First Friday Art Walk

First Friday Art Walk: Savannah's Monthly Arts Celebration

First Friday Art Walk represents Savannah's largest and most vibrant monthly celebration of the visual arts. On the first Friday of every month, the historic district transforms into an open-air gallery as venues extend hours, host artist receptions, and welcome the community to experience Savannah's thriving arts scene. The event creates accessible, festive atmosphere where art enthusiasts, families, and visitors explore galleries, meet artists, and celebrate creativity.

Participating Galleries & Venues

Dozens of galleries, studios, and cultural venues participate in First Friday:

• Commercial Galleries: Professional galleries showcasing established and emerging artists
• Artist Studios: Working studios opening doors to visitors
• Museums: Telfair Museums and other institutions with extended hours
• Alternative Spaces: Shops, cafes, and non-traditional venues hosting exhibitions
• Cultural Centers: Community arts organizations and cultural venues
• Pop-Up Exhibitions: Temporary exhibitions in various locations

New Exhibitions & Artist Receptions

First Friday serves as traditional opening night for new exhibitions throughout Savannah. Galleries unveil fresh shows, host artist receptions, and provide opportunities to meet artists and discuss their work. This creates dynamic environment where visitors experience art firsthand and engage directly with creative community.

Live Music & Street Performance

Beyond gallery exhibitions, First Friday features:

• Live Music: Musicians performing at galleries, on sidewalks, and in public spaces
• Street Performers: Dancers, poets, and performance artists
• Interactive Art: Participatory art installations and activities
• Food Vendors: Mobile food vendors and refreshments
• Festive Atmosphere: Community celebration energy throughout downtown

Self-Guided Art Walk

First Friday operates as self-guided experience allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Pick up a map at participating galleries or download from website. Walk through historic district visiting galleries that interest you, creating personalized art experience. The geographic concentration makes walking between venues easy and enjoyable.

Art Acquisition Opportunities

First Friday provides excellent opportunities to acquire original artwork. Many artists and galleries offer special pricing or incentives during First Friday. Meeting artists directly allows for conversations about process, inspiration, and meaning, enriching the purchasing experience.

Family-Friendly Cultural Event

First Friday welcomes families with children. Many venues offer interactive activities, children's art-making stations, and family-friendly programming. The event introduces young people to arts appreciation and community cultural participation.

Monthly Themes & Special Events

While First Friday occurs monthly, some months feature special themes, collaborative projects, or extended programming. Holiday months often include additional festivities. Check website or social media for current month's special events or themes.

Combining with Dining & Theatre

First Friday pairs perfectly with Savannah's culinary and theatrical offerings. Common itineraries include:

• Early Dinner + Art Walk: Dine 5-6 PM, explore galleries 6:30-9 PM
• Art Walk + Late Dinner: Galleries 6-8 PM, dinner after 8 PM
• Art Walk + Theatre: Galleries early evening, late theatre performance
• Complete Cultural Evening: Galleries, dinner, theatre for full artistic immersion

Planning Your First Friday Visit

To maximize your First Friday experience:

• Arrive Early: 6 PM start allows time to visit multiple galleries before crowds
• Pick Up Map: Obtain printed map or download digital version
• Prioritize Venues: If time-limited, identify must-see galleries
• Comfortable Shoes: Walking tour covers several blocks
• Weather Preparation: Dress appropriately for evening weather
• Parking Strategy: Arrive early for parking or use rideshare

Supporting Savannah's Arts Ecosystem

First Friday participation supports Savannah's arts community directly. Visiting galleries, purchasing artwork, and engaging with artists provides essential support for creative economy. The event demonstrates community commitment to arts and culture as vital civic assets.