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First Friday picks for the Philadelphia region: April

Well, we did it: we finally made it through what seemed like the longest winter ever. To celebrate warmer temps, get out and stretch your legs on the opening First Friday of Spring.

Well, we did it: we finally made it through what seemed like the longest winter ever. To celebrate warmer temps, get out and stretch your legs on the opening First Friday of Spring.

Philadelphia:

Tons of galleries throughout the city are featuring openings and receptions to new exhibits. Bluestone Fine Art Gallery hosts an artist reception with Natalie Hope McDonald starting at 5 p.m., a writer's works are paired with artists' interpretations at Indy Hall for "Take What You Need: An Illustrated Experiment with Brief Literature" at 5 p.m., "Bloom: Works by Kyle Fisher" celebrates the end of its run at Paradigm Gallery beginning at 5:30 p.m., things get freaky at Space 1026 for the opening night party for "Freak Scene East"—a group showing of art, prints and comics—starting at 6 p.m., and also at 6 p.m. is the opening reception at Grizzly Grizzly for the "People, Places and Things" exhibit.

Fashion lovers can get a behind the scenes look at pieces featured in an upcoming fashion show at MADE Studios at 5 p.m. as well as talk to the designers about the garments.

Delve into all things techie at the Philly Tech Week, which kicks off First Friday. At 6 p.m. head over to the "Animate" exhibit at AIGA Philadelphia for a GIF-loaded gallery experience.

A benefit and kickoff party for the Philadelphia Invitational Furniture show gets underway at 6 p.m. at the 23rd Street Armory. Preview works from this year's exhibitors or commission a piece for yourself.

Mingle with LGBTQ individuals in the community at William Way LGBT Community Center for The Exchange Loft at 6 p.m.

Music and film unite at FringeArts's First Friday celebration of inventor R. Buckminster Fuller with "The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller" by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Green with music by Yo La Tengo. Get your tickets to one of the two shows starting at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Recently opened Vice Coffee, Tattoos and Books celebrates their second First Friday with Weyerbacher Brewing Company and Laphroaig Scotch tastings and work from local artist Jen Hallden-Abberton at 8 p.m.

The Philadelphia Poetry Slam promises to bring a friendly competition for poetically-inclined minds. A poetry workshop begins at 7:30 p.m. and the competition (where the audience votes on a winner) starts at 9 p.m. at PhilaMOCA.

Help celebrate the 20th anniversary of Asian Arts Initiative at their "Participate" gallery, opening at 6 p.m. This Friday, knit and crochet or play Chinese checkers as well as browse through spring and summer fashions at the Philly-based clothing line Senpai + Kohai's popup shop.

For a late night experience, head to The Barbary for a night of dancing at The Bounce and Silk City Diner and Lounge hosts DJs Apt One, Skinny Friedman and Dav for Hot Mess at 10 p.m.

New Jersey:

Across the bridge in South Jersey, professionals can network at the British Chip Shop in Haddonfield for their First Friday Networking event at 8 a.m.

Boogie Nights at the Tropicana in Atlantic City hosts its First Friday Cougars and Cubs Ball starting at 10 p.m. for women 40+ looking for love.

While you're in AC, don't miss the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival at the Atlantic City Convention Center or the Garden State Film Festival, who's opening gala cocktail and first screening starts at 7 p.m. on Friday at Resorts Casino Hotel.

Delaware:

Learn about art and feed your appetite at the Delaware Art Museum's Art is Tasty noontime Friday lunch series.

Wilmington features a self-guided tour of art galleries, art studios, museums and alternative art spaces every first Friday starting at 5:30 p.m.

Swat business cards and other promotional goodies at Lavish Nightclub for their networking night at 6 p.m.

Browse the "Wilmington Trap Stars: A Street Art Exhibition" and stay after for a reception, starting at 7 p.m., for a music, theater, spoken word, and rap program at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts.