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Local art and live music fill downtown for April’s First Friday

This month’s First Friday features photography from Lambton College students, traditional Pysanky egg decorating, live performances throughout downtown Sarnia, and a community challenge in support of survivors of sexual violence.
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With spring in the air, it’s a great time to head downtown and take in the art, music, and theatre — from the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 at the north end to the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts at the south end. While you're there, enjoy local food and drink, and support artists by exploring and purchasing their work.

Here’s what’s happening:

Live Music & Performances

  • Sarnia Legion Branch 62 (286 Front St. N.)
    Live Music and Dancing with Totally Acoustic, 7–11 p.m.
    All are welcome. No cover.

  • GRIND kitchen + bar (265 Front St. N.)
    Live Music with Peyton Huard, 7–10 p.m.
    Entry through the back. Free parking on the north ramp.

  • Bad Dog Sarnia (229 Christina St. N.)
    Live Music with Lise Michaud, 7:30–10:30 p.m.

  • Ups N' Downs (226 Front St. N.)
    Live Music with Bad Intentions (John Lovatt, Brett Z and Wulf), 8–11 p.m.

  • Coffee Culture Café & Eatery (130 Lochiel St.)
    Live Music by Jules & Company, 7–9 p.m.

  • Greens Sarnia (196 Christina St. N.)
    Live Music with Not a Girl Band, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
    Featuring Local Artist of the Month: ILY Art & Design.

  • The ISOBar (170 Christina St. N.)
    Lambton College Photography Program Professors' and Instructors' Exhibition
    Doors open at 5 p.m., live music begins at 7 p.m.

  • AJ’s Bar & Music Hall (143 Christina St. N.)
    Kenny & Joel Show with special guest BOOIJE
    Doors open at 9 p.m. | $10 cover (cash only)

  • Tang’s China House (165 Cromwell St.)
    Dinner music from 5:30–8:30 p.m.
    Reservations recommended.

  • Lawrence House Centre for the Arts (127 Christina St. S.)
    Doug Hacking at the Piano, 6–8:30 p.m.
    Open until 9 p.m.

  • Backhome Coffee (112 Christina St. S.)
    Live Music with Maggie Moran, 5–8 p.m.
    Spring drinks & new menu items
    Open until 8 p.m.


Art Exhibits & Activities

  • Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery (147 Lochiel St.)

    • Pysanky – the Ukrainian art of decorating eggs
      With Christina Čučković, Janice Čučković, Mary Kilbreath, and Terenia Samanica

    • Sculpting Life: Inuit carvings from the permanent collection

    • Red Dot Tours, 7–8 p.m.
      Gallery open until 9 p.m.

  • River Bank & Co. (172 Front St. N.)
    New Original Art by Jenn Bain, Jenny Liz Rome, Cathy Earle, Seventh Rayn Design Co., and Travel’art by Wilma Mehl
    Open until 8 p.m.

  • Downtown Market (140 Christina St. N.)
    Lambton College Photography Program – First Year Students' Exhibition
    Opening reception at 8 p.m. | Refreshments provided
    Open until 9 p.m.

  • Sarnia Library (124 Christina St. S.)
    Make of the Month: Here Comes the Sun Sign
    Registration required. Event runs from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
    The session is full, but visitors can register for future events.
    Visit here for more info.

  • The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts (127 Christina St. S.)

    • Lambton College Arts Collective featuring Second Year Photography Students and pottery exhibits.

    • President’s Awards Presentation by Rob Kardas at 7 p.m.

    • Open until 9 p.m.

  • Refined Fool Brewing Co. (137 Davis St.)
    Featuring handmade Great Lakes maps by local craftsman Craig Griffiths (Huron Wood).


Theatre & Community Engagement

  • Imperial Theatre (168 Christina St. N.)
    Theatre Sarnia Presents: Mom’s Gift
    Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

  • The Centre Sarnia-Lambton (145 Christina St. N.)
    SUPPORT, SNAP, SHARE: A First Friday Community Challenge for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM2025)
    Take part between 4–6 p.m. by supporting survivors, snapping a photo, and sharing your voice.
    24-Hour Crisis Line: 519-337-3320


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