Fabulous (Free) Firsts

Sometimes, the best things in Jersey are free. Here are three towns that offer an evening of art and entertainment once a month at everybody’s favorite price tag.

Rahway: Vassily Primakov performs at the Fazioli unveiling.
Photo by Christina Wilson.

North
In the Union County town of Rahway, local arts come alive the first Thursday of each month with free activities, from gallery exhibits to classical piano concerts. This month, First Thursday will be celebrated on March 3.

March 3 Events:

• Piano concert featuring Kahori Tanaka and Grant Wang. 7 pm, Union County Performing Arts Center, Fazioli Piano Loft; 1601 Irving St
• Closing party for the “Close Encounters” exhibit, featuring War of the Worlds radio broadcast. 7 pm, Arts Guild New Jersey; 1670 Irving St.
• Classic films presented in 16 millimeter, Union County Performing Arts Center, Main Theatre; 1601 Irving St.
• Teen Arts Showcase. 6 pm, Union County Performing Arts Center, Lobby; 1601 Irving St.

Central
Virtually every business in downtown Asbury Park participates in First Saturday, a showcase of the famed Shore town’s arts and entertainment attractions. The monthly celebration includes free garage parking and free trolley service around downtown and to the Boardwalk shops and restaurants.

Participating Venues:

• Heaven & Art Antiques; 721 Cookman Ave.
• Hotel Tides Gallery and Lounge; 408 7th Ave.
• Parlor Gallery, 717 Cookman Ave.
• Twisted Tree Café; 609 Cookman Ave.
On March 5, register your visit at the locations below to win a prize. Drawings take place every hour from 6 to 9 pm. Each location hosts a celebration with a special prize.
• Trinity and the Pope Restaurant; 649 Mattison Ave.
• Flying Saucers; 658 Cookman Ave.
• Robert Legere Design Center; 513 Cookman Ave.
• The ShowRoom; 708 Cookman Ave.

South
In Cape May, six galleries participate each month in the Second Sunday celebration of the local art community. Browse, chat and enjoy refreshments as you stroll from gallery to gallery along the streets of Victorian Cape May. Representatives from the galleries are present to assist with information about the artists and their works. Walking maps are available at each venue. Start at the Cape May Artists Cooperative Gallery, where the parking is free, and conclude at the Mad Batter Restaurant, where there is a happy hour from 4 to 6 pm and a 15 percent discount on dinner.

Participating Galleries:

• Cape May Artists Cooperative Gallery; 484 Perry St.
• SOMA NewArt Gallery; 31 Perry St.
• Spirit Catcher Photography; 31 Perry St #2.
• Splash; 513 Carpenter Lane.
• Gail Pierson Gallery; 658 Washington St.
• Mad Batter Restaurant; 19 Jackson St.

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