First Friday October 2026 schedule

Gallery openings, a charity team arts challenge and a late-night lineup of live music headline this month’s downtown walkabout.

Downtown Sarnia welcomes the fall season on Friday, Oct. 2, with another edition of First Friday, the monthly event bringing art, music and performance to the core.

Sarnia Legion Branch 62, 286 Front Street North, hosts live music and dancing with Ruckus from 7:30 to 11 p.m. All are welcome, no cover.

Several restaurants and bars feature live music throughout the evening:

• GRIND kitchen + bar, 265 Front St. N. (doors open around back, free parking on the north ramp): Centrefold, 5 to 8 p.m., on the patio weather permitting
• Bad Dog Sarnia, 229 Christina St. N.: Jackie Aarssen, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• Ups N’ Downs, 226 Front St. N.: Sax, Lies & Audiotape, classic and modern rock with groovy sax riffs, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.
• Tang’s China House, 165 Cromwell St.: live dinner jazz with Wulf, 5 to 8 p.m. Reservations recommended. The restaurant is now open for lunch on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• In the Pocket, 100 Christina St. N.: all-ages open mic hosted by Marlon Pennant, 6 to 9 p.m.
• AJ’s Bar & Music Hall, 143 Christina St. N.: EMO karaoke, 9 p.m. to midnight. The bar is open until 2 a.m.

The Travelling Milburys, billed as the world’s greatest tribute to the Travelling Wilburys, take the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Imperial Theatre, 168 Christina St. N. For details, call 519-344-7469 or visit imperialtheatre.net.

Two galleries open new exhibitions:

• Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery, 147 Lochiel Street: three exhibitions open Oct. 2, with a member opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. They are Breathing Spaces by Colleen Schindler and Grahame Lynch, Homme by Liana Russwurm, and Memento, drawn from the gallery’s permanent collection. Focus: Black & White closes Oct. 10, so this is the last chance to see it. The gallery is open until 9 p.m.
• The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts, 127 Christina St. S.: two exhibitions open from 6 to 9 p.m., the Sarnia Artists Workshop Annual Awards Show and Passages, a solo exhibition by Peg Kivi. John Pilat performs at the piano.

There are also hands-on options for those who want to make something or take part:

• With A Side of Fun, 155 Front Street North: the Arts & Culture Crawl runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. In this all-ages, race-style challenge, teams take part in more than 15 arts and cultural activities unique to the Sarnia community. Registration is required and costs $50 per person or $180 for a team of four. Proceeds support Pathways Health Centre for Children.
• The Painted Cat, 137 Christina St. N.: Spooky Art Cafe, 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can choose from a menu of creepy and creative art projects. Reserve seats at thepaintedcat.ca; walk-ins are welcome. Drinks and treats are available for purchase.
• Therapeutic Arts, 123 Christina Street North: Every Body Belongs, 6 to 9 p.m., an interactive, body positive painting experience celebrating self-love and acceptance. It is free to participate, with free draws and prizes. Learn more at therapeuticarts.ca.
• Sarnia Library, 124 Christina St. S.: Writing Your Life, a writer’s workshop with writer Kate Henderson, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Shops, markets and other venues are also joining in:

• Downtown Market, 140 Christina Street North: open until 9 p.m., showcasing more than 50 local artisans with items from home décor to jewellery plus locally grown flowers. Free samples from Churis Bread Artisanal Bakery. David from Joie de Vintage will be on hand from 5 to 7:30 p.m. to meet patrons at his soon-to-be new location on the second floor.
• Coldwell Banker Southwest Realty, 169 Christina St. N.: First Friday Corner Market, 5 to 8 p.m., with local vendors and small businesses.
• The Oasis Style Studio, 186 Christina St. N.: live music, artisan vendors and a fall fair.
• River Bank & Co., 172 Front St. N.: 15 per cent off original artwork and prints. The shop is open until 8 p.m. Regular hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Iron Eagle Gyms, 140 Front St. S. Unit A: open house with live music, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Riverport Tavern, 132 Front St. S.: live adult entertainment for ages 19 and older. The tavern opens at 8 p.m., with drink specials and free pool until 10 p.m.

Several businesses are also staying open late:

• Never Better Tattoo, 234 Front St. N.: flash sale from 1 to 6 p.m., $80 for one or $140 for two
• Garbo’s Fashions, 136 Front St. N.: “That Girl’s Got Moxie” pop-up until 7 p.m.
• UE INC., 132 Front St. N.: open until 7 p.m.
• Pete’s Collectables & Rarities, 149b Christina St. N.: open until 8 p.m.

— Journal Staff