If you haven't made it out to a First Friday in a while — or ever — this is your sign. During this monthly event, art galleries, creator studios, and local businesses stay open late for special exhibits, talks, and performances. Bonus: Most events are free.

The last First Friday of the year is Dec. 2 and there are plenty of opportunities to explore our city's creative community. Here are five events we're looking forward to:

Illuminate Art Walk | All evening | Fayetteville Street + Glenwood South districts | Free | It's opening night for this outdoor exhibit of 10+ locally and nationally-recognized light installations. Pro tip: Use this map to plan your walk.

Holiday Party & Market | 4-8 p.m. | The Burrow, 119 E. Hargett St. | $5-$10 | Shop local vendors while enjoying drinks and live music.

Market & Movie Night | 5-9 p.m. | Moore Square Park, 200 S. Blount St. | Free | Watch "The Muppets Christmas Carol" at sundown, shop local vendors, and roast s'mores over a fire pit.

Cirque de Vol | 6-8 p.m. | South Salisbury Street | Free | Watch LED hula-hooping performers wow this sounds so cool!! and I love the image attached to itacross from the Raleigh Convention Center.

"Something for Everyone" Opening Reception | 6-9 p.m. | 311 Gallery, 311 W. Martin St. | Free | Explore this visual art exhibit featuring artworks of all styles that incorporate the shape or concept of squares and cubes.

Pro tip: Friday's weather forecast is looking clear, but bring a jacket — temperatures could drop to the mid-40s. Smart tip!