A great Friday evening option for getting out and mingling. It's Binghamton's liveliest night, not counting the drunken students. Depending upon the weather, the crowds can thick. Sunshine and pleasant temps get the masses out and about. It all takes place downtown in Binghamton, spanning a number of blocks. Dozens of shops stay open late to accompany dozens of galleries for their monthly night of glory. You'll also find live music and dance performances. We have some truly excellent talent in this town. For instance, Anthony Brunelli and Orazio Salati are quite well known and respected in the art world. Their studios also feature the works of other very talented artists, some are local and others are imported from NYC galleries. Many galleries also feature local students' work. There is a little bit of something for everyone! The Van Zandbergen's new studio at the train station features beautiful photography. It's a nice way to spend a night out in Binghamton, grab a bite to eat or a drink at one of the many great downtown restaurants with friends. read more

First Fridays February vs First Fridays July. I'm all about the smackdown challenges and this one's going to be a bloodbath. No contest here. A little backstory. First Fridays is a monthly arts event taking place on (you guessed it) the first Friday of every month. There are about 36 gallery locations throughout downtown Binghamton that open their doors and feature all sorts of artwork. The concept is great and I fully support it. It's been a major force in the revitalization of downtown, a process that is still underway but making great progress. So let's introduce our first Challenger - First Friday February. This was my 1st First Friday. The night was cold. It was fully dark at 6:00pm (when the festivities start), and we weren't sure where all the venues were. My wife and I ventured out into the deserted streets of downtown Binghamton, determined to find some art. At 6:10pm, nothing seemed to be happening on Washington Street, the advertised epicenter. We traveled over to State Street and found some 2nd Floor galleries and a smallish crowd mingling. The art wasn't steller and the mood seemed somber, rather than celebratory and fun. We walked away from the evening discouraged and dissapointed. Fast forward to First Fridays July. Totally different story. It was warm, sunny (what a difference weather makes). Tons of people were out on the streets. We wandered up State Street (two blocks up from main) and found a great concentration of galleries. Some of the art was very enjoyable. There was plentiful food and wine. We also found Binghamton's new art theater "The Art Mission", which I am excited about and will be writing a review of shortly. So First Fridays is a very enjoyable event. I highly recommend it. Now in our smackdown challenge, who is the victor? No contest, I assure you. The event is much better and more populated during the summer months (no surprise). With many gallery shows, sometimes the crowds seem more interested in the free food/wine and people watching than the art itself, but that goes with the territory. So definitely check out First Fridays and support your local artists. read more

I went to Binghamton's First Friday for November 2010. There were very high quality performances and artwork and it was overall a fun and culturally enhancing event. For a full review check out my blog at: binghamtonbucketlist.blogspot.com read more