Since 2005, the monthly 1^st Thursdays in Downtown Bay City and the accompanying Gallery Walks have been bringing art and the public together by embracing the community’s diverse culture and the rich history of the Saginaw River riverfront.  The 1^st Thursday events have brought film, poetry, fashion, vintage cars, teen activities, antiques, historical venues, ethnic celebrations, and environmental awareness to this Great Lakes Bay Region. Most recently, the event also has moved into charitable benefits and foundation fundraisers.

The Gallery Walk on each 1^st Thursday provides visitors, shoppers, and art enthusiasts with an ideal opportunity to get away to enjoy local art, shopping, food and drinks, and much more in downtown Bay City. At those times, the participating art venues collaborate to present new, single-themed exhibits during extended business hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Each month, each participating art venue features a new artist’s work and offers an opportunity to meet the artist. The Gallery Walk starts at any of the participating downtown locations, where available maps show the full route. Admission is free.

Sponsorship opportunities for 1^st Thursdays in Downtown Bay City are available from the event’s originating businesses of Golden Gallery & Custom Framing (989.893.7142) and Avram Golden Photography (989.239.2113), located at 113 Third Street. www.1stthursdaysbaycity.com