The merchants of Depot Square and downtown Peterborough will be open late for the first in-person First Friday of the year Friday, April 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. or later.

Merchants include The Apothecary at its new location in Depot Square, where people will receive a free gift with a purchase of $50.

The Greater Keene & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, recently renamed the Greater Monadnock Collaborative: Regional Chamber of Commerce, will hold an open house at 45 Main St., featuring a new art exhibit from photographer Steve Lipofsky. Visitors can meander through the offices and conference room, and light refreshments will be served.

Dogs on Depot in Depot Square just completed a major spring cleaning, and visitors can see the fresh paint and new products.

Meet Crystal Carter, the new owner of Gaia’s Blessing on Summer Street, and check out all the gems.

Local artist Gary Shepard has located his Gary Shepard Art studio and exhibit gallery downtown next to Grove & Main, and people are invited to watch Shepard paint and have a conversation.  

Joseph’s Coat on Grove Street will host live music on First Friday. Visitors to Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop in Depot Square can make free pom-pom chicks with locally made yarn.

Peterborough Town Library will hold an opening reception for “In Conversation: Dominique Caissie & Eva-Lynn Loy,” will be on display until Wednesday, April 26 and feature blown-glass work by Dominique Caissie and acrylic paintings by Eva-Lynn Loy. Both artists will be present to discuss their work. Caissie will do a special presentation on glass-blowing at 6 p.m., and Loy will be offering an opportunity for attendees to create their own piece of artwork inspired by music throughout the evening. 

The new Gallery at MAXT at Vose Farm (across from the high school) will hold an open house featuring  “To Treasure: Explorations in Upcycling,” highlighting seven artists in the Monadnock region. There will be free refreshments, and people can meet the artists and take a tour of MAXT.

At 7:30 p.m., MacDowell Downtown at Bass Hall on Grove Street will feature first-time fellow Aaron Edwards, an interdisciplinary writer and story editor, who will debut audiovisual work from his residency project that explores the intimacy and love within friendship. 

Peterborough Art Academy & Supplies in Depot Square will offer free art projects for children, and attendees can also meet new Toadstool Bookshop owner Emerson Sistare.

Food and drink will be available at Cooper's Hill on School Street, Post & Beam Brewing on Grove Street, Thai Cafe on Grove Street,Twelve Pine on School Street in Depot Square, Vital Provisions on Main Street and Waterhouse Restaurant and Bar in Depot Square

Free parking will be available. For information, visit shoppeterboroughnh.com. To be a part of future First Friday activities, contact Pelagia Vincent at pelagiavincent@earthlink.net. 

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