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.
September 4, 2026 PARTICIPANTS
PARTICIPANT DETAILS
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.
Lynchburg Art Club
1101 RIVERMONT AVE
Join LAC for a First Fridays (Sept. 4) reception for Emerging Voices, showcasing student and alumni artists from three area colleges: Randolph College, Sweet Briar College, and the University of Lynchburg.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and speak with the some of the exhibiting artists: Allie Allen, Sydney Harris, Andrew Hill, Aszter Hitchcock, Melinda Hollie, Skyler Kuyk, Sita Moses, Romeo Navarro, Leah Partington, Kaitlyn Rebert, and Jonathan Suarez.
The exhibition also includes the work of supporting faculty from the three participating colleges: Kasey Forehand (curator and art educator, Randolph College), Daniel Shipley (Studio Art Faculty, Randolph College), Brooke Marcy, MFA (Director of the Daura Museum of Art, University of Lynchburg), Shawn O'Connor (Studio Art Program Lead & Associate Professor of Visual Arts, Sweet Briar College), and Allen TenBusschen, MFA (Chair of the Art Department & Assistant Professor of Art, University of Lynchburg).
Refreshments will be served.
Emerging Voices will be on display through September 27, 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 Cyanotypes, and a Makerspace Open House for First Fridays (Sept. 4)!
Try your hand at cyanotypes—an early photography process that uses sunlight to create beautiful blue prints. You’ll arrange objects, expose them in the sun, and watch your design appear like magic.
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.
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 (Sept. 4) opening.
~ Ann White Academy Gallery and The Up Front Gallery (September 4-26) featuring The Annual National Juried Photography Show
~ Arts & Education Building (September 4-26) featuring: ACOA Summer Camp Kids Show`
Juror Talk! They will be having an artist talk on September 4th from 6pm
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
Steven Francis Fine Art
1200 MAIN STREET
Stop by on First Fridays (August 7) for an opening reception for Photographs, a solo exhibition of photography by Robert Sulkin.
The exhibition will be on view July 30- September 12.
~SFFA Tradewynd Gallery event announcement: Opening reception of Being There, a landscape exhibition featuring the work of Marjorie Portnow and special guest artists. August 8 from 2-5pm.