ARTS FIRST is Harvard’s annual showcase of student and faculty creativity. Produced by the Office for the Arts, with support from the Board of Overseers of Harvard University, the festival is a public event with many free performances and activities for Harvard and community members of all ages.

Each ARTS FIRST festival is unique but every year combines the exuberance of Harvard students, faculty and affiliates who are passionate about the many art forms presented in four rousing days of performances, exhibitions and art-making opportunities. See visual art and opera, dance styles from around the world, many music genres, stand-up and improv comedy, theater, public art, poetry, experimental performances and so much more.

All ages! All arts! All are welcome! Find out who else is going on the Facebook event page.

See full festival schedule here.

ALLSTON HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

On Pointe: Transforming the Boston Ballet in Modern Times
Friday 1:30 pm
Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, Executive Director Max Hodges ’03, MBA ’10, and other alums discuss arts leadership in a rapidly changing world. More information.
Klarman Hall, Harvard Business School, Soldiers Field Road, Boston

Look Up, Allston! and Mural Unveiling
Friday 6–7:30 pm 
Celebrate the end of the K–12 mentoring semester with student presentations and the unveiling of a new mural, designed by the middle school Mural Club, and student-created street banners.
Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave., Allston ​​​

Art in Print Gallery Show and Reception
Friday 6–9 pm
Join Zone 3 for a night of mixing and mingling with the artists of your favorite Art in Print pieces! Zone 3 will be hosting a gallery and reception showcasing the newsprint program that has reimagined how public art is presented by making limited-edition prints available for 25 cents throughout newspaper bins along Western Ave in Allston. Grab a drink, browse the collection of sold-out posters and see the reveal of Volume 3! More information.
Zone 3, 267 Western Ave, Allston

Western Ave. Arts Walk
Saturday 1–4 pm, departures on the hour
Discover public art treasures of north Allston-Brighton with student guides. Contact with accessibility questions: 617.496.5022. RSVP online.
Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave., Allston

Ice Cream Social
Saturday 3–6 pm
Join the Harvard i-lab for ice cream and entertainment. The i-lab will be serving up scoops while pianist Phil Greenwald plays favorite family-friendly singalong rock tunes. No RSVPs needed, just come on by for afternoon fun, rain or shine!
Harvard i-lab, Batten Hall, 125 Western Ave., Allston

Artist Demonstrations
Saturday 5–7 pm
Preview artworks on view for the Ceramics Program’s Spring Show and Sale (May 9–12) and watch seasoned artists demonstrate throwing on the potter’s wheel and sculpting with clay.
OFA Ceramics Program, 224 Western Ave., Allston

The Bauhaus Studio Exhibition Reception 
Saturday 5–7 pm
The course VES 119, Material Research: The Bauhaus Studio, highlights the legacy of this influential school of art, architecture and design through artistic responses by students. More information.
Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave. & ArtLab, 140 N. Harvard St., Allston

Drinking and Drawing
Saturday 6–9 pm
Everyone’s favorite art-making sessions are back for a special Saturday edition of Drinking and Drawing at Zone 3. Join Allston’s own painter, illustrator and Zone 3 muralist Pete Cosmos, for doodling, drinks and creative inspiration. RSVP online.
Zone 3, 267 Western Ave, Allston

WAYS TO GET TO ALLSTON

Walking: From Harvard Square, walk down JFK St. Continue over the bridge and down N. Harvard St., 2 blocks past the Stadium.
Public Transportation: Take MBTA buses #66 or #86 to N. Harvard St. at Western Ave.
Shuttle: Visit shuttle.harvard.edu for a complete shuttle schedule.