First Friday Family Fun: Origami weasels, art by kids, crafts, Jason and the Argonauts
Summer is flying by. Friday is the first Friday of August, making it First Friday in downtown Raleigh when downtown galleries, shops, museums and restaurants offer specials and extended hours.
And Go Ask Mom readers know that means it's time for the monthly First Friday family fun post. If you're heading downtown with the kids for First Fridays, here are some options:
Artspace in City Market will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday. Visit more than 30 artists studios and four gallery exhibition spaces. Meet Wesley the Weasel, who has a passion for easels. Visitors can make an origami version of Wesley (suggested donation of $5) and buy new easels for Artspace's art education programs.
Blake Street Shops and Studios, as always, offers snacks for kids and wine for mom and dad. This month, Blake Street will host a show of art made by kids and professional artists. It's open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
City Gallery at Vintage Church is open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The free event includes refreshments, music and art.
Gallery C's concept show this month is called "The Art of Coffee." Gallery C came up with the topic and then contacted about a dozen artists to go to their local coffee shops or own kitchens for inspiration.
CAM Raleigh is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with after-hours access to the galleries, hands-on activities in a creation station, music, food trucks and a suggested donation bar. Admission is free. The current exhibits include one by artist Melanie Schiff called "The stars are not wanted now." It features photographs that "illuminate the suspension of time, light and communication."
Vault Yoga Studio is open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and has art, wine, juice, jewelry, live music and massage. You'll find a craft activity table sponsored by Cary Creative Center.
Marbles Kids Museum is open with special hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Admission is $5 per person. They also offer a camp for kids if you want to enjoy an adult evening out on the town. Pre-registration is required for the camp.
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences' B movie of the month is "Jason and the Argonauts" at 7 p.m. The screening of this classic 1963 flick is free. And there's more. The museum and its Nature Research Center stay open until 9 p.m. on First Fridays. Get ticket deals on its Dinosaurs in Motion exhibit, explore the exhibits and enjoy dinner at The Daily Planet.
Videri Chocolate Factory is open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for self-guided tours of its chocolate factory and free samples. You can pick your favorite flavor then enjoy some coffee and more chocolate while you hang out on the patio or inside.
The Cupcake Shoppe, 104 Glenwood Ave., offer its buy one, get one half off cupcakes deal on First Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit, 170 E. Davie St.,offers free dessert with purchase of a barbecue meat plate and drink or one free kid's meal for ages 12 and under per paid adult meal of equal or greater value.
