Join the Las Vegas community at First Friday—a monthly art, music, food, and culture festival held in the vibrant 18b Arts District. As one of the most popular free activities in Las Vegas, this festival is a major draw for both locals and tourists alike.
Showcasing local artists, musicians, and food vendors, this free community event offers a festive and upbeat atmosphere. From unusual art to live music to enjoying the lively downtown area, First Fridays is a unique event celebrating the city’s creativity. The occasion is a perfect blend of cultural exploration, culinary variety, and a spirited community celebration.
Quick Jump to Event Information
- 📅 Event Details
- 🗺️ Event Footprint & Road Closures
- 🌟 Why You Should Attend
- 🍽️ Culinary Delights & Local Specials
- 🖼️ Art Studios and Galleries
- 🚗 Parking & Transportation
- ✅ Tips for Attending
- 👨🎨 Apply to be a Vendor
- ❓ FAQs
First Friday Event Details
- When: First Friday of every month
- Time: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Admission: Free to attend; you only pay for what you purchase.
- Where: 18b Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas, centered around Casino Center Blvd.
Event Footprint & Road Closures
This map outlines the festival grounds, road closures, and key areas of the First Friday event. The festival spans Main Street from Charleston Boulevard to Coolidge Avenue. Key areas include the Art Walk on Boulder Avenue and 1st Street near The Arts Factory, and the food garden and bar located on Main Street closest to Charleston Avenue. Use this map to navigate the numerous vendors, art installations, and stages, and to plan your travel around the road closures within the 18b Arts District.
Why You Should Attend First Friday
All about community, culture, and fun, First Friday is an unparalleled experience that brings together the best of Las Vegas’ creative and culinary scenes. It’s an event that everyone, from locals to tourists, can enjoy.
- First Friday is Free: This is one of the most popular free events in Las Vegas.
- Support Local & Connect: It’s a great way to support local artists, musicians, and food vendors while enjoying a spirited and community-driven atmosphere.
- Diverse Art & Entertainment: Get a variety of art, live music, and food.
Culinary Delights & Local Specials
Get ready to sample a diverse lineup of culinary delights from over 50 local food trucks and street food vendors, as well as these great local bars and restaurants.
Doberman Drawing Room
Doberman is a sleek, high-energy cocktail bar and listening lounge that stands out as a standout First Friday spot, boasting a curated vinyl soundtrack and moody-chic ambiance.
ReBar Las Vegas
ReBar is an eclectic antique store and bar combination that is a perfect Downtown Las Vegas destination for First Friday, with new art and vintage collectibles.
Velveteen Rabbit
A whimsical, art-forward cocktail bar with an eclectic vibe, offering seasonal drinks and a vibrant patio, makes the Velveteen Rabbit an ideal First Friday destination in the heart of the Arts District.
Esther’s Kitchen
This farm-to-table Italian restaurant, Esther’s Kitchen, is a favorite on First Fridays in the Arts District, known for its seasonal menu and bustling, open-kitchen atmosphere.
Able Baker Brewing Company
A popular local brewery, Able Baker Brewing Company, is well known for its extensive selection of craft beers and a casual, welcoming atmosphere. It is an excellent place for a drink and entertainment after the festival.
Cornish Pasty Co.
With a relaxed, laid-back vibe, the British pub, Cornish Pasty Company, offers a vast selection of traditional pasties to choose from, along with a full bar, making it a great place to grab a bite while enjoying the First Friday event.
Art Studios and Galleries
The First Friday festival is a significant showcase for local talent. You’ll discover a wide array of rotating vendors offering unique art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and other one-of-a-kind goods.
Beyond the street vendors, the Arts District is home to a permanent collection of galleries and artist studios that open their doors for the event. Here are some of the must-see spots to explore:
The Arts Factory
A premier gallery and studio space and a hub for the 18b Arts District that features local painters, sculptors & artisans. This is a prominent stop on the First Friday route.
Recycled Propaganda
A unique art studio and gallery in the Arts District, Recycled Propaganda is notable for its satirical and thought-provoking street art. You may find the artist showing new works during the First Friday event.
Art Square
A complex of galleries, shops, and a theater, Art Square becomes a bustling hub of activity every First Friday. It’s a great place to explore local art and culture.
The Antique Alley
An eclectic collection of antique shops and vintage stores, Antique Alley offers a wide variety of unique collectibles and retro-chic finds in Downtown Las Vegas.
Parking & Transportation
Planning your trip to First Friday? Navigating parking and transportation in the busy downtown Las Vegas area can be a challenge. Consult the Event Footprint & Road Closures map above to see which streets are affected. Here is a guide to your parking options, free shuttles, and convenient public transit to help you get to the Arts District with ease.
Best Parking Options:
- Free Park & Ride Shuttle: A free shuttle runs from the City Hall parking garage at 500 S. Main St. from 3:00 PM to midnight. This is a great, stress-free option.
- Downtown Paid Parking: There are numerous garages and paid lots throughout downtown. You can book reservable parking spots for a hassle-free experience.
Rideshare & Public Transit:
Downtown Loop (Free Shuttle)
The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle servicing exciting attractions in Downtown Las Vegas. While it has a regular route, it runs a special First Friday route to accommodate event traffic.
- The Downtown Loop operates Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 3 to 10 pm.
- During First Friday events, a special route runs continuously from the City Hall Garage (495 S Main St #150, Las Vegas, NV 89101) directly to the 18b Arts District.
Regular Downtown Loop Stops include:
- Bonneville Transit Center – First Street, South of Bonneville Avenue
- The Arts District – Art Way and Boulder Avenue
- Arts District South – Main Street, between California and Colorado avenues
- Brewery Row – 1500 Block of Main Street between Utah and Wyoming avenues
- Pawn Plaza – Las Vegas Boulevard, South of Garces Avenue
- Fremont East Entertainment District – Sixth Street, North of Fremont Street
- Mob Museum – Stewart Avenue, West of Third Street
- Fremont Street Experience – Temporarily Main Street just North of Ogden Avenue
- Las Vegas North Premium Outlets – South Grand Central Parkway
- Symphony Park – Promenade Place, South of Symphony Park Avenue
- The Strat hotel-casino – 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
- Circa hotel-casino – First Street, North of Ogden Avenue
- Las Vegas Civic Center – 525 S. Main St.
Using The Deuce Bus Line
You can take **The Deuce bus line** to the following stops to easily catch the Downtown Loop or exit the Loop and return to the Strip:
- The Mob Museum
- Bonneville Transit Center
- The STRAT
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
A convenient drop-off and pick-up area is available. The best spot is typically near the main entrance to the festival on Casino Center Boulevard.
Apply to Be a First Friday Vendor 🧑🎨
If you are an artist, maker, or food vendor, you can apply to participate by completing the First Friday Vendor Form on the official website. A business license from the City of Las Vegas is required to sell products or services within the city limits. The city offers both a full business license for ongoing operations and a temporary permit for one-time events, such as First Friday.
Tips for Attending First Friday
- Arrive Early: The festival fills up quickly, so please arrive early to find convenient parking and enjoy the event before the crowds arrive.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: If you want to see everything, you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring Cash: While many vendors accept cards, cash is helpful for smaller purchases.
- Check the Rules: Be aware of the local rules in certain areas of Downtown. For example, no strollers, coolers, or backpacks are allowed on Fremont Street after 9:00 PM on First Fridays.
Frequently Asked Questions about First Friday
Q. What is First Friday in Las Vegas?
A. First Friday is a free monthly art, music, and food festival held in the 18b Arts District. It’s a free community event that showcases local artists, performers, and food vendors.
Q. Are tickets required to attend?
A. No, admission is free and open to the public. You only pay for what you eat, drink, or purchase from vendors.
Q. What time should I arrive?
A. The festival begins at 5:00 pm. It is recommended that you arrive early to avoid parking difficulties and enjoy the event before the crowds become heavy.
Q. Is First Friday a family event?
A. Yes. There are many family-oriented attractions, and the community atmosphere makes it a fun place to be. However, as the evening progresses, some areas may become more crowded and less suitable for young children.
Q. What are the operating hours for the festival?
A. The festival runs from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm on the First Friday of every month.
First Friday Entertainment Schedule
Schedules are typically posted on First Friday’s official site a few days before the event.
