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
Reason & Ruckus
Sand Panda Fine Piercing & Jewelry
Smokin’ Mirrors
Stray Hairs Salon
Studio Kuts
Sundaze Burgers
Tortilleria Allison
Upstream Cafe
Vintage Fixie
First Friday Vendors
A&I Concessions
Backies All Natural
Draw With The Hollicks
Face Painting by April
Fantabulous Faces Face Painting
Frozen Caboose Ice Cream Truck
Full Circle Party Solutions
Goblin of Earthly Delights
Hip Hop Healing
League of Women Voters of the Mid-Hudson
Little Social Co.
New York Life Insurance Company
Pottery In The Wild
Poughkeepsie Open Studios
Precision Restoration & Roofing
Reggae Boy Cafe
Shopping Reveal, LLC
The Grille Wagon
The Hudson River Valley Review
VitaMoss
Winginit Food Truck
Entertainment & Activities
SoulSense is headlining First Friday on August 7, playing favorite R&B and soul covers all night at Mural Square!
The New York Academy of Ballet will pop-up dance performances throughout the evening!
PSIFIRE FIRE SPINNING IS BACK!!
Lawn games, pop-up performers, and other surprises can be found throughout downtown!
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
On August 7, 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
On August 7, 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!