I started going to First Fridays my freshman year at Temple mainly because it was a fun way to explore one of Philly’s historic neighborhoods on a student budget. On the first Friday of each month, Old City’s art galleries open their doors to give guests a look at their latest exhibitions and many offer them complimentary snacks and beverages—some even serve wine and beer for the 21+ set. I used to work at the Painted Bride Art Center, which is in a blue building with mosaic installed by Isaiah Zagar. Another favorite of mine is the Temple Gallery, which showcases student work in the spring.

You don’t have to be an art lover to enjoy it though. North of Market Street, 2nd and 3rd Streets are awash with wanderers and street performers from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Once I got a free dill pickle on a stick as an edible advertisement for Viv Pickle custom-designed handbags!

Another favorite boutique of mine is J. Karma, where I got my third pair of purple boots in as many years (I admit purple footwear has become a bit of an obsession for me). Of course, in this economy, I’d be more likely to grab a slice at Gianfranco Pizza Rustica (the or a Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale at Sugar Mom’s than go shopping. Or maybe get some yummy sautéed pumpkin and kabobs at one of two the Afghani BYOBs on Chestnut Street, Kabul and Ariana.

Galleries in the Main Line suburbs have jumped on the bandwagon and made it a real family affair. The villages of Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford host a variety of First Friday Main Line events in addition to gallery openings, like outdoor live music performances and dining discounts. If your feet get tired during your stroll, just hop on the free First Friday Trolley that runs along Lancaster Avenue from 5:00 to 10:00 PM!