Benson First Friday: May 1st

Benson First Friday: Openings & Events
Friday, May 1, 2026
Benson Creative District

May First Friday is blooming across Benson with a full night of art, music, markets, and community events throughout the district.

This month features the return of the BFF Summer Artist Markets, the kickoff of the Summer of PETFEST, a May Day celebration with Giant Joy Collective, the Mayday! Mayday! Fight the Patriarchy! concert at Benson Theatre, and so much more!

Come early, stay late, and explore what’s happening from Maple Street to Military Ave.

Featured May First Friday highlights include:

 BFF Summer Artist Markets
6–10PM
Military & Maple and 62nd & Maple
100+ artist vendors, community partners, live music, and more

 PETSHOP
6–10PM
2725–29 N. 62nd St
Summer of PETFEST Vol. 1 in the backlot with Daja Adore Devoux, Dead Poets, Hair Person, and Vempire

 Giant Joy Collective presents: May Day Celebration of Spring, Community, and New Beginnings
Petshop
Puppet show with Cheeky Rabbit, community puppet co., and more

 Benson Theatre
5PM–12AM
6054 Maple St
Mayday! Mayday! Fight the Patriarchy! with live music, comedy, and performances throughout the evening

 BFF Gallery
6–10PM
5901 Maple St
(Self)Portrait — works by Alayna Kutska

 Benson High School
3:15–5PM
6054 Maple St
Senior Art Show + The Carrot Release

 Central Skate Shop
6–10PM
2905 N. 59th St
The Good Times Are Killing Me — a photo show by Liam Beal
8:30PM — SHAG presents DIY@NITE

Find the full Benson First Friday listing, ways to support, and Friend of BFF details at:
bensoncreativedistrict.org/firstfriday