Purple – First Friday Art Gallery | Red – First Friday Host

Next First Friday is July 7th!

Hosted by Local First, Durango Creative District, and The ArtRoom Collective

Durango First Friday is a monthly art walk celebrating all things local in our amazing community—art and music, culture, unique goods, real food, and movement makers! Rain or shine, this monthly event will take place through out Durango from 4-8pm, with free transit provided by the City of Durango.

Share you First Friday Fun on Instagram with #DurangoFirstFriday

Details about First Friday events happening across Durango available on our interactive map!

List your Event
Participate as an Artist
Find Interested Artists

Durango First Friday Events

Local bluegrass band Bluegrouse will play from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 2nd

June 2nd | 6-8pm

Local Artist, Hannah Wilson, will have an artist reception for her works in the shop. They are there now until the first week of July. Come meet the artist, and learn more about her mountain inspired artwork. 

The ArtRoom Collective Durango First Friday 4-7pm.

A working gallery of 22 local artists located in the Smiley Building! June’s feature artist is Jennifer Floyd of Cartwheel Studio. On June 2nd at 5:30, Jennifer will have a hands-on screen printing demonstration. Bring a T-shirt and print your own “ArtRoom Collective” shirt to take home with you. This is going to be fun and messy!

First Friday 4-8pm
 
Featuring paintings by June McCartney, silver and stones jewelry by KYM

Enjoy live music performed by a local musician and a spotlight on a Blue Rain Gallery artist’s work. First Friday Art Walk
Join us at our Durango location Friday, June 2nd, for our First Friday Art Walk, featuring live music by Pianist Cherry Odelberg from 4 – 7pm and painter Hyrum Joe will be doing a painting demonstration

934 Main Avenue, Unit B
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 232-2033

BLUES MTN SOUL is your local, art and illustration gift shop and gallery. We feature unique acrylic and charcoal paintings of blues, country and rock musicians by the artist Brian Banash. Additionally, we offer illustrations of local interests and attractions — perfect for souvenirs and gifts. Come by, hangout with us, meet the artist and listen to the BLUES! We will be here 4-8 pm.

First Friday 4-8pm
Visit Carver Brewing Company and enjoy craft food specials featuring seaonal produce!

“ARCHITECTURE OF THE DURANGO AREA” ART SHOW View many artists renditions of Durango area architecture.
The opening reception will be June 2nd from 5-7 pm.Thank you to the Art Supply House & Custom Framing for sponsoring and owner, Matthew French-Holt for judging and presenting awards.

Art for a Cause benefits the La Plata Family Centers Coalition. 

No Reservation or cost! Learn more
Dryside Supply Co. has a ton of new spring/summer pieces in the shop, and will also be hosting 2 incredible local artist pop-ups for First Friday! Allysia Brooke Designs will be showcasing and selling her incredible jewelry, and At Home With Ray will be selling her beautiful Luxury American Neckwear.
 
 
First Friday 4-8pm
 
The DAC is located across the street from Steamworks and is open from noon to 6pm Tuesday-Saturday! We have different galleries throughout the year filled with art created by local talents! Furthermore, our theatre produces brilliant productions such as: Reefer Madness and Rocky Horror Show for locals and tourists alike to enjoy!
Durango Street Pianos returns for it’s second summer in front of Maria’s Bookshop! Anyone is welcome to stop and share a song or sing along. This piano was painted by Louisa Palmer, also currently showing with the DCD at Stillwater Music. This piano will stay out for the duration of the summer. Check us out at @durangostreetpianos on Instagram or at www.durangostreetpianos.com

Earthen Vessel Gallery features artists, Joe Schaefer and Cindy Coleman on Friday, June 2 from 5 – 8 pm.

First Friday 4-8pm
 
EsoTerra will be hosting a rotating selection of amazing artists with the goal of providing a temporary sales space for burgeoning artists who don’t yet have their own gallery space. All artist’s work will be for sale at the event. Drink Specials include $5 Prosecco and Red Wines.

First Friday May 5th 4-8pm

First Friday 4-8pm
First Friday 4-8pm
 
Macrame by Pele works with Marshallese women to hand weave beautiful creations to share with the world. The earrings are all made out of organic materials such as coconut and shells from the beaches of Majuro; an island in the Pacific between Hawaii and the Philippines. Pele wants her customers to know that half of the profits go directly back into the hands of the Marshallese women. “These are my people, my family, and the culture is something I want to keep alive.”
First Friday 4-8pm
 
3750 Main Ave #5, Durango, CO 81301
+1 970-422-8284
First Friday 4-8pm
 
Visit Scenic Aperture’s Gallery, featuring fine-art nature photography of the four corners area. The gallery showcases landscape, wildlife, and nature photography by Frank Comisar.
First Friday 4-8pm
 
The Smiley Cafe invites you to stop in and see the work of artist, Brad Kachnowicz.
First Friday 4-8pm
 
Visit Sorrel Sky Gallery on First Friday May 5th. Their gallery features a disctintive collection of contemporary and traditional western and Native American art.
First Friday 4-8pm
Live music on the patio, friday’s happy hour, and artist live painting!
Studio & Gallery is an artist-owned, progressive art gallery and gathering place for art and ideas in the heart of downtown Durango, Colorado. 
 
Studio & will host First Friday Featured Artist every First Friday with a rotating cast of artists being showcased. They will also host an opening reception for the Recess Gallery each First Friday.
 
Studio & features the art of Tim Kapustka, Shawn Lotze, Lorna Meaden, Crystal Hartman, Miki Harder, Dan Groth, Jenn Rawling, Annie Brooks, Colossal Sanders, Jon Bailey and more!
First Friday 4-8pm
 
Sun Sapphires is a unique glass art & fine jewelry shop which offers fused glass, stained glass, art classes, and fine jewelry. All of their jewelry combines traditional designs with contemporary elements, incorporating high-quality cut gemstones. Learn all the steps to create your own glass art, a great group activity for any age! You can find Sun Sapphires up the stairs at 640 Main Ave.
First Friday 4-8pm
 
Old Barrel Tea Company will be featuring three local artists on June 2nd!

Participate as a Business or Artist!

Any and all stores are welcome to participate in Durango First Friday from the north side of town to the south. Thanks to the generosity of the city of Durango, there will be free bus and trolly services every First Friday to accommodate ease of getting from one end of town to the other easily and safely.

Visit the links below to register your First Friday event, add your name to list of interested artists, and download First Friday promo material.

List your Event
Participate as an Artist
Event Poster & Logo

Looking to host an artist, musician, or preformer?

Visit the links below to view a spreadsheet of local creatives interested in parterning for a Durango First Friday event as well as and learn best practices for art installations in your business.

Find Interested Artists
Waiver & Installation Guide

Durango First Friday FAQs

What is this event all about?

Free and open to the public, this self guided, monthly event will take place rain or shine, the First Friday of every month throughout Durango with a focus on main street from north to south! We are just getting this off the ground, but hope for First Fridays to become a signature event for the city of Durango. Businesses of any and all kinds open their doors and their walls to host an artist of their choice and follow a “reception” format- artist info, beverages and/or snacks provided, maybe even a musician- while locals and tourists alike flood the area to socialize, shop, eat, and celebrate the arts in all forms.

How do I participate?

Sign up and register your business here! It’s free and easy. Just answer a few questions on this form so we have your info for our marketing and outreach materials. We’ll add you to our website, post on social media, and even list where you’re located on our map.

When and where does it take place?

The first Friday of every month starting in May from 4-8pm. Any and all stores are welcome to participate from the north side of town to the south. Thanks to the generosity of the city of Durango, there will be free bus and trolly services every First Friday to accommodate ease of getting from one end of town to the other easily and safely.

How much does it cost?

It’s free to host and participate. Artists of course, are welcome to sell the pieces they’re showcasing.

Do I have to host an artist to participate?

Although it is not required, it is strongly encouraged. There are so many talented artists in our community and this special day each month is a place for them to showcase these talents- this could be art hung on a wall, music, slam poetry, and the list goes on and all ages are welcome! Just put the word out there that you are looking to host an artist or contact your favorite to get started. View this list of interested artists.

How do I host an artist?

Looking for an artist? Put the word out there to friends and use social media. Post something and tag DCD or Local First and we’ll repost to the artist community. Each business is asked to take the lead on communicating with the artist community to find a monthly showcase.

Serving alcohol?

You’ll need to apply ahead of time and practice compliance. Special Event Liquor permit applications must be submitted to the City of Durango 30 days prior to the event. Please plan a well in advance and follow the city guidelines listed here.

What’s in it for me?

Increased street traffic downtown from north to south main! More visibility, great marketing, increased sales, celebration of art and culture, and a whole lotta fun!