First Friday for the Arts is a free monthly gallery crawl in Downtown Morgantown happening from 6-9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Visitors, locals, experts and amateurs are all welcome to experience Morgantown’s thriving arts scene and connect with the creative community during this event. Each month includes rotating exhibitions, music, live demonstrations, hands-on activities, vendors and more. So what are you waiting for? Add Downtown Morgantown’s First Friday for the Arts to your Friday night plans!
First Friday Exhibitions and Locations June 5
- Andrew White Guitars (198 Foundry St.) hosts the reception for Martin Chitum’s solo art exhibition, which is a 10-year retrospective of photographic works from 2016-2026. Martin specializes in hand-made alternative process photo print techniques, as well as traditional darkroom and modern digital. Music provided by Morgantown Psychic Rally. Andrew White also hosts kids’ activities courtesy of Spark! Imagination and Science Center.
- The Monongalia Arts Center (107 High St.) has two galleries and a performance space. In the Benedum, they have: Morgantown Theater Company – Where Kids Act Up! Photos by Don Ferguson. “Theater is an art of the fleeting—a line spoken, a note sung, a cue hit, and it is gone. This photographic exhibition freezes those transient instances of growth and discovery, offering an intimate look into the world of the Morgantown Theater Company (MTC). In the Davis Gallery is: Remnants of the Crankie Festival, a group exhibit. Music will be provided by the flute choir, Flutes 355, at 6 p.m., and Annick Odom will perform at 7:30. The MAC also hosts activities in its maker space.
- Artist’s Alley, behind the Monongalia Arts Center, will host open houses for local artists’ studios.
- The Morgantown History Museum (175 Kirk St.) offers a look into the past with exhibitions showing off Mon County’s unique history.
- The Co-Op (131 Pleasant St.) hosts “Artists of Greenmont” in collaboration with The Art Lab. This show features work from artists living in Morgantown’s oldest neighborhood. Live music will be provided.
- Morgantown ReStored (220 High Street) features work by Alexandra Conley in the business “Seasons of the Kitsch.”
- Morgantown ReStored (278 Spruce Street) features work by Mylan Park Elementary students, curated by Joe Lupo in the United Way building.
- The Morgantown Art Party (218 Walnut St.) showcases art by Adam VanScoy and Hailey McGuire and music from Erwin Dorsainville Duo. Jillian Kelly provides a recycled flower-making workshop.
- Silver Pennies (310 High St.) features live jewelry-making demos.
First Friday Stamp Card
Explore more, experience more, and get rewarded! Pick up a free First Friday punch card at any participating location. Each time you visit a First Friday stop, get your card stamped. Collect 8 stamps, and you’ll be eligible for a special perk: discounts on select drinks at The Co-Op or a First Friday tote bag from the MAC (subject to availability). Stamps do not have to be collected all in one night, so hang on to your card from month to month. To redeem your prize, head to the Co-Op for a discounted drink or the MAC for a tote bag. If your selected prize is not available, please email [email protected] with a photo of your completed card.
Downtown Parking Recommendations
Downtown Morgantown offers a variety of garages and spaces available for parking for shoppers and visitors. For convenient parking in relation to the Art Lab, 180 Willey St., it is recommended to park at Lot E at 500 Chestnut St. To view recommendations, visit Main Street Morgantown.
Photo Gallery
FAQs
I want my business to be involved—what does that mean?
Being an official First Friday stop takes commitment. You’ll need to:
Commit for at least 6 months.
Be open 6–9 p.m. every First Friday.
Host arts-related programming (examples: gallery shows, artist demos, music, poetry readings, book signings, pop-ups).
This isn’t just about staying open—it’s about being part of a collaborative team. Hosts attend monthly planning meetings, help promote the event, and share sponsor/funder acknowledgments. Our mission is to make Downtown Morgantown a thriving arts destination, and that takes full community buy-in.
What do I get out of it?
Host stops receive:
An official sandwich board and stencil for event-day signage.
Promotion on all First Friday social channels and event listings.
Increased visibility and foot traffic as people explore downtown to shop, dine, and enjoy cultural experiences.
I can’t commit to hosting, but I’d like my logo on the advertising.
Perfect—become a sponsor! Sponsorship helps cover the costs of this volunteer-driven program and keeps it sustainable. Several levels are available, and all support is appreciated.
I don’t want to host or sponsor. Can I just be open?
Absolutely. Simply being open on First Friday contributes to the energy downtown. Please help spread the word by sharing event info and letting customers know you’ll be open.
Can I join later?
Yes! If you decide down the road that you’re ready to commit as a host, just reach out—we’d love to have you.
Thanks to our Supporters!
First Friday for the Arts was made possible by the Tamarack Foundation Ripple Program and the Visit Mountaineer Country Conventions and Visitors Bureau, now supported by the WV Fairs and Festivals Association, the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History and the National Endowment for the Arts. First Friday for the Arts is also an affiliate event with Main Street Morgantown.
