The First Friday Cortez event returns on Friday, May 2, inviting the community to celebrate art, culture, shopping and dining in downtown Cortez. The monthly event, which is sponsored by the Cortez Retail Enhancement Association, features a lineup of activities, including gallery exhibitions, live music and self-guided tours, highlighting the vibrant creative scene in Cortez.
Zu Gallery will host an evening of art, wine and live piano music by local musician Josie Loner from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., complete complimentary wine tastings. Turquoise Raven Art Gallery will showcase original watercolors by Sarah Drummond, available for purchase from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“First Friday is a cultural and community event held on the first Friday of each month in many cities and towns across the United States. These events typically involve art galleries, museums and other cultural venues staying open later than usual, often with special exhibitions, activities and sometimes refreshments,” Jodi Jahrling, owner of Zu Gallery, said. “They're designed to bring communities together, support local arts and create a regular cultural event that residents can look forward to. The main purpose is to make art and culture accessible to the community.”
WildEdge Brewing Collective will feature live music by Durango-based solo acoustic artist Shane Finn from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Entrance into the performance is $3 to “support local artists,” and the Cortez Cultural Center will hold an artist reception for its Avian Art Exhibit from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will include free appetizers and a cash bar.
Visitors can explore Cortez’s murals, which are a collection of artworks reflecting the city’s history and “vibrant community spirit,” dating back to the 1970s. Brochures with more information about these murals can be found at the Colorado Welcome Center or online. The Montezuma Heritage Museum will be extending their hours until 6:30 p.m. for this First Fridays event, featuring historical exhibits and short films for Historic Preservation Month.
Notah Dineh Trading Co. Museum will also be participating and will remain open until 5:30 p.m. Notah Dineh will display historic American Indian art and artifacts, including Navajo rugs and regional pottery. This event is free to the public.
Additional highlights from CREA include the Cortez Historic Cortez Coloring Book, which is available for $5 at the Montezuma Heritage Museum and Cortez Cultural Center, and a logo design contest by the City of Cortez. This design competition will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Colorado’s 150th statehood anniversary and Cortez’s 140th platting anniversary, all set to take place in 2026. Contest details are available online.
“The idea of First Fridays was originally brought to Cortez by a previous director of the Cortez Cultural Center, tying their Market on Market event in their plaza on First Fridays,” AJ Dillon, executive director of CREA, told The Journal. “ZU Gallery and CREA joined forces to support the concept and First Friday Cortez was developed all around town. The goal is to continue to grow it each year, hopefully next year with more support and involvement of the CPAAC, Cortez Public Arts Advisory Committee.”
Local dining and shopping options, including showtimes at Fiesta Twin – Allen Theatres, round out the evening’s offerings. Additional information can be found online by visiting www.shopcortez.com/first-friday-cortez.
