If you’re one of those people that say there’s nothing to do in Indianapolis or maybe you just do the same thing every weekend over and over like the movie Groundhog Day, this post is for you.

First Fridays in Indianapolis are evenings filled with art, music, culture, drinking, dancing, friends, new people, new experiences and discovery. Mass Ave and Fountain Square are turned into areas full of art exhibits and local culture. If you haven’t been to a First Friday, I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and go.

I was introduced to First Fridays about nine years ago when I lived in Arizona. I had a friend who took me to a First Friday in Phoenix, and boy did it open my eyes. People had exhibits in their houses, galleries, bars, garages, studios…anywhere that was in the area. We parked the car and started to walk around. Some of the streets were even blocked off for this huge celebration of local art. You would see bands playing in garages, homes opened up to the public and large galleries packed with people drinking and discussing all of the work around them.

It was incredible.

I was a freshman or sophomore in college at the time, and I had never seen anything like it. It was one of the first real experiences I had in college that showed me the world outside of my tiny box. I loved it.

So on the first Friday of every month, Indianapolis has its own celebration of the arts. If you haven’t been and need a little bit of direction, let me guide you! Even if you have been, here’s some exhibits that will be happening tomorrow that are worth checking out…plus a little bit of partying afterwards.

• Amory Abbott, Ways To Be A Mountain Opening Reception (6 pm at Primary Gallery at the Murphy Building): This solo exhibition features the art of Amory Abbott, who also happens to be a popular tattoo artist in Indy. His paintings are personal expressions of emotions and spiritual growth. 
• LOVE Exhibit Opening (6 pm at Indy Indie Artist Colony): “Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden.” Come see how over 12 artists interpret love, along with a duo performing a choreographed piece made specifically for this exhibit.
• Free Energy with Ami Saraiya and The Outcome (Doors at 6 pm, music starts at 8 pm at the Do317 Lounge): This PBR Lounge Session is a free concert for all ages. Free Energy is a quintet that comes from Minneapolis to rock the Do317 stage along with Ami Saraiya and her band, The Outcome. What could be better than a free concert?
• Punked, Yesterday’s Tomorrows (7 pm at New Day Meadery): This exhibit is where the past’s visions of the future meet and will feature fine craft and art interpretations of the Steampunk movement.
• Double Vision, Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie (6 pm at iMOCA): Renown photographic artist Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie works with a collection of the Great Plains Art Museum photographs and digital technologies to transform vintage photographs into a series of new works. This exhibit will be truly amazing and inspiring.
• Cultural Cannibals presents Bollywood Bhangra (11 pm at Social): DJ Kyle Long spins the best Indian dance music all night at this fun and entertaining monthly party. Get out of the box and see what all the fuss is about at Indy’s newest club downtown.
• First Fridays at Forty Five Degrees (10 pm at Forty Five Degrees): DJ Helicon and Gabby Love keep the First Friday party going until 3 am with the best dance music on Mass Ave. Grab a martini or maybe even some sushi and hang out all night long.
• The Problem with Men (7:30 pm at SpaceCamp Gallery in the Murphy Building): A solo exhibition of photographs by Justin Clifford Rhody (contributor to VICE) of works from 2010-2012 from all over the world.
• People for Urban Progress (7 pm at the Murphy Building, PUP space): Learn about PUP projects slated for 2013 or grab a 317 shirt that is now available in new colors. Also, PUP is introducing the Dome Duffle Bag with a mesh Super Bowl banner lining.

Get out and explore what Indianapolis has to offer on First Fridays. You won’t regret it.