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First Friday Gallery Crawl

The First Friday gallery crawl is a unique opportunity for thousands of students, families and art lovers to engage with local art each month at unique locations in Downtown and throughout the city. This grassroots event continues to thrive because of the collective vision and collaboration of galleries and artists.

As the name implies, First Friday happens the first Friday of each month. Hours vary between galleries, but most are open during the core hours of 7pm to 9pm. Most galleries use First Friday to unveil and debut new shows or as a closing reception. All venues are free and open to the public and several galleries incorporate artist demonstrations and/or live music. Not only does this event give guests the opportunity to view creative art space, it also is an excellent time to purchase one-of-a-kind artwork directly from artists.

Transportation Options
Explore the core and gallery hop using the free Q-LINE Trolley shuttle service that runs up and down Douglas Avenue. Electric scooter and bicycle rentals are also available. Discover additional transportation options.

First Friday Events

This month's First Friday will occur on September 6, 2019. Participating venues will be listed on this website no less than a week before the event.

Gallery 12
412 East Douglas Avenue 

Event: First Friday at Gallery 12

Date: September 4 | 6-9 p.m.

Featured artists: Gwen Rose & Frank Martinez

Exhibition: Glimmers

Event description: Gallery 12 will host the opening reception for "Glimmers" from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 4, featuring Gallery Member/Painter Gwen Rose and Consignment Ceramist Frank Martinez. Rose will give a gallery talk at 7 p.m. The exhibition will be on display through Sept. 26, with a Final Friday Closing Reception from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 25. Martinez will give a gallery talk at 7 p.m. during the closing reception.
Hopping Gnome Brewing Company
1719 E. Victor Street 
(316) 771-2110

Event: First Friday at Hopping Gnome Brewing

Date: Sept. 4, 2026 | 6-11 p.m.

Featured artists: Travis Heying

Exhibition: The W.B. Jones House - A 20-year Study of a Flint Hills Landmark

Event description: Hopping Gnome Brewing will host First Friday from 6-11 p.m. Sept. 4, featuring Travis Heying and his exhibition, "The W.B. Jones House - A 20-year Study of a Flint Hills Landmark." The event will also include the monthly First Friday Artisan Market with Haute Handmade. Face Stuffers will be out for dinner from 5-8 p.m.
Reverie Coffee Roasters
2202 East Douglas Avenue 
(316) 201-1144

Event: First Friday at Reverie Coffee Roasters

Date: September 4 | 1-2:20 p.m.

Featured artists: Ashley Knepper

Exhibition: Rebirth

Event description: Reverie Coffee Roasters will host First Friday from 1-2:20 p.m. Sept. 4, featuring "Rebirth," a clothing and fashion exhibit by textile artist Ashley Knepper. The collection consists largely of garments made from burlap coffee bags, exploring how unconventional materials can be given new life. The exhibit also features quilt applique art depicting sentimental moments from Knepper's life, along with unconventional jewelry made from chainmail, fishing lures and shells.
The Enchanted Mermaid
222 North Washington Street 
(316) 796-5383

Event: First Friday at The Enchanted Mermaid

Date: Sept. 4, 2026 | 6-9 p.m.

Featured artists: Karen Holliday

Event description: The Enchanted Mermaid will host First Friday from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 4, featuring Karen Holliday's magical collage works. The exhibition features fun colors, unique design concepts, feelings and love, with artwork that transports viewers to another time and place.

Future Dates

The majority of the galleries that currently participate in Final Friday have announced plans to shift their monthly event to First Friday, beginning in September. Since there is no "governing body" that oversees Final Friday, Downtown Wichita generally takes direction from what the majority of the local galleries wish to do. As of now, Downtown Wichita plans to transition the Final Friday calendar to First Friday beginning in September as well. In order to make this transition as seamless as possible, the usual listing and interactive map for both the August Final Friday (August 30) and September First Friday (September 6) will be created.

Mark your calendars for the following 2019 First Friday dates to never miss an event:

  • September 6
  • October 4
  • November 1
  • December 6

Submit Your Event

Are you an artist or gallery owner interested in being included on the First Friday list? Contact us for more information. Since there is no designated organizing body for First Friday, all participating venues are required to do their own marketing and advertising. Downtown Wichita does provide a listing on our website of all venues that are participating for the general public and visitors to use.

Submit your Final Friday exhibit info no less than one week prior to the event in the following format to be listed on the Downtown Wichita website. Fill-out the form below or email your submission to megan@downtownwichita.org.

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