Jennifer Goldberg
Audio By Carbonatix
The monthly First Friday artwalk in downtown Phoenix is one of the city’s most popular events.
And even though temperatures are still hot as heck, the art scene refuses to cool down, and there’s a wide range of things to do and see on Aug. 7.
What is First Friday in Phoenix?
First Friday is a monthly event in downtown Phoenix. Before the May event, the street party that included vendors, music and food trucks was shut down by Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation (CDC) and Downtown Phoenix Inc., putting more focus on art spaces and the surrounding businesses.
What time does First Friday start in Phoenix?
Most galleries open at 6 p.m. and are open until 9 or 10. Museums generally start their First Friday hours earlier.
Where is First Friday in Phoenix?
First Friday activity is primarily located in two areas: Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue. While Roosevelt Row technically runs from 16th St. to Seventh Ave., the bulk of First Friday activity is located from Central Avenue to Seventh St. Part of Roosevelt Row and the surrounding area are closed to car traffic on First Friday to allow for vendors, food trucks and foot traffic. On Grand Avenue, First Friday activities can be found between Seventh and 15th avenues.
What can I do for free on First Friday?
The art galleries are always free to visit. Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Heard Museum and Phoenix Art Museum are free on most First Fridays. The Japanese Friendship Garden is sometimes open and free on First Fridays; check its Instagram for information.
Where to park for First Friday in Phoenix
There’s lots of parking near Roosevelt Row, but it fills up quickly. There is a mix of metered parking, free street parking and paid parking lots on the side streets near RoRo.
What about the light rail?
Valley Metro Rail is a good option for First Friday. The Central Avenue/Roosevelt Street station will drop you right in the middle of the action. Cost is $4 for an all-day pass.
Benjamin Leatherman
What can I do during First Friday in August?
Galleries and museums have plenty of work on display this month.
Arizona Center: The monthly family-friendly First Friday event at Arizona Center includes an immersive artwalk, a curated night market, free gallery show, kids’ activities and crafts, music and more. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center: The center’s resident artists and volunteers will show their work. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix: The museum will offer free admission from 5 to 9 p.m.
Earth Maker Gallery: The gallery is currently showing work by Gloria Martinez-Granados. The Arizona-based creative migrated to the U.S. from Guanajuato, Mexico, at age 8 and examines her life as a DACAmented person through her artwork. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
eye lounge Collective at Modified Arts: Currently on display is “Compression,” a solo show by Memo Gutierrez. His practice considers the value within everyday objects which are no longer considered relevant or useful — gathering materials from alleyways, illegal dumpsites and landfills.. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: Five15 Arts will continue to show “Summer Invitational: Melt.” The works in the show were done by Five15 Arts members and other Valley artists whom they invited to participate. Don’t forget to pop over to the other side of the space for a free DIY letterpress print courtesy of Hazel & Violet. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
FOUND:RE Contemporary: The gallery spaces inside the Phoenix hotel are currently hosting “WTFolk,” which showcases folk-art-inspired works by local artists.
Heard Museum: The museum is free and open to the public this First Friday. See artist James Johnson (Tlingit) give carving demonstrations. Families can catch screenings of “Molly of Denali” specials “Molly and the Great One” and “Wise Raven & Old Crow” throughout the evening and enjoy hands-on crafts and activities inspired by the characters, landscapes and themes from the series. First Friday hours are 4 to 8 p.m.
Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library: Drop by the center to hear live Irish music. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m.
Japanese Friendship Garden: The garden is free and open to the public from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Phoenix Art Museum: Head to Phoenix Art Museum this First Friday for the opening of “Ecstatic Time: The Alchemy of Photography,” plus a photobooth, scrapbooking, aura photography and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
SHOWBOX Pop-Up Gallery: The SHOWBOX space will show work by artists Kyllan Maney and Alizarin Maney. An artist talk starts at 8:30 p.m. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
