Celebrate May Day in Summit – First Thursday is Blooming with Art, Snacks, and More!

May 1 is more than just the start of a new month—it's May Day, a traditional celebration of spring, creativity, and renewal. What better way to welcome May than with a stroll through Summit during First Thursday?

From art openings and public tours to chocolate truffles and hand-painted bags, this First Thursday is blooming with joy.The weather forecast? Absolutely perfect. So ditch the jacket, grab a friend (or three), and enjoy everything Summit has to offer.

Here’s what’s on the lineup for May’s First Thursday:

🎨 Karen Margolis: "from the department of the interior" – Opening Reception at RAM Gallery | 84 Summit Ave | Exhibition open 11AM–8PM | Reception 6–8PM Meet the artist, enjoy live music, sip something nice, and take in this deeply personal solo show at one of Summit’s newest contemporary art spaces.

🐻 Summit Public Art Tour – Meet at “Mama Bear and Cub” at the Village Green (corner of Elm & Broad) | 7–8PM Take a guided walk through Summit’s vibrant public art collection and discover the stories behind the sculptures and murals you pass every day.

🌀 Install at The Healing Arts Gallery | 57 Union Place, Suite 212 | 4–8PM Get a behind-the-scenes look as the gallery transitions to its next solo exhibition. It’s a chance to meet the gallery owners and get a sneak peek.

🥂 Bubbles & Truffles at Lavender and Sage Boutique | 426 Springfield Ave | 5–7:30PM Sip prosecco, nibble truffles, and shop their curated boutique full of Mother’s Day-ready treasures. Because nothing says spring like bubbles, chocolate, and good company.

👜 Bag Painting Pop-Up at Carrie Dunham | 523 Springfield Ave | 4–6:30PM Customize your favorite bag—or pick out a gift for someone else—with live painting of initials, school logos, stripes, or anything you dream up. Personalization never looked so chic.

🖌️ Ling Zhong: From Here… to There… | Summit Free Public Library | 75 Maple St | 4–8PM Zhong’s watercolor paintings pay homage to NYC commuters and the rhythms of urban life. Catch this thoughtful exhibition in the library’s gallery. 🖼️ Studio Clean Out Sale at Kanibal + Co | 27 Maple Street | 5–7PM As the studio preps for a fresh season, framed originals are coming off the walls—and going home with you. Enjoy 20% off select pieces for one night only.

🛋️ Design Night at GreatHouse  | 12 Beechwood Road | 5–7PM Stop in for an exclusive First Thursday sale on stylish finds and timeless décor. A perfect excuse to refresh your space for spring.

💃 Dance & Sip at Fred Astaire Dance Studios  | 2 Kent Place Blvd | Ongoing from 12:30–9PM Try a free introductory dance lesson, sip something festive, and let loose. Whether you’ve got two left feet or ballroom dreams, this is your chance to step into the rhythm of First Thursday.

🌸 Spring Exhibitions & Refreshments | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey | 68 Elm Street | 5–8PM Take a last look at the spring exhibitions and enjoy light refreshments. A great place to start or end your First Thursday stroll.

Want to plan your night? You can find full event info at Summit1stThurs.com Bring your curiosity, your camera, and your best springtime energy.

See you on May 1!