ART. MUSIC. FOOD. COMMUNITY.
THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH STARTING AT 5pm!
First Fridays is a monthly cultural event in Lynchburg, VA highlighting local artists, performers, exhibits, and more! Stop by one of the many art galleries offering new exhibits and special performances, then make a night of it in downtown or elsewhere in the city!
First Fridays’ primary purpose is to highlight the organizations and spaces that are bringing local, regional, and even national art to the Lynchburg community.
October 2, 2026 PARTICIPANTS
PARTICIPANT DETAILS
Steven Francis Fine Art
1200 MAIN STREET
Stop by on First Friday (Oct. 2) from 5-8 pm for Time's Echo, a solo exhibition of recent paintings by Ephraim Rubenstein at the SFFA Main Street Gallery
The exhibition will be on view September 19th to October 31st.
~Ephraim's artist talk, at the SFFA Main Street gallery will occur on October 3rd at 12pm. All are welcome!
~The public is also invited to the SFFA Tradewynd location on October 3rd from 2-5pm for an opening reception for Nulla Dies Sine Linea: No Day Without a Line, a group show of drawings. This exhibition will be on view from September 26th - November 14th.
Lynchburg Art Club
1101 RIVERMONT AVE
Join LAC for a First Fridays (Oct. 2) reception for The Portrait Show, an exhibition curated by artist Robert Copelan.
The Portrait Show brings together ten exhibiting artists exploring the many approaches to portraiture, from traditional representation to more expressive and contemporary interpretations. Featured artists include Susan Bradbury, Dennis Caldwell, Jennifer Clark, Robert Copelan, Michael Dunaway, Emily Flint, Emily Goodyear, Mark D. Johnson, Betsy Jones, and Monica Lynn Parson.
Guests attending the opening reception will have the opportunity to meet the exhibiting artists, view the collection, and enjoy light refreshments in the gallery.
Founded in 1895, the Lynchburg Art Club & Gallery is a nonprofit visual arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Central Virginia through exhibitions, education, and community engagement.
The Portrait Show will be on display through October 2- 25, 2026.
Regular gallery hours are Thursday - Friday from 1-5pm and Saturday - Sunday from 1:30-4pm (or by appointment).
Click here to learn more! 5-7:30pm
Vector Space
2004 MEMORIAL AVENUE
Vector Space brings you their annual Power Tool Pumpkin Carving and Makerspace Open House on First Fridays (Oct. 2)!
Get ready for a fall favorite—carve your own pumpkin using real power tools and take home an incredibly original creation.
Each family receives one free pumpkin while supplies last. Additional pumpkins will be available for $5 per spooky squash. BYOP if you like!
Everyone is invited to join the fun!
We’ll also be opening our doors to visitors—drop in to explore our 23,000-square-foot makerspace and discover what we're all about.
Entry donations of $3 per participant are smiled upon.
Many thanks to the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation for their support in making this educational event possible!
Click here to learn more! 5-7:30pm
Academy Center of the Arts
600 MAIN STREET
All on-site galleries will be open for a First Fridays (Oct. 2) opening.
~ Ann White Academy Gallery and The Up Front Gallery (October 2-30) featuring The Annual National Juried Ceramic Show.
~ Arts & Education Building (October 2-30) featuring: Domestic Violence Awareness Month Artwork.
~ Artist Talk! They will be having an artist talk on October 2 at 6pm.
Click here to learn more! 5-8pm
Image on the right is 4 Humors by Jason Kishell.
Old City Cemetery
401 TAYLOR STREET
Old City Cemetery will be participating in First Fridays (June 5) with tours of our private collections.
Featuring artwork by notable area artists, as well as 220 years of Lynchburg history.
Tours of the Heirloom Roses will also be available, weather permitting.
Refreshments will be served with donations appreciated.
Click here to learn more. 5-7:30pm.
Lynchburg Museum and Visitor’s Center
901 COURT STREET
Pop in for museum extended hours on First Fridays (June 5) for a free public reception and pop-up exhibit.
Explore the fascinating history of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Lynchburg, focusing on the Hill City innovations and inventions that shaped the nation–and even the world. From the town’s first water works that pumped water almost 250 feet above the James River, to the city’s leadership in powering the next human mission to Mars, STEM has a long and surprising history in Lynchburg.
The exhibit and reception are co-sponsored by the Lynchburg Museum System and the Future Focus Foundation.
SH Franklin Building
921 MAIN STREET- SECOND FLOOR
Stop by for a wine tasting and art exhibition as part of First Fridays (June 5).
Artists include Andrew Riscart, Joanne Becker, Kim Clarke, Jim Tracey, and FryGuy
~Cash bar featuring Rebec Vineyards.
5-8pm
Riverviews Artspace
52 9TH STREET
Join us on First Fridays (Sept. 4) for That Which Forms.
That Which Forms showcases a true dialogue between artists—Mariam Aziza Stephan, who draws and paints the landscape as portraiture, and Julia Johnson, who responds to these images through poetry.
~ On First Fridays, enjoy concessions, snacks, & drinks at the gallery bar.
~ Free and open to all ages.
~ Open artist studios.