Welcome to Wichita, where we love our makers. They are responsible for an impressive arts and culture scene throughout the city, offering variety in their work, from world renowned art glass studios to galleries galore.

Wichita’s monthly art crawl has been ongoing since 1997 when a collective of Wichita artists calling themselves The Famous Dead Artists channeled the momentum of a growing visual arts scene into opportunities for the public to visit galleries and studios staying open late for casual interaction with artists. This became Final Friday and in 2019 the monthly events switched to First Fridays.

Read on to find out what to expect during First Friday art crawl in Wichita.

SHORTCUTS

What is First Friday?

First Friday is a celebration of art and creativity across the city, a free art crawl where artists, galleries, museums and local businesses collaborate to help patrons develop or nurture an appreciation for local art.

Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and also a cultural hub for the region. Some visitors are surprised by the city’s diverse art scene. First Friday is one of the best ways to see all aspects of art in traditional and non-traditional settings. It’s also a great way to spark your creativity!

During the warmer months you can often catch street performances, including Phlox, our local group of fire performers, happening in the downtown area in conjunction with the art crawl.

First Friday at Hopping Gnome Brewery

Other Participating Venues

Non-traditional venues across Wichita also participate in First Friday, including retail shops, office buildings like the Garvey Center, even hair salons and chiropractic offices. Many restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and breweries in the downtown area will have First Friday specials as well as new art on display each month. Some locations will also offer live music or entertainment.

Whether they have an art installation or not, First Friday is the perfect evening to explore Wichita’s food scene. Stop into some of our partners for a bite to eat, including establishments like Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria, Nortons Brewing Co, Meddy’s Old Town, River City Brewing Co. and Hopping Gnome Brewing Company.

Riding Electric Scooters Through Naftzger Park in Wichita

Transportation

Downtown Wichita is walkable but if you don’t feel like walking, you can rent a bicycle or an electric scooter. Watch for the return of Wichita’s Q-line, the free downtown transportation option that has temporarily suspended operations during the pandemic.

Schedule

Keep an eye on the Visit Wichita calendar of events for specific First Friday events each month. For a list of participating businesses, visit First Friday ICT, where information will be updated at least one week prior to the event.

Galleries and businesses stay open late (hours vary, but all participating locations will be open at least 7 to 9 p.m.) to allow patrons. All galleries and exhibits are free to attend.

Here are the remaining First Friday dates in Wichita for 2021: 

  • March 5
  • April 2
  • May 7
  • June 4
  • July 2
  • August 6
  • September 3
  • October 1
  • November 5
  • December 3
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