Join us at Art Lab for the Town of Abingdon First Friday!
Join us in downtown Abingdon, Virginia on Friday, September 4th from 5-8 PM for First Friday, a monthly celebration rooted in the art walk tradition. This evening invites you to experience the arts in an open, approachable way at our galleries and art spaces, plus at participating restaurants, retail, and lodging. PLUS, don’t miss out on free retro trolley rides by Experience Appalachia for quicker exploring! This will be the last month of the year for free trolley rides at First Friday.
Sip and stroll through town at your own pace as local galleries, studios, and art spaces keep their doors open for extended hours.
The event will offer a chance to engage with a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, with select locations featuring special themes, promotions, exhibitions, activities, and offerings.
Affiliate Art Spaces:
-Dot + Hop, Featuring meet the artist and hors d’oeuvres
-The Arts Depot
-Art Lab at William King Museum of Art – Featuring create your own animal buttons, quick crafts, snacks, open artist studios
-Holston Mountain Artisans & Antiques – Featuring Raku pottery workshop (**REGISTRATION REQUIRED**) and live artisan demonstrations from award winning carver Mark Blevins
-Glass Peacock, Featuring live stained glass demonstrations
-The Gallery @ Barr Photographics
-Southern Appalachian Dance Academy, Featuring live dance performances and dance demonstrations
Participating restaurants, retail, and lodging partners for August 2026:
-Market On Main
-The Historic Hattie House
-Feel Good Berry Bowls
-Foxglove Antiques
-Shady Business
-Gopher Hole Golf, Participating DORA beverage vendor
-Delta Blues BBQ, Participating DORA beverage vendor
-Mr. Siegner’s Mens Shop
-Appalachian Roots Trading Post
-Peddling Jack’s
-Wolf Hills Coffee
-The Book Cellar
(Additional participating spaces with extended hours or special offerings will be added to this event as available)
To make exploring even easier, Experience Appalachia will be offering complimentary trolley rides throughout downtown, connecting you to participating First Friday locations and adding a fun, convenient way to take in the evening.
Trolley Stops:
-Abingdon Commons (West Main stop)
-Sweetbay Brewing Company
-Courthouse Hill (East Main stop)
-The Arts Depot
Whether you’re a dedicated art lover or simply looking to explore historic downtown Abingdon at your own pace, First Friday is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Abingdon, Virginia’s creative spirit as it experiences a reborn arts renaissance.