First Fridays Ypsilanti

Mission: To cultivate a vibrant community connecting the arts and local businesses.

First Fridays Ypsilanti is a grassroots arts and culture initiative founded in 2013 to connect local artists, businesses, and the broader community. As artists, volunteers, and community advocates, we believe in the power of creativity to engage, enrich, and unify Ypsilanti.

We host and promote a monthly, self-guided art and culture walk on the first Friday of each month (April–December), featuring up to 40 local venues with free art exhibits, live music, performances, and tastings. In addition to our monthly events, we organize two signature festivals—Ypsi Pride and the Festival of the Honey Bee—to celebrate inclusion, local talent, and the spirit of Ypsilanti. Through these efforts, we support small businesses, amplify local artists, and help build a vibrant, connected downtown.