Purple – First Friday Art Gallery | Red – First Friday Host
Hosted by Local First, Durango Creative District, and The ArtRoom Collective
Celebrate Durango’s creative side! Every month across Durango, local businesses, galleries, and the spaces in between host artists of all kinds. Find live music, original performances, featured artist showcases, and artisan pop-up markets all across town.
Be a part of the fun! Showcase and support our community’s local art and creative scene by listing your Durango First Friday event.
List of Events
April 5th | 4-7pm
Join us on First Friday, and shop our spring/summer selection featuring brand new styles fresh in from Thailand, perfect for the free spirit in you!
April 5th | 4-7pm
Come participate in creating art for our Planet vs. Plastic Community Art Mosaic at The ArtRoom Collective on Friday, April 5 from 4-7pm! At 5:30, artist Emily Lloyd will talk about recycled plastic, how we can help mitigate its effect on our planet, and how to make beautiful art from recycled plastic. This project will be started by the Durango community members on First Friday, April 5, and will be finalized for the Planet vs. Plastic Earth Day event at Buckley Park, across from Durango Sustainable Goods on April 20, 2024.
April 5th | 5-7pm
Join Blue Rain Gallery for Durango’s First Friday artwalk and an opportunity to meet the esteemed Tony De Luz and view a curated collection of his captivating paintings alongside the work of acclaimed artist Dennis Ziemienski.
April 5th | 5-9pm
The Art Exhibition for the show “Dear Mother Earth” is a juried show. The award ceremony starts at 6.
Soapbox Fiber, the new yarn shop in town, is having their grand opening.
The Bownmaneers are playing live music.
There will be free refreshments!
Come out and support local artists and see their interpretation of this year’s international Earth Day theme: “Planet vs. Plastic”. What can art teach us about ourselves? Our habits? Our relationship to the Earth? Enjoy mocktails, charcuterie, and mind blowing art. Enter to win a $100 Sustainable Goods gift card. At 7pm Sustainable Goods owner, Claire Attkisson, will announce the winner. If you can’t come to the reception or don’t win the drawing at the reception, all April-long art revelers can enter to win an apple leather tote bag—a $285 value.
April 5th | 4-7pm
4PM – 7PM, Durango Art Center, 802 E 2nd Avenue, Across the street from Steamworks, Budding Artist Exhibit (Community Youth and Teens), Live Artists Demonstration, Interactive Activities, Bar, Members receive 2 for one drink special. Become a member and receive on free drink. Discover the joy of Children’s Art while Relaxing at the Durango Arts Center on First Friday. Bring the whole family for a fun, interactive evening of artistic venture.
April 5th | 4-8pm
Jenn Rawling- ‘Echolalia’ An Exhibit of New Paintings. Opening reception Friday April 5th, 4-8pm at Bohéme Design House– smiley building east 3rd Avenue #27 Durango, CO. Live Music by Scott Roberts of La La Bones 6-8pm.
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.
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!
