Your October First Friday Art Crawl Itinerary!
Busy crowds at a previous Jones House Exhibit Opening during First Friday
Downtown Boone will welcome another evening of art, music, shopping, and community on Friday, October 2nd with the return of First Friday Art Crawl! Coordinated by the Watauga Arts Council (WAC) in partnership with the Downtown Boone Development Association, First Friday brings together local artists, galleries, businesses, musicians, and community members for creative experiences throughout downtown.
Residents and visitors are invited to explore local art, shop handmade work, catch live music, visit new exhibitions, and enjoy special events throughout the evening.
Highlights for October include:
Local Artists & Youth Makers on King St (4-8 p.m.) – Local artists will be set up along King Street selling handmade goods, while young creatives from the Watauga Arts Council’s Youth Makers program will set up in front of the Turchin Center. Stop by, meet the artists, and shop their work!
Vintage Market Pop-Up at Future Relics (4-7 p.m.) – Browse hand-picked vintage clothing, jewelry, shoes, and more during a special pop-up with Style by Epoch. Can’t make it Friday? The pop-up continues Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
First Friday Festivities at the Turchin Center (4-8 p.m.) – The Turchin Center has a full evening planned, including guided gallery and Arts Corridor tours, an ARTtalk with the Director of the bell hooks Institute and artist Chanell Stone, drop-in artmaking, and a poetry performance by Glenis Redmond and NitaJade. Admission is free, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available. givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
Exhibit & Reception with Katie Boyette at the Jones House (5-7 p.m.) – Celebrate the opening of Katie Boyette’s avian artwork, on view throughout October at the Jones House Cultural Center. Meet the artist, view the work, and enjoy light refreshments during the reception. You may recognize Katie’s work from WAC’s Arts Placement Program, too! givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
Art Market & Music at Fizz Ed (5-10 p.m.) – Shop an indoor art market from 5–8 p.m. while enjoying live music from Andy Page from 5–7 p.m., then stick around for Open Mic Night from 7–10 p.m. givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
Vendors & Refreshments at High Country Emporium (starting at 5 p.m.) – Weather permitting, Emporium vendors will set up outside with their handmade goods, with wine and popcorn available while you browse. givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
Dolly Film Fest at Appalachian Theatre (6 p.m.) – Appalachian Theatre closes out its Dolly Film Fest with a showing of 9 to 5, sponsored by Anna Banana’s. Tickets are $6, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
Live Music at SouthEnd Brewing (6-9 p.m.) – Gary McCullough takes the stage at SouthEnd Brewing for an evening of live music. givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
Mortal Reverie Exhibit Reception at Nth Degree Gallery (7 p.m.) – Ethan Meyers presents his first-ever solo show at Nth Degree Gallery, located at 683 W King Street. Stop by for art, music, wine, and snacks! givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
Disco Night at Wild Craft Eatery (9 p.m.-Midnight) – Keep your Art Crawl going with dancing and tunes from DJ Dumpsta J. This event is 21+ with a $5 cover at the door. givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
Live Music at Boone Saloon (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.) – Close out the night with live music from Loose Roosters, featuring Fancy Gap. This event is 21+. givebutter.com_dashboard_accoun…
Ice Cream & Gift Shop Open Late @ Little Wing Ice Cream (Open until 10 p.m.) - Don’t forget to make your Art Crawl a little sweeter with a stop at Little Wing Ice Cream, open until 10 p.m. on Howard Street! While you’re there, browse their gift shop featuring work from 29 local makers, including new additions Elizabeth Foley and Lauren Duncan.
Beyond First Friday
The creativity doesn’t stop after First Friday, as October is shaping up to be a busy month!
On Wednesday, October 7 from 5:30–7:30 p.m., WAC will kick off its new Artist Talk Series at Betty’s Biscuits with artist Nysie Hurst. Hear about Nysie’s journey as an artist with MS, the inspiration behind her exhibition, and more. Select works from her exhibition at WAC will be temporarily transported to Betty’s for the evening. RSVP is required and seating is limited. Click here to RSVP.
Then, WAC’s next Main Gallery exhibition, Touchpoints: Exploring Texture in Art, opens October 6, featuring fiber art, painting, mixed media, and more. Join us for the opening reception on Thursday, October 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and browse artwork available for purchase. The reception is free and open to all.
Looking to make some art yourself? Morning Art Studio with Phi Perry returns on Thursday, October 8 from 10 a.m.-Noon at WAC. This laid-back, guided acrylic studio includes exercises in brushwork, color mixing, layering, and more, with supplies provided. Registration is required, and the class is $15.
If you’re looking for Art Crawl details delivered straight to your inbox each month, sign up for the Watauga Arts Council newsletter so you don’t miss what’s happening!
For more information about First Fridays and how to get involved, click below to learn more about First Friday Art Crawls!