June First Friday picks: Clay class, comedy & more

The always-exciting lineup of First Friday events is set for Friday, June 5. Start your night with cheese and chocolate and end it dancing the night away to Latin soul — that's the kind of evening this month's First Friday is calling for.

All summer long on First Fridays, Historic Bristol Shopping District (Mill and Radcliffe Streets from Mill Street Gateway Crossing to the Bristol Wharf) will hold family-friendly entertainment from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Throughout the evening, face painters, caricaturists, musicians, artists, vendors and a beer garden will line the quaint waterfront area.

Get your hands dirty at the Clay Studio (137-139 N. 2nd St.) with a two-hour wheel-throwing basics class, starting at 5:30 p.m., where you'll learn the ins and outs of the famous potter's wheel.

What differentiates a fine wine from the cheap stuff? The Chemical Heritage Foundation (315 Chestnut St.) hosts a discussion on the chemistry, chemicals and science of what makes wine, chocolate and cheese good or bad. As expected, you'll be able to taste the stuff afterward. The talks begin at 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

An opening reception at Asian Arts Initiative (1219 Vine St.) will highlight solo and collaborative work from Asian Arts Initiative's Youth Arts Workshop teaching artist-in Residence Michelle Nugent. Beginning at 6 p.m., the exhibition featuring Nugent's work with students and her own works on paper will be available to view. The program's students will also lead screen-printing activities.

Celebrate art and music at the Barnes Foundation (2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway) with Trinidadian trumpeter Etienne Charles's "Creole Soul" and a talk on the Barnes' 123-piece African collection. The artful affair runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Comedy and magic come together in perfect harmony at the Adrienne Theater (2030 Sansom St.) for First Friday. Improviser and magician Fred Siegel blends the two mediums in an intimate setting for an 8 p.m. performance.

For a more laid-back vibe, Keystone Mini-Golf and Arcade (161 Cecil B. Moore Ave.) hosts its first First Friday starting at 8 p.m. with $5 mini golf games, art displays, music, beer and pizza.

Fashionistas, beef up your summer wardrobe at a collection presentation featuring four designers at Toile (1333 Frankford Ave.). America's Next Top Model contestant Cory Wade Hindorff will take over hosting duties at the event, starting at 8 p.m. In addition to the fashions, sip on free sangria, see some art or stop by the complimentary beauty bar.

How about a little dessert? Saint Benjamin Brewing and Little Baby's Ice Cream (2311 Frankford Ave.) team up for a special ice cream collaboration, being served from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

See the sights of Philly via the lenses of some local photogs at North Bowl's (909 N. 2nd St.) latest opening. The reception for the group photography show, featuring Conrad Benner, Darren Burton, Brendan Lowry and Philly.com's own Gab Bonghi, starts at 9 p.m. at the space's upstairs loft with free snacks and drink specials.

You know the Trestle Inn (339 N. 11th St.) knows how to have a good time. They up the ante every First Friday this summer, starting this month with Latin dance parties beginning at 10 p.m. As always, the Trestle's go-go dancers will be working it.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.