First Saturday Lime refers to a monthly event that takes place on the first Saturday of each month in various cities around the world. It is an art walk event where art galleries and creative spaces open their doors to showcase new exhibits and host special events on that day. The name “First Saturday” comes from it always falling on the first Saturday, while “Lime” refers to allowing local artists to showcase their works and talents to the public.
Some key things to know about First Saturday or similar monthly art walk events:
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What is First Saturday?
– It originated in the 1990s in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood and has expanded to other cities and towns.
– Galleries and art spaces open new exhibits on these days and stay open late into the evening.
– The events are free and open to the public. Visitors can go gallery hopping to view new works of art.
– In addition to visual arts, First Saturday often features music, dance, film screenings, food, and pop-up shops.
– It provides exposure for emerging local artists and creates a lively atmosphere for arts appreciation.
What cities host First Saturday events?
Some major cities with popular First Saturday art walks include:
– Philadelphia – This is where First Saturday began. Old City is the hub.
– Oakland, CA – Art Murmur in the Telegraph Ave district.
– Portland, OR – The Pearl District comes alive with art, music, and food during First Thursday.
– Phoenix, AZ – Roosevelt Row and downtown Phoenix host First Fridays.
– Las Vegas, NV – Downtown area with bands, food trucks, and art.
– Lancaster, PA – Galleries, studios, shops, restaurants, and bands downtown.
– Miami, FL – Wynwood Art District opens its galleries and walls on the first Saturday.
What is the atmosphere like?
The atmosphere at a First Saturday art walk is lively, fun, and engaging. The streets come alive with activity. You’ll see:
– Crowds browsing in and out of galleries, enjoying the art scene.
– Musicians and performers entertaining on street corners and in open spaces.
– Artists talking about their work and the pieces on display.
– Pop-up shops and food vendors offering creative goods and eats.
– People dressed up to go out or in creative costumes and attire.
– An inclusive vibe welcoming art lovers from all backgrounds.
– A diverse mix of galleries showcasing different types of art from traditional to avant garde.
So the atmosphere is colorful, creative, and community-oriented. It provides accessibility to the arts scene.
Popular First Saturday City Profiles
Let’s look at some of the most popular cities hosting First Saturday art walks and what each one offers:
Philadelphia
– When: First Saturday of every month, year-round
– Where: Old City district
– Highlights: Philadelphia’s Old City has over 40 galleries within walking distance. First Saturday draws large crowds to open receptions and exhibits. Studios and galleries stay open late. There is artwork in many mediums from oil paintings to sculpture to glasswork. Old City is also home to Washington Square Park, the Betsy Ross House, and many restaurants.
Oakland
– When: First Saturday of every month
– Where: Telegraph Avenue district
– Highlights: Oakland Art Murmur started in 2006 and features visual art, live music, food trucks, and street vendors. Galleries are concentrated between Grand Ave and W 20th St along Telegraph Ave. The street scene has a festival vibe.
Portland
– When: First Thursday of every month
– Where: Pearl District
– Highlights: Food carts, gallery openings, and street performers converge during First Thursday in Portland’s Pearl District. The industrial chic area comes alive with art lovers. Galleries stay open late and people fill the streets.
Phoenix
– When: First Friday of every month
– Where: Downtown Phoenix and Roosevelt Row Arts District
– Highlights: With over 70 arts spaces to explore, Phoenix First Fridays draw over 20,000 people. Live music and food can be found at Roosevelt Row. The monthly event supports Phoenix’s many creative businesses.
Tips for Attending
If you want to check out a First Saturday art walk, here are some tips:
Getting There
– Parking can get crowded, so take public transportation if possible. Many areas are walkable.
– Rideshares are also a good option. Lyft and Uber drop-offs are common.
– Arrive early to get a parking spot if driving. Or park farther away and walk.
What to Wear
– Dress comfortably for walking. Wear supportive shoes.
– Layer clothing for going in and out of galleries.
– Feel free to dress up or accessorize creatively and get into the artistic spirit.
Hit the Highlights
– Pick out 2-3 galleries or areas you really want to hit rather than trying to see everything.
– Refer to art walk maps to plot out your priorities and route.
– Be selective rather than overwhelmed. You can’t see it all in one night.
See the Sights
– Stop for photo ops with public art installations and murals.
– Check out pop-up shops and craft vendors along the way.
– Eat, drink, listen to music – take in the local sights and sounds.
– Chat with local artists when possible to learn about their work.
Similar Regular Art Events
First Saturday occurs once a month, but other cities have similar gallery focused arts events. Here are some examples:
Venice, CA – First Friday’s on Abbot Kinney
– When: First Friday of every month
– Where: Along Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice Beach
A funky arts scene with galleries, shops, food and live music.
Salt Lake City, UT – Gallery Stroll
– When: Third Friday of every month
– Where: Downtown along Main Street and Broadway
One of Utah’s most popular recurring art events with special exhibits, demonstrations, and receptions in downtown Salt Lake City.
Asheville, NC – Downtown After Five
– When: Third Friday of January to November
– Where: Downtown Asheville
Free self-guided art gallery tours, shops, bars, and live music downtown make for a lively arts mixer.
Prescott, AZ – Fourth Friday Art Walk
– When: Fourth Friday of every month
– Where: Downtown Prescott
Galleries, restaurants, shops, bars, and museums stay open late and celebrate the arts on Fourth Fridays.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – ArtWalk
– When: Third Saturday of every month
– Where: Downtown near Las Olas Riverfront
Downtown Fort Lauderdale comes alive for this popular outdoor event showcasing visual and performing arts.
First Saturday Events in Smaller Cities and Towns
While large metropolitan areas are best known for their First Saturday events, many smaller towns and communities also host monthly art walks and open gallery nights. These provide opportunities to support local artists and businesses. Here are some examples:
Poulsbo, WA – First Saturday Art Walk
A quaint Scandinavian-themed town near Seattle with galleries, boutiques, cafes, and live music on First Saturdays.
Bisbee, AZ – First Saturday Art Walk
This former mining town turned artist colony in southern Arizona has a lively First Saturday scene.
Eureka Springs, AR – First Thursday Art Walk
Set in the Ozark Mountains, galleries and shops stay open late for this monthly art celebration.
Paducah, KY – First Friday Hop
Downtown Paducah comes alive with art, music, food, and open shops during First Friday Hops.
Chillicothe, OH – First Friday Art Hop
This event in Ohio’s first capital city features local artists, open shops, receptions, and music around downtown.
Starting Your Own First Saturday
Does your town or community have a critical mass of artists and galleries, but lack a monthly art walk event? Here are tips for starting your own First Saturday:
– Enlist a group of artists, galleries, shops, restaurants to get on board.
– Set a monthly date and time – stick to it. First Saturday is popular, but any weekend day could work.
– Create a brand – name, logo, tagline to promote it. Get the word out online.
– Distribution print and digital maps so people know where to go.
– Take cues from successful art walks – open galleries, music, food, and come together regularly.
– Start small and let it build organically. Draw visitors in through social media.
– Work with city officials for cooperation and permitting if needed.
With commitment and participation from local businesses, a First Saturday art walk can provide community vibrancy and exposure for artists. It also fosters art appreciation among residents and visitors. What steps could your town take to make art more accessible?
Conclusion
First Saturday art walks are a creative way for communities to foster local arts scenes. They open up galleries, studios, exhibits, and public spaces for people to freely appreciate a variety of art forms. While the model originated in Philadelphia, First Saturday events have sprouted up in towns and cities across the U.S. and beyond. From Oakland to Phoenix to Poulsbo and more, these recurring monthly events draw crowds to take in visual arts, music, crafts, performances, and local culture. Have you experienced an arts walk in your area? What did you enjoy about it? Supporting local arts makes cities more vibrant and brings people together around creativity.