Binghamton Businesses Joined First Friday Art Walk
Five Washington Street storefronts have expanded hours to host monthly local art exhibitions.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Five businesses on Washington Street in Binghamton have joined the First Friday Art Walk to increase local patronage. These shops will now remain open monthly to host art displays and community performances.
Why it matters
Business owners are coordinating these extended hours and curated events to drive consistent foot traffic to the Washington Street corridor. This effort aims to boost visibility for local establishments by integrating commerce with the city’s established arts scene.
Five businesses are officially joining the monthly First Friday rotation on Washington Street. The initiative includes a fashion show at Mabel D. Orr Style Boutique scheduled for 7:00.
The players
Mabel D. Orr Style Boutique
This local retailer is participating in the expanded First Friday events by hosting a fashion show.
Upstate Apothecary
The business recently relocated to a new storefront and has expanded its inventory to include organic products and antiques.
Stellar Human
This local establishment is hosting a courtyard event featuring a DJ and a step team.
Oblivion Body Piercing
This business is contributing to the art walk by displaying a retrospective of Marco Celotti artwork.
Marco Celotti
He is an artist whose retrospective work is being displayed by Oblivion Body Piercing.
The details
Participating shops include the relocated Upstate Apothecary, which now stocks tea, antiques, and vintage clothing, alongside Stellar Human and Oblivion Body Piercing. Events will range from a courtyard DJ and step team performance to a retrospective exhibition of Marco Celotti artwork.
Timeline
• Washington Street businesses participate in First Friday on a monthly basis.
• Mabel D. Orr Style Boutique hosts a fashion show this Friday at 7:00.
Market Landscape
This expansion follows the established model of the First Friday Art Walk, which links downtown commerce with local cultural programming. By aligning their operating hours with existing city events, these businesses are attempting to capture the market share of residents already frequenting State Street venues.
Shoppers can now visit these five Washington Street locations on the first Friday of every month to view art or attend performances. Residents should plan for potential crowds and increased pedestrian activity in the area during these evening hours.
The takeaway
Integrating retail hours with community cultural events offers a low-cost strategy for small businesses to increase store visibility. Residents looking to support local shops can take advantage of these monthly evening openings to combine shopping with art appreciation.
Further reading
For a complete list of First Friday locations and event maps, visit the Broome County Arts Council.
More information
View the current list of First Friday locations to plan your evening route.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WIVT/WBGH NewsChannel 34.
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