Curating the Perfect First Friday Experience in Indy
Friday is everyone’s favorite day of the week. But, First Friday is extra special. It is the monthly destination of art galleries and community spaces that stay open a little later to celebrate creativity and bring people together. Here is how to spend a perfect First Friday in Indy.
First stop, the Harrison Center.
You could spend your entire First Friday here. This massive art space hosts over 70 exhibitions annually across 8 galleries (Harrison Center). Artists open their studios for curious creative seekers to peruse, purchase original pieces, or just pop in to say hello.
Next up, head down to Garfield Park to The Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMi), formerly known as The Tube Factory Artspace. It is a cultural, creative campus anchored by a newly renovated 40,000 square foot industrial building turned art museum and community space with 9 galleries, 18 long-term and visiting resident artist homes, a public greenspace, and art park (CAMi).
Grab a drink at Normal Coffee to sip while you sashay through the galleries.
Or, begin your evening at Factory Arts District. Experience the creative energy of Indy at the Factory Arts District’s First Fridays. On the first Friday of every month, local artists, galleries, and makers open their doors for an evening of art, music, and community. Wander through working studios, discover one of a kind pieces, meet the artists behind the work, and enjoy live performances and pop up experiences throughout the district.
For the up all night crowd, check out Imbibe. Retro bar meets cool art vendors and DJs right in the heart of Fountain Square. Open until 3 AM, it is the go to place for a late night bite. They have a limited late night menu of bar food delights.
When summer is in full shine, go to Grapevine. It is the coolest block party in the city hosted by DJ Grapevine. Located on the lawn of Flanner House, just outside Cleo’s Bodega, are lines of vendors with vintage and homemade gifts and original apparel. DJs spin fresh and familiar sounds throughout the evening.
After the galleries close for the night, head to The Rooftop Garden for a drink with your friends and good music to groove to. If you are lucky, grab a table to continue the conversation about the impressive works you saw earlier in the night.
Mark your calendar, grab a friend, and experience First Fridays in Indy for a night where creativity, community, and culture come together.
