Fridays are usually the best day of the week, for obvious reasons. But for San Jose denizens with a taste for art and culture, the first Friday of the month is tops.

That’s when South 1st Street transforms into a spectacular nighttime street festival—called South First Fridays—filled with music and food vendors and open art galleries. Keeping with MACLA’s theme of celebrating cultures from all over the latin world, Afro-Peruvian dance group Cunamacué will performa at this month’s South First Friday.

The Oakland-based group aim to promote Afro-Peruvian culture through dance, art and other artistic mediums. They’ve performed all over the world and are truly a sight to behold. For those interested in learning a few steps, the group will offer free dance classes starting at 8pm.

Performances and art galleries are always free and reservations are never required at the event. The laid back atmosphere gives attendees a chance to meander through the many galleries, museums and independent business who sometimes host special performances throughout the night. The artwalk which is one of the most popular draws South First Fridays, extends from KALEID Gallery to Vyne Bistro and finishes at the tip of South 1st Street.

More than 40 artist with be on hand selling their work and wares. Many delicious local restaurants are open during the night and food trucks will also be working to satisfy cravings.

A few of the new exhibits on view this month include “You See What I Did There?”—new works by John Hageman, Jr. at KALIED Gallery—and “Abstracts on Paseo de San Antonio,” a collection of visually cohesive abstract paintings by Dytko and Laurie Barmore at Vyne Bistro.