.
What? Contemporary and historic NC artwork and fine picture framing services

Lee Hansley Gallery, 225 Glenwood Ave. (Open until 10 p.m.)
What? American contemporary art with an emphasis on NC’s art history

Linda Dallas' Art Studio, 606 N. Blount St.
What? The studio showcases paintings, prints, note cards, crafts and gifts.

Litmus Gallery & Studios, 312 W Cabarrus St.
What? Features local artists and open studios for touring

Local Color Gallery, 311 W. Martin St.
What? Co-op of women artists—fine art, glass, functional pottery, sculpture, and jewelry

The Mahler Fine Art, 228 Fayetteville St.
What? A full-service fine art gallery

North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St.
What? Explore North Carolina’s past and learn about its people.

NC Museum of Natural Sciences Store and Nature Art Gallery, 11 W Jones St.
What? Nature inspired gifts along with NC artwork, pottery, and jewelry

Nicole's Studio and Art Gallery, 719 N Person St. (Hours 6-8:30 p.m.)
What? Fine art, art workshops, glass art, jewelry, and custom framing

Studio R.E.D., 20 Glenwood Ave.
What? Working artist studio and gallery

Tipping Paint Gallery, 311 W Martin St.
What? Art gallery and artist studio—contemporary and traditional art

Trinity Gallery, 549 N. Blount St.
What? Art in the city for the city, featuring local artists and musicians

United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, 410 Glenwood Ave.
What? New location in Glenwood South exhibiting art curated by the Visual Art Exchange

Visual Art Exchange, 309 W Martin St.
What? Creativity incubator and gallery featuring emerging artists and a retail shop