First Friday

Our BREAD & BUTTER, First Friday is our longest-run program, happening on the first Friday of every month, year-round.

The Map

A printed and digital map provides visitors a guide to walkable events and exhibitions located in neighborhood galleries and businesses. Download the latest First Friday event map directly to your phone! View it digitally, or print it off yourself! Printed maps are also available during First Fridays at participating locations.

First Friday Events

Here’s what’s happening this upcoming First Friday!

Featured
Green Team Neighborhood Cleanup
Nov 17
Green Team Neighborhood Cleanup

Join the BFF Green Team every other Sunday at 11a.m. andWednesday at 6:30p.m. behind Petshop (2725N 62nd St.)to pick up litter in Benson. All are welcome - Join for one or all!

December 6th First Friday
Dec 6
December 6th First Friday

🎅🏻 Krampus Claws is Coming to Town! 🎅🏻

On Friday, December 1st, join us for the BAD KID SCAVENGER HUNT! Krampus is back and looking to round up the "Bad Kids of Benson." 🧸👀 “Bad Kid” dolls will be hidden throughout the neighborhood, and if you spot one, bring it to Petshop (2727 N. 62nd St) by 10 PM to claim a prize! 🎁

❄️ Winter Coat & Food Drive for Project Hope ❄️

Spread the love this season by participating in our Winter Clothing & Food Drive! We’re thrilled to partner with Project Hope to help our community stay warm and fed this winter. 🧥🍽️

📅 When: Now through First Friday, December 6th
📍 Drop Locations:

  • Petshop Gallery

  • Trudy's

  • Star Deli

  • Sydney

Items of Need Include:

  • Food: Cereal, canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, cooking oil, coffee, and more!

  • Household and Personal Care Items: Dish soap, laundry soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, deodorant, and more!

  • Baby and Paper Products: Diapers, wipes, toilet paper, and facial tissues

  • Clothing: Winter coats and clothing for all ages

All donations will be delivered to Project Hope on December 10th. 

🎨 DIY Snowglobe Workshop at Trudy’s 🎨

Round off our holiday events with some hands-on fun at our DIY Snowglobe Workshop!

📅 Date: Friday, December 6th
📍 Location: Trudy’s, 2814 N 60th Street
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Come create your own winter wonderland in a jar! This workshop is open to all ages and all supplies are provided ❄️✨

First Friday Programming

BFF sponsors programming in the neighborhood including youth engagement, hands-on education, digital projections, on-street Artist Markets, street closures, and special annual events like PRIDE (June) and the New American Arts Festival (August) which showcases local refugee and immigrant arts and cultures. Check out the programs of First Friday below!

Artists Markets

BFF Artist Markets run on First Fridays monthly May - September (6 - 10 pm), located on Military Ave (North Market) and 62nd St (South Market) along Maple Street.

Youth and Education

Youth programming encompasses a variety of activities, from art classes held at Trudy's to exhibitions, public art installations, and zine publishing centered around emerging artists and teenagers.

Petshop Gallery

Taking over what was a defunct exotic pet store, Petshop was founded as a studio & gallery space in June 2012. This space is now a shared creative space in Benson with galleries, studios, offices, and event space.

Past Photo Galleries

Check out our Facebook to view photo galleries from past events!

Artist Opportunities

Find information about exhibition opportunities and special calls for artists.

Design a Poster

Design a poster for the next First Friday event!  We are now accepting submissions for First Friday posters! All selected poster artists receive a Blick Art Materials GIFT CARD!

BFF’s Safety Pledge

BFF Omaha's "Safety First Friday" states that your establishment will encourage, expect, and strive to maintain a safe environment, with a zero tolerance policy towards harassment and assault.

If visitors feel unsafe at any time while in your establishment, staff or someone of authority will promptly take steps to address the situation, or if necessary remove the person(s) responsible and/or notify the proper authorities.

Keep and Eye Out for our Safety First Friday buttons worn by BFF volunteers and decals in business windows. In the event you need help, look out for the Triangle Safety First Friday BooButt Badge or First Friday Safety Pledge. This person and/or business will be able to help!

First Friday Archives

Check out the past First Friday events!

Featured
October 4th First Friday
Oct 4
October 4th First Friday

🎃 Oh My Gourd?! It’s First Friday! 🎃

Don't let October catch you off guard! Here's what's in store for this First Friday in the Benson Creative District

🌟 Friend of BFF Membership Drive

There’s no better BFF than a Friend of BFF! Join us at the Friend of BFF Happy Hour at The Sydney and make it official! Sign up in person and score FREE BFF swag! Plus, enjoy exclusive First Friday PERKS and snag FREE tickets to the 2024 BFF Fur Ball and Art Auction! 🎟️

🎶 Omaha Symphony at the BFF Artist Market

The Omaha Symphony Ensemble will be playing a FREE concert outside the BFF Artist Market! Join the serenade at 8 PM outside Mercer Masonic Temple. 🎻✨

👩‍🎨 Trudy at Trudy’s!

Come meet the namesake, Trudy Swanson, at Trudy’s for a FREE clay workshop! Learn something new every First Friday with these creative workshops! 🏺✨

🗳️ Get Out the Vote!

Election day is November 5th—are you registered? Don’t worry, you’ll see reminders all around First Friday. Make your plan to vote today! ✅

FERAL FRIENDS
Sep 6
FERAL FRIENDS

"Feral Friends," curated by Kim Darling and Alex Jochim at Omaha's fabulous Petshop Gallery, showcases works by over 40 national and international artists and explores the untamed bonds connecting us to the wild world, focusing on the feral nature of dogs.

Synthetic Synesthesia
Sep 6
Synthetic Synesthesia

Step into a world where art transcends the visual and evokes the senses in unexpected ways. Synthetic Synesthesia brings together the work of 11 local artists inspired by the nostalgic magic of scratch 'n' sniff stickers.

September 6th FURst Friday
Sep 6
September 6th FURst Friday

𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬
Benson has gone to the dogs! This FURst Friday, we're celebrating our Best Furry Friends with The Byrd Bath! Bring your best pooch down to the Benson Creative District for a doggie day out!

Pop-up Dog Park with Beer Paws

Benson Pet Parade: Meet at 7:20 PM outside the Benson Community Center; depart at 7:30 PM

Feral Friends opening reception at PETSHOP with Muddy Paws Rescue

FURst Friday at Nebraska AIDS Project with pet treats and bandana decorating
Featured pet-friendly establishments on the First Friday map