![A group of people at a party](https://www.icaboston.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/First-Friday_LaurenMiller-254.jpg)
Photo by Lauren Miller
Get ready for a night of smooth vibes, classic hits, and soul-stirring rhythms from Silk—named Boston’s Best Music Night of 2023. Enjoy contemporary art, creative cocktails, electric vibes, and more in the last First Friday of the year.
*While supplies last
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. University members are not eligible for free admission to this event. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9:30 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Cozy up in your comfiest autumn sweater and fall in love with the talented artists—musicians, dancers, visual artists, and more—that call Boston home. Plus, sip drinks, show off your moves on the dance floor, meet WBUR’s new cohort of The Makers, and get inspired by contemporary art.
*While supplies last
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. University members are not eligible for free admission to this event. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9:30 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Turn up the volume and get ready to roll at an electrifying evening of music live music by sidebody, dancing with DJ evaredy, art, drinks, and more. Rock your rockiest ‘fit—from grunge, to punk, to metal, to…Elvis —and make a Badass Cross Stitch with artist Shannon Downey. Rock on!
*While supplies last
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. University members are not eligible for free admission to this event. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9:30 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Revel in the elements in our last outdoor First Fridays of the season. Wear your atmospheric ensemble (reds, blues, or earth tones encouraged) for a night of art, drinks, live music from Mint Green, waterfront views, and (ba-dee-ya) dancing in September with DJs Towfu and Mozes. Plus, create your own wind catcher and very down-to-earth pet rock.
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
ICA First Fridays presented by Chase
Nonmember tickets have sold out.
Wear your summer whites for the latest edition of our iconic sunset party on the waterfront. Enjoy seaside dancing, refreshing cocktails, and contemporary art with a view.
DJ Frank White | 5:30–9:30 PM
Putnam Investments Plaza, Outside
Collage your Ultimate Summer | 5:30–9 PM
Bank of America Art Lab, 1st Floor
White Hot Photo Booth | 5:30–9:30 PM
Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, Second Floor
ICA Store | 5:30–7 PM
First Floor
ICA Galleries | 5:30–9 PM
Fourth Floor, Food + Drink Not Permitted
Sips + Snacks | 5:30–9 PM
Bars on First + Second Floor; Food on First Floor
Specialty cocktail: white sangria
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Nonmember tickets have sold out but free member tickets are still available. Join now!
Dress to impress and strut to First Fridays: Fashion Fête. We’re celebrating our 10th year of partnership with Boston Caribbean Fashion Week! CooI off with a seaside sip, dancing, and fashion. Plus, explore the ICA galleries on this night to remember.
DJ Garry White | 5:30–9:30 PM
Putnam Investments Plaza, Outside
Dance the night away to hypnotic beats by DJ Garry White.
Dis n Dat | 6 + 7 PM
Putnam Investments Plaza, Outside
Move to the rhythm of Dis n Dat while soaking up the summer sunset.
Fashion Installation | 5:45–7:30 PM
Grandsatand, Outside
See the exquisite designs of Heily Rivas Perdomo, a talented custom clothing designer who blends artistry and craftsmanship to bring style visions to life.
Carnival Fashion Presentation | 8 PM
Putnam Investments Plaza + Grandstand, Outside
Experience the vibrant spirit of Caribbean Carnival with our dazzling parade featuring mokie jumbies (stilt walkers), Carnival costumes by D’Horizon, and folklore costumes by Wendy Matthews.
The Procession Inspired Wearable Art | 5:30–9 PM
Create your own ornately adorned wearable art, inspired by the figurative sculptures of The Procession.
ICA Store | 5:30–7 PM
First Floor
Shop the hottest, offbeat finds! All purchases at the ICA Store or icastore.org help support exhibitions and programming at the museum.
ICA Galleries | 5:30–9 PM
Fourth Floor, Food + Drink Not Permitted
Explore the galleries! See exhibitions Firelei Báez, Wordplay, Igshaan Adams, and Wu Tsang: Of Whales.
Sips + Snacks | 5:30–9 PM
Bars on First + Second Floor; Food on First Floor
Enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious snacks for sale.
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Nonmember tickets have sold out but free member tickets are still available. Join now!
Kick off Pride month, summer, and the return of outdoor First Fridays with seaside drinks, contemporary art, and a dance party to sets by local DJs from Boston’s queer underground house and techno party Boudoir.
Sun Stage | 5:30–9:30 PM
State Street Corporation Lobby, First Floor
Soak up Ms. Mango’s and Adam Unknown’s ecstatic sunbeam rhythms as you dance the night away.
Moon Stage | 5:30–9:30 PM
Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, Second Floor
Sway to Mx. Blaire and Math3ca as they cast their hypnotic lunar beats on the Moon Stage.
Drag Performances | 8 PM
Putnam Investments Plaza, Outside
Woven into the DJ sets, Boston drag queens Lilly Rose Valore and Kurt Fowl will put on a show you won’t want to miss!
Day + Night Self Portraits | 5:30–9 PM
Bank of America Art Lab, First Floor
Explore the contrasting aspects of your identity through this two-sided self-portrait!
ICA Store | 5:30–7 PM
First Floor
Shop the hottest, offbeat finds! All purchases at the ICA Store or icastore.org help support exhibitions and programming at the museum.
ICA Galleries | 5:30–9 PM
Fourth Floor, Food + Drink Not Permitted
Explore the galleries! See exhibitions Firelei Báez, Wordplay, Igshaan Adams, and Wu Tsang: Of Whales.
Sips + Snacks | 5:30–9 PM
Bars on First + Second Floor; Food on First Floor
Enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious snacks for sale.
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
First Fridays: Bold with Boudoir in partnership with
Nonmember tickets have sold out but free member tickets are still available. Join now!
Calling the young at heart (21+). Dress to impress and get ready to party like it’s (insert year you graduated high school). This retro-glam gala will feature drinks, dancing, art and more! Grab your besties and hop into your limo—you may be crowned prom regent.
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
DJ Baby Indiglo | 6–10 PM
State Street Corporation Lobby, First Floor
DJ Baby Indiglo will have the dance floor popping with an electrifying mix of hits that’ll keep the party going all night long.
Performances by Notebook P | 7 + 8 PM
Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, Second Floor
Bask in the soulful melodies of singer/songwriter Notebook P, whose R&B stylings infused with anime references and tales of love, life, and loss will whisk you back to those heartfelt high school days.
Crown Royalty | 6–9 PM
State Street Corporation Lobby, First Floor
Craft a personalized crown fit for prom royalty that’ll make you shine brighter than the disco ball.
Prom Photo Booths | 6–10PM
Bank of America Art Lab, First Floor + Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, Second Floor
Strike a pose with your crew and immortalize those priceless prom memories.
ICA Store | 6–7 PM
First Floor
Shop the the hottest, offbeat finds! All purchases at the ICA Store or icastore.org help support exhibitions and programming at the museum.
ICA Galleries | 6–9 PM
Fourth Floor, Food + Drink Not Permitted
Explore the galleries and see our newest exhibitions Firelei Báez, Wordplay, Igshaan Adams, and Wu Tsang: Of Whales.
Sips + Snacks | 6–9:30 PM
Bars on First + Second Floor; Food on First Floor
Fuel up to dance the night away with classic diner bites.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. University members are not eligible for free admission to this event. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9:30 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
ICA First Fridays: Prom Night is sponsored by JNG Event Consulting.
Nonmember tickets have sold out but free member tickets are still available. Join now!
Dive into an underwater extravaganza featuring art, drinks, music, and dancing with oceanside views. Step onto the seafloor in Firelei Báez’s brand new grotto-like installations and Wu Tsang’s Moby Dick-inspired immersive sound and video artwork Of Whales. Grab your aquatic attire (don’t be salty) and belt karaoke with The Teachers’ Lounge and Boston While Black. Sea you there!
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
DJ Paul Yvng | 6–10 PM
State Street Corporation Lobby, First Floor
Ride the tidal groove with DJ Paul Yvng as they spin hypnotic deep sea beats!
Karaoke with DJ Owtlaw | 7–9 PM
Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, Second Floor
Channel your inner siren with DJ Owtlaw and sing along to hits under the shimmering lights.
Mapping your Identity | 6–9 PM
State Street Corporation Lobby, First Floor
Reflect on how your personal background and culture has shaped your experiences in Greater Boston with a collage activity inspired by Firelei Báez.
Pop Up Talks | 7 + 8 PM
Fourth Floor, Bridgitt and Bruce Evans and Karen and Brian Conway Galleries
Join Boston While Black, The Teacher’s Lounge, and ICA Curatorial Assistant, Tessa Bachi Haas, for a conversation about two works presented in Firelei Báez.
ICA Store | 6–7 PM
First Floor
Shop the hottest, offbeat finds! All purchases at the ICA Store or icastore.org help support exhibitions and programming at the museum.
ICA Galleries | 6–9 PM
Fourth Floor, Food + Drink Not Permitted
Explore the galleries and see our newest exhibitions Firelei Báez, Wordplay, Igshaan Adams, and Wu Tsang: Of Whales.
Sips + Snacks | 6–9:30 PM
Bars on First + Second Floor; Food on First Floor
Enjoy ocean-inspired light bites and drinks for sale.
Boston While Black is a membership network founded by Sheena Collier for Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and students who are seeking connection and community. Through their digital platform and in-person and virtual programming, they provide an authentic opportunity to members who are seeking access to culturally-relevant experiences, information and resources to navigate the city. Since its inception in July 2020, we have grown from a cohort of 100 founding members to a thriving membership of over 1,000! They remain committed to shaping a city where Black people want to live and work because they have access to the spaces, tools, and relationships to find their tribe, grow their network, navigate the city, and have fun!
The Teachers’ Lounge is an education-based nonprofit organization seeking to drive unprecedented student outcomes by greatly diversifying the people, thoughts, and actions of the educational workforce in the Greater Boston Area and beyond. In efforts to recruit, revitalize, and retain Educators of Color, The Teachers’ Lounge develops and implements innovative solutions for building more diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and professional environments for all stakeholders. Our areas of focus include community cultivation, learning and development, sustainability and growth, and representative research. The Teachers’ Lounge intentionally works at the intersection of individual, school-based, and gover.
*Subject to availability. Doors close at 9:30 PM.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. University members are not eligible for free admission to this event. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9:30 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
First Fridays: Under the Sea is created in partnership with Boston While Black and the Teachers’ Lounge.
Nonmember tickets have SOLD OUT.
Step into the jazz age for an evening of live music, contemporary art, improv-inspired artmaking, classy cocktails and more! Dress in your swankiest style—it’s gonna be the cat’s meow.
If your company is a corporate member or sponsor, you may receive additional First Friday benefits. Please contact corporatepartners@icaboston.org for more information.
DJ Knife | 6-10 PM
Theater, Second Floor
Bop to lo-fi beats in “The Lounge” with DJ Knife!
Leland Baker Trio | 6:30 + 8 PM
First Floor
Swing to live jazz performances from the Leland Baker Trio!
Paperclip Symphony | 6-10 PM
Theater, Second Floor
Make instruments out of paperclip art!
ICA Store | 6–7 PM
First Floor
Jazz up your night with some shopping! All purchases at the ICA Store or icastore.org help support exhibitions and programming at the museum.
ICA Galleries | 6–9 PM
Fourth Floor, Food + Drink Not Permitted
Explore the galleries, including recently opened Wordplay, and visit Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today one last time before it closes this month!
Sips + Snacks | 6–9 PM
Bars on First + Second Floor + Food on First Floor
Sip mulled wine, our specialty cocktail, and enjoy Parisienne-inspired bites!
*Subject to availability. Doors close at 9:30 PM.
This 21+ event does sell out; advance tickets are highly recommended. $3 fee applies and is waived for ICA members. Discounted rates are available for packages of 10 or more. University members are not eligible for free admission to this event. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@icaboston.org or 617-478-3100 during open hours for more information. The museum will not be open to visitors outside of the First Fridays event. Discounts, promotions, and admission vouchers do not apply toward First Fridays admission. The ICA store will close at 7 PM. Galleries close at 9 PM. Bars, Art Lab, doors close at 9:30 PM. Re-entry permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase at our cashless bars—we accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.