October First Friday

SPOOKY FIRST FRIDAY!

At the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street:

5–7pm First Friday Costume Sale & Creative Workshop
The Waterville Opera House is clearing out its costume closet, and you’re invited to shop their treasures! Costumes are pay-what-you-can, with all proceeds benefiting YAAF.

At the same time, the Colby Museum of Art is sharing a bounty of free art supplies—perfect for personalizing your finds or making something entirely new. Add gems to a jacket, craft a cool mask, or design a spooky mask. Come ready to create!

5-7pm Braiding Circle with Veronica Perez, to reserve a spot, click here.

Come braid and share experiences about identity, hair and race! Join Veronica A. Perez in a braiding circle to connect and share with others. Perez’s work focuses on identity, experience, and existence. This workshop will guide participants in braiding a three strand braid, while discussing lived experiences of identity.

In addition to the workshop, participants are invited to have their personal stories recorded and encapsulated in an ongoing sculpture series by Veronica Perez which will be on view at the Ticonic Gallery in 2026.

6:30pm Maine Craft Weekend Movie: A Handmade Life at Maine Film Center

A documentary about ten artists from the greater New Hampshire area each working in different mediums. The film dives into each artists’ creative processes and lives, showcasing the value of craft, design, and local community. Their stories demonstrate the importance and viability of making a life as an artist and impart inspiration to continue these crafts and traditions for generations to come. Click here for tickets!

8pm Robert Cray Band at the Opera House

Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Robert Cray is all these things – and more. The Georgia- born, Washington-raised musician first picked up a guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV then, having witnessed Jimi Hendrix perform in Seattle, determined that his destiny would also follow a similar path. And so he has: across the past half century Robert Cray’s developed into one of American music’s most singular artists. For tickets, click here. 

All Day: Half off all concessions (except alcohol) at the Maine Film Center.

At Greene Block +Studios, 18 Main St:

6:00– 7:30pm
Free Colby Arts Jazz Concert Series: Virginia MacDonald Quartet
Juno Award-winning clarinetist Virginia MacDonald has established herself as a rising star of her generation. Known for her lyrical and soulful clarinet playing, she is also a highly in-demand bandleader, sidewoman, and composer. Virginia has performed at jazz festivals globally including performances at the Detroit and Montreal Jazz Festivals, and has performed abroad India, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, and the UK! Don’t miss her incredible music!

What are First Fridays?

First Fridays celebrate the vibrant creativity in Waterville through a wide array of arts experiences. On the first Friday of every month, visit downtown Waterville to meet artists, see performances, listen to live music, eat delicious food, shop at local businesses, enjoy the arts, and come together as a community.