Editing First Friday (public event) (section)

"'''First Friday'''" is a name for various public events in some cities (particularly in the [[United States]]) that occur on the first [[Friday]] of every month.

These citywide events may take on many purposes, including art gallery openings, and social and political networking. American cities have promoted such events to bring people to historic areas perceived as dangerous, using the "[[safety in numbers]]" mentality to combat [[urban decay]].  In some cities this monthly event may occur on the first Saturday of each month instead of Friday or on "Third Thursdays".<ref>{{cite web|title=TAG :: Tacoma Art Group - 3rd Thursday Tacoma Art Mingle {{!}} 3rd Thursday Tacoma Art Mingle|url=http://www.tacomaartgroup.org/|website=www.tacomaartgroup.org|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Home|url=http://downtownjoplin.com/|website=Downtown Joplin Alliance|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Third Thursday|url=http://downtownjoplin.com/thirdthursday/|website=Downtown Joplin Alliance|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=3rd Thursday Loop / Events / Home - Toledo|url=http://www.dotoledo.org/Events/3rd-Thursday-Loop3|website=www.dotoledo.org|access-date=17 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118052844/http://www.dotoledo.org/Events/3rd-Thursday-Loop3|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Additionally, these are "see and be seen" events that serve as a [[block party]] or social gathering open to the general public. Some of these events may be centered on political networking by Republicans and Democrats, but usually First Fridays are art and entertainment destinations. They may involve [[pub crawl]]ing, other retail establishments such as cafes and restaurants, and performances by [[fire twirling]] acts, [[jazz music]]ians, [[belly dancing]], street musicians, or others.

"First Fridays" is also a nationally recognized networking event targeting Black professionals held on the first Friday of every month in various cities throughout North America. These events started in 1987 and provide urban professionals an opportunity to socially network, exchange and share ideas on professional, educational, political and social issues.