First Friday: August 6th

Downtown Augusta 5pm-10pm

On the First Friday of each month a celebration is held downtown on Artist's Row and extending from 7th-12th street. Galleries and studios remain open those evenings to debut new works, street vendors sell their wares, and bands can be heard all over. Augusta's downtown boasts over 22 live music venues, complemented by numerous locally owned restaurants. We invite you to visit on First Friday and return to enjoy our music, food, museums, antiques and attractions.

Entertainment


• Augusta Idol. Follow the fun and excitement as our own local phenomenon takes off for another year. Open to all comers, the auditions run from 9am till 5pm, and then the top 100 perform live for the judges at 7pm. The winner of the competition goes on to try and impress the real deal at American Idol. A local favorite for the past few years, Augusta Idol is fun for anyone, even if you’re not coming out to give... your singing talents a test! For more info visit Fox 54’s website and look for the Augusta Idol logo. Imperial Theater, 749 Broad St.


• Pyroteque. Ignite spring with a troupe of flamethrowers and fire-dancers. Once of Augusta’s most unique performances, and First Friday staples, this always heats up the crowd. 8-10pm. Corner of 11th and Broad Street.


• Augusta Skateboard Association Demo. Held on that little stretch of pavement between Broad and Ellis at 10th, the ASA will be pulling out all the stops and the homemade ramps to prove that skateboarding is more than a hobby. Don’t know what a kickflip or an Ollie is? By the end of the night you’ll know exactly what to expect, though we can’t guarantee you can do them yourself. 10th and Broad, between Roosters Beak and Tire City Potters.


• Le Chat Noir. Comedy Tonight! Dirty Girl and the Secrets start the night off right with their musical styling at 7:30pm. Schrodinger's Cat improv company gets the comedy going at 8:30pm. Doors open at 7pm. These shows SELL OUT FAST so get there early! Corner of 8th and Ellis.


• Sky City. Who needs a hot tub to time travel? Just go to Sky City this First Friday for 80’s night, a retrospective look back at all the things you love about America’s most decadent decade. 9:30pm. 1557 Broad Street.
Art, Shopping, Dining


• Local Arts and Craft Vendors. Take a stroll down Broad Street and see some of the unique and beautiful creations by local artisans. 5-10pm. Corner of 10th and Broad.


• Gallery on the Row. Always a hit on First Friday, the ever-open doors of this gallery invite you in for a glance. Featuring Carol Sue Roberts and 2nd place winner in the Augusta Photo Festival Forrest Roberts this month, visitors can expect to treat their mouths to wine and cheese, as well as their eyes to art and beauty. 5-9pm. 1016 Broad Street.


• Zimmerman Gallery. Sculptor Jeff Birchhill will be the featured artist, and will demonstrate his unique stone sculptures. Stop by the gallery for an opening reception for the sculptor and as always to visit the other works and gallery owner Lou Ann Zimmerman. 5-8pm. 1006 Broad St.


• Frameworks and Tire City Potters. Always open during First Friday, the gallery will be abuzz with exhibits and featured works. A welcoming environment, the artists are always as happy to share their art as they are to make it. 11am-11pm. 210 B 10th Street (corner of 10th and Ellis).


• Modish Salon. Open late on First Friday, the staff of Modish Salon invites you in off the streets and asks, “Is it a crime to be beautiful?” 7-9pm. 1018 Broad Street.


• Silver City. Come in for a clearing-out-sale! All of the prices are reduced and everything you can buy is beautiful. Open for more than 5 years, Silver City has always been one of the staples of downtown arts, so get a piece of Artist Row History while you can. 5 - Late. 1155 Broad St.


• The Book Tavern. Open for business with Fresh Lemonade out front, with hor d'oeurves and refreshments inside. Featured inside will be all of the books that everyone loves. Always brimming with business, the Book Tavern has something for every reader. 6 - 9pm. 1026 Broad Street.


• Vintage Ooollee’s. Come in and serenade owner Ooollee for your own Augusta Idol discount. With a shop that caters to every taste, you’ll see why vintage clothing is always in style, and not just for those with lots of money. 1221 Broad Street.



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