First Friday in Boulder Creek: The Monthly Art Walk Downtown

On the first Friday of the month, downtown stays up past its bedtime. Doors that would normally be locked by six stay open until eight, makers set tables out on the sidewalk, and somebody is usually playing somewhere. It runs 5 to 8 p.m., it's free, and it's the closest thing Boulder Creek has to a standing night out.

The 2026 dates

Every one is 5 to 8 p.m. downtown, and each month has a theme:

These come from the Boulder Creek Business Association, which runs the event, and they're on our events calendar too.

What it is

Not a festival, and not a street fair. There's no gate and no ticket. What happens is that the businesses along Central Avenue and Highway 9 open late and put something on: art on the walls, a table of handmade things out front, a musician in a corner of a shop that isn't usually a venue. It's not just the shops, either. Vendor tables run along the sidewalks between them, selling art, candles, succulents, Stumptown shirts, whatever the month brings. Some of those tables belong to kids, selling things they made themselves.

That makes it a walking event. You park once, you go up one side and down the other, and it is compact enough to do properly in two hours with time to stop and talk. The themes give each month a bit of costume and decoration, and in practice they change the mood more than the format.

If you’re new to town, the open shops and sidewalk tables give you places to stop and talk as you walk downtown.

For me, First Friday is equal parts gift shopping and discovery; it's how I learned just how many talented makers live scattered through these mountains, and it's where I stock up on gifts nobody else will be giving. But my favorite memory isn't a gallery. A couple of years ago, one table belonged to a girl of maybe ten, selling books she had written and illustrated entirely on her own, set up with complete confidence among the professionals. We bought a couple as gifts for our nephew, and I still think about her.

Who takes part

Lille Aeske Arthouse is the anchor and, by its own account, was one of the forces behind starting First Friday here. It opens for the evening with the month's art on the walls, and that art hangs for the whole month rather than the one night, so a Saturday or Sunday visit during gallery hours will still catch it.

SWAG has a room with a stage in it, and has booked live music for First Friday evenings. The shop's standing policy on music is that the entire door goes to the musicians.

Stumptown Supply sets up as a vendor. It's an online brand the rest of the month, with one rack downtown, so First Friday is the reliable way to see the shirts in person before you buy.

Boulder Creek Antiques at Mac's Place puts makers out front and keeps the doors open late.

Good Vibes takes part as well.

Wild Lilith stays open for the evening and offers a glass of champagne to anyone of drinking age who stops in for a chat.

Plenty of the other downtown shops are open for it too. The essential shops guide and the downtown guide will tell you what else is on the street.

Practical notes

Parking. Allow time to find a downtown space, especially if you arrive later in the evening. Walking or biking may be an option if you live close by.

Kids. It's an early evening on a sidewalk, so it works fine with children, and the themed months in October and December work particularly well. There's a dedicated Kid Zone behind the sheriff substation, where Robin of Messy Play Kits sets up a booth for kids to play at, and Ms. Beka, who teaches Tiny Tumblers at the recreation district, brings a play setup of her own. With the kids' own tables along the sidewalk as well, a child has a full evening here that has nothing to do with waiting for the grown-ups.

Dinner. Five to eight lands on either side of dinner. See where to eat in Boulder Creek, or make an evening of it with our night out guide.

Weather. Some of it is outdoors. In October and November, bring a layer for when the sun drops behind the ridge, which happens early here.

The seasonal ones

Two months get folded into something larger.

The October First Friday, Spooktacular, opens the town's Halloween stretch. See Halloween in downtown Boulder Creek for the rest of it.

The December First Friday, Ugly Sweater, sits alongside the Winter Festival and the tree lighting. See our holiday events guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is First Friday in Boulder Creek?

The first Friday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m., in downtown Boulder Creek.

Is it free?

Yes. There's no ticket and no gate. You're paying for whatever you decide to buy and nothing else.

Who organizes it?

The Boulder Creek Business Association. Its events page carries the current dates and themes.

What's the next First Friday theme?

As of September 26, the next First Friday is October 2: Spooktacular. November 6 is Giving Thanks, and December 4 is Ugly Sweater. Check the events calendar for updates.

Can I set up a table or sell there?

BCBA doesn't publish a vendor process, though it does ask for volunteers on its events page. Contact BCBA through its site to ask.

Is it good with kids?

Yes. It's early, it's on the sidewalk, and there's a Kid Zone behind the sheriff substation, with Messy Play Kits running a booth and the recreation district's Tiny Tumblers teacher bringing a play setup. Kids sell their own work at tables along the street too. October and December in particular are built for it.

Where do I park?

Downtown, in the usual spots, and earlier is easier. If you're within walking distance, walk.

Participating shops and vendors vary each month. Check our events calendar for the next evening. If a venue or time here is wrong, let us know.