FIRST FRIDAY POUGHKEEPSIE
Experience The Vibrant Spirit of the Queen City
First Friday Poughkeepsie is back, bringing the downtown to life each month with an evening full of energy, creativity, and connection.
From live music and local art to food, shopping, and pop-up experiences, this free, walkable event invites residents and visitors alike to explore our streets in a whole new way.
FOOD • ART • MUSIC • COMMUNITY
2026 DATES & THEMES
All First Friday events begin at 6 p.m.
Home Base: Mural Square
253 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
between Market St. and Academy St.
June 5
Launching
Softly
July 3
First Friday’s
Official Return!
August 7
Queen City
Community Night
September 4
Fall In Love
With Poughkeepsie
October 2
First Friday
Spooktacular
November 6
Poughkeepsie
Thankful
First Friday is free to attend, open to everyone, and designed to be welcoming for all ages. Whether you’re coming with family, meeting friends, or exploring on your own, you’ll find activities and experiences that are inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for the entire community.
Thank You To Our Presenting Sponsors
What’s Happening At First Friday?
Participating Downtown Locations
1915 Wine Cellar
Amaz Hair & Lash
Barbara’s Cafe and Gelato
Blank Slate Shop
Brasserie 292
C+C Coffee Shop
Cafe Maroon
Canvas + Clothier
Casa del Flavors
Convey/er/or Art Gallery
Curio Cabinet of the Hudson Valley
Darkside Records
Expressions Barber Shop
Floreria Jasmin
Gallery 40
Ginza Sushi & Cajun Seafood
Goodnight Kenny
Hot Spot Tattoo
Hudson & Packard
Kafe Neo
King’s Court Brewing Company
La Ecuatoriana Party Supplies & Gifts
Laughing Gut Kombucha
Mama La’s Food For The Soul
MASS Design Group
Mill House Brewing Company
Mo Flames
Nancy Nail & Spa
Nu-Tribe Barber Shop & Salon
Queen City Lounge
Reason & Ruckus
Sand Panda Fine Piercing & Jewelry
Smokin’ Mirrors
Stray Hairs Salon
Studio Kuts
Sundaze Burgers
Tortilleria Allison
Upstream Cafe
Vintage Fixie
On-Street Vendors
MoundShroud Books & Vintage LLC
Woodstock Day School/DCxPC
Goblin of Earthly Delights
CC Pan de Vida
Intrinsic Beauty Esthetics
Beezly Enterprises LLC
Alzheimer's Association
Little Social Co
From The Ground Up
New York Life Insurance Company
Botanical Moment
Home Home Bookshop
E&C Grill
The Potluck
Yawd Nyaminz
Open Concept
Pure Aromas
League of Women Voters
Frozen Caboose Ice Cream Truck
DJays Fish Fry
SmileyMac Crochets
Hudson River Housing
Entertainment & Activities
Grammy Award-winning artist Corey Glover and The Soul Experience are headlining First Friday in October!
PSIFIRE FIRE SPINNING IS BACK!!
Take a fun, FREE glow stick aerobic exercise class at 6:30!
Check out a cool live painting created right before your eyes!
Zen out at our drum circle!
Lawn games, pop-up performers, and other surprises can be found throughout downtown!
You are also invited to start the night early with City of Poughkeepsie Run/Walk Club GoKeepsie! Our local running crew will meet for a pre-First Friday run at 5 PM at Mahoney's (35 Main St.) After the run, join us on Main!
GETTING TO FIRST FRIDAY
Best Places To Park
Financial Plaza Garage - 41 Civic Center Plaza
Crannell Street Lot - 35 Catherine Street
Liberty Street Lot - 25 Cannon Street
Academy Street Lot - 50 Cannon Street
Plenty of additional parking is available throughout the downtown.
Follow posted signage.
On August 7, parking is free in the Financial Plaza Garage, Liberty Street Lot, and Crannell Street Lot
Street Closures
Every First Friday, Main Street between Market Street and Academy Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.
There will be no parking on Main Street at noon. Towing will begin at 2 p.m.
Restrooms
Every First Friday, portable restrooms are located adjacent to Mural Square on Main Street between Market Street and Academy Street.
BE PART OF FIRST FRIDAY
Downtown Businesses
First Friday is all about highlighting our downtown businesses.
Submit your First Friday specials, promotions, and activations to be featured in our event listings and promotions. Show off what makes your business unique and help bring First Friday to life for thousands of visitors!
Outside Vendors
Select outside vendors are invited to join us, too!
Fill out the form below for consideration to share your goods, services, or experiences with our vibrant downtown audience. If you bring the energy and vibes, you’ll be a great fit as we create unforgettable nights in Poughkeepsie!