First Friday presented by Fulton Bank

May 1–December 4
2026
Location: Cherry Street Pier
Time: 4 pm to 9 pm

Join us on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, artist studio tours, markets, and stunning views of the Delaware River.

All exhibitions and events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.  First Friday dates:  March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, and December 4.


Review the September Schedule:

Opening: Termite TV’s and PhillyCAM’s Collaborative Film + Exhibition: “Mending”
Explore what it means to heal, repair, and reconnect through Mending, a multimedia exhibition at Cherry Street Pier featuring work by 21 media artists from Termite TV and PhillyCAM.

20/20 Photo Festival at Cherry Street Pier
The 20/20 Photo Festival brings together photographers, curators, publishers, and the public to celebrate the breadth of contemporary photography through free, accessible public programming, including a photo book fair and exhibitions at Cherry Street Pier.

The Ben Franklin Bridge at 100: Photographs by James B. Abbott
Spanning more than four decades of Abbott’s work (1982–2023), the exhibition features photographs from four distinct bodies of work documenting the Ben Franklin Bridge and its evolving urban landscape. Beginning with images captured in the 1980s, visitors will see how the neighborhoods surrounding the bridge transformed over time.

Paul Ramírez Jonas’ Let Freedom Ring
Let Freedom Ring
is a monumental interactive artwork and part of Where Freedom Flows: A Public Art Series on the Delaware River Waterfront, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The installation features a bell tower that plays “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” stopping just before the final note, inviting visitors to ring the 600-pound bell themselves and share what freedom means to them in a powerful expression of hope, justice, and unity. On display through September 27.

Sistah Soul Series, 6 pm to 9 pm
Presented by Shekhinah B. of  The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, this free live music event brings together vocalists, poets, instrumentalists, and DJs for a night of R&B, jazz, soul, and improvisation under the magic of the Pier lights.

Artist and Artisans Market, 4 pm – 9 pm
Support local artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs at the Artist and Artisans Market at Cherry Street Pier. Pick up one-of-a-kind finds at the Pier while you stroll our marketplace and enjoy stunning views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River.

Ticketed: Art Workshop, First Fridays, 7 pm – 9 pm
Join resident artist Amy Kelly (Studio 8) for a fun art workshop, learn a new skill, and then create your very own masterpiece. Contact Amy at 47earrings@gmail.com. The class is held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.—registration is required.

Open Studios
You can also see the Pier’s resident artists at work in their studios and purchase original artwork.

Concessions
Enjoy bites and sips from our local food vendors.

What to Know Before You Go:
Parking on-site will be limited due to construction on the I-95 CAP. However, there are many great ways to access the Waterfront, including walking and biking along the Delaware River Trail, rideshare, and public transit. To ensure a seamless visit, guests can visit the Know Before You Go guide for parking recommendations, directions, FAQs, and more.