First Fridays Kicks Off May 5th in the Haverhill Riverfront Cultural District!

Haverhill, MA— Creative Haverhill is pleased to announce the kick-off of the new Cultural District initiative, First Fridays! Starting May 5th, and continuing on the first Friday of every month through October, the Cultural District triangle of Washington Street, Railroad Square, and Essex Street will become a destination for art, shopping, dining, and entertainment in Haverhill! Downtown shops and restaurants have agreed to have their doors open from 5pm to 9pm every First Friday, and many will be providing live entertainment, discounts and offers, and other special pop-up activities in their spaces. Even landlords of vacant spaces will have the opportunity to participate later this summer, when local artists will be paired with empty windows to display their artwork in our “Street Art Gallery.” This month, participants can expect to find great opportunities to purchase local art and handmade goods at the Haverhill Art Market Boutique pop-up shop on Wingate Street, and the Ashley Hamilton Photography Exhibit at the Artist Cafe! Also, as part of the inaugural O+ Festival, the May First Fridays festivities will include an artist talk with muralist Brian Canty, and a viewing of the Aids Memorial Quilt on Merrimack Street. Pop into Battle Grounds Coffee Company for the River Bards Poetry Open Mic night, get relaxed at the mini wellness festival at Giving Tree Yoga and Wellness, or join Creative Haverhill’s Jenny Arndt for a guided walking tour of downtown public art! A full listing of events, as well as special offers and promotions from participating businesses can be found at www.firstfridayshaverhill.com First Fridays Mission Statement The mission of First Fridays is to enliven the Riverfront Cultural District, utilizing the creative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial spirits of the business owners of Downtown Haverhill. We will do this by collaborating with local businesses, artists, and performers to create a monthly event that encourages shopping, dining and the arts, and showcases the rejuvenation of Downtown Haverhill. About Creative Haverhill Creative Haverhill supports Haverhill arts and culture, providing experiences and access at the intersection of art, culture, and community and the development of high quality spaces as platforms for community and cultural expression. To broaden Haverhill’s exposure to the arts and enrich community life, Creative Haverhill strives to create new and highlight existing ​cultural experiences, fostering creative expression throughout Haverhill, engaging new audiences and bringing cultural experiences to the Riverfront Cultural District. Contact To learn more about First Fridays, or to find out how you can become involved, please contact Jenny Arndt, Arts & Culture Coordinator 21 Wingate St. Unit 104, Haverhill, MA 01832 Office P: (978) 641-3192 Email: jenny@creativehaverhill.org]]>