vol. 32 / first fridays

Our guide to First Fridays, downtown Richmond's signature monthly art walk.

VOL. 32  / FIRST FRIDAYS First Fridays, downtown Richmond’s signature monthly art walk, is a must-attend, at least yearly. But with our “let’s wing it” approach, we never quite felt like we knew where to go. So for tomorrow night's First Friday, we’ve done the research and devoted a whole newsletter to guiding you through it all: the art, the food and the extras. This evergreen guide serves whenever you go, with a few May-specific events sprinkled in. Step 1: check out the map. Then read on for our recs! Unrelated P.S.: Boho Cycle and Health Warrior are celebrating National Fitness Day this Saturday with a killer workout we want to try. The Art First Fridays is all about the art, of course. Instead of vaguely walking the streets wondering where the action is, walk with purpose to this short list of galleries. Extensive & coordinated / Gallery 5 throws a First Fridays shindig every month, complementing their current exhibits with food and music. Candela Books & Gallery and 1708 Gallery are both opening new exhibits Friday and are always a good stop. And definitely hit ADA! Under-the-radar & intimate / Middle of Broad is a studio partnership between three VCU departments, and we're sure it will show us something we've not seen before. Valet also has a new exhibit opening, and Endeavor screams cool.   The Food The walk in “art walk” works up a bit of an appetite, as if we needed an excuse to explore some new restaurants. Loved standbys Comfort and Saison are always yummy, but have you been to Mahogany Sweets? Read more about their story and then go try their baked goods before they close to the public and shift to a wholesale bakery at the end of May! Last week, we covered breakfast and lunch joint Salt & Forge, and this week, they’re staying open late for First Friday. (Side note: anyone else dying over their biscuit pics on Instagram!?)   Vitals: mahoganysweets.com saltandforge.com The Extras The magic of First Fridays lies in the unexpected adventure of the night. There's a lot more beyond the art! Steady Sounds, Black Iris and 9WG Studios add a musical element to your night. The Broad also opens its doors to the public every month, giving us a glimpse at their gallery - right now it features work by local Virginia women. This Friday, our extra pick is definitely the Latin Ballet of Virginia's performance featuring the music and dance of Cuba. Bring your dancing shoes, because we hear participation is highly encouraged!   Vitals: facebook.com/events/1012856138853015