Jennifer Goldberg
Audio By Carbonatix
The monthly First Friday artwalk in downtown Phoenix is one of the city’s most popular activities.
The event shuts down part of Roosevelt Street and draws thousands of people looking to shop, eat and drink, see art and people-watch.
In addition to the largest gathering in Roosevelt Row, several galleries on Grand Avenue also participate in First Friday, as do several of the museums and attractions in the area, such as Phoenix Art Museum.
Phoenix galleries, museums and cultural spaces have an excellent lineup of programming planned in February.
And don’t forget the curfew that went into effect last year: Kids 15 and under can’t stay past 10 p.m. without a parent, guardian or adult; unaccompanied teens who are 16 and 17 years old will be able to attend First Friday until midnight.
What is First Friday in Phoenix?
First Friday is a monthly event in downtown Phoenix. Though it was originally heavily focused on the art galleries in the area, it has evolved into a street party that includes vendors, music, food trucks and more.
What time does First Friday start in Phoenix?
Most galleries open at 6 p.m. and are open until 9 or 10. On Roosevelt Row, the street fair begins before 6 p.m.
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 March?
Galleries and museums have plenty of work on display this month.
Alwun House: Leave the kids at home and come to downtown arts hub Alwun House for the last night of the Exotic Art Show. Guests are invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
Arizona Center: The monthly family-friendly First Friday event at Arizona Center includes a night market, art walk with live painters, martial arts, kids’ activities, community mural, food and music. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
Cahokia PHX: Cahokia will host yoga, movement and ecstatic dance sessions this Friday. Hours are 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix: The museum will offer free admission from 5 to 9 p.m.
eye lounge Collective at Modified Arts: The current exhibition is “Arrivals,” a group exploration of thresholds—those revelatory moments when something shifts, takes shape or comes into focus. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
First Studio Gallery: The gallery is exhibiting “A Show of Peace,” a partnership between Arizona Art Alliance and First Studio Gallery featuring artwork that explores inner peace, harmony and the positive changes artists wish to see in the world. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: This First Friday, Five15 Arts will debut “Patterns We Carry,” a debut solo exhibition by Lynda Schlosberg features a new series of abstract paintings exploring repetition, memory and the interconnection of personal and collective systems. 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 two shows. “Where the Wild Things Stay” comprises animal-themed works by local artists; and “ROYGBIV,” a group show of rainbow-colored art.
Herberger Theater Center: Herberger’s First Friday Live event in March is “First Friday Fiesta,” a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, focusing on the rich traditions of mariachi music, dance and cuisine. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library: Check out the center to catch a seisiún, an informal gathering of Irish traditional musicians playing together in a relaxed setting. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m.
Japanese Friendship Garden: The garden offers free admission on First Fridays when there’s not a special event happening. This month, First Friday hours are 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral: The gallery will show “Unbound,” an exhibition about unconstrained resilience featuring work by fiber- and mixed-media artist Amy Menousek and portraitist and interdisciplinary artist Meera Norris. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Phoenix Art Museum: Experience a celebration of rhythm, movement and community inspired by the exhibition “Muscle Memory: Lens on the Body” this First Friday. Activities include dance lessons, flash tattoos, creative activities, gallery sketching, art into sound translations, and open mic and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
Phoenix Center for the Arts: This First Friday, visitors can participate in a hands-on exploration of heritage during the Spirits of Mexico Festival: Arts & Craft Series. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the courtyard.
The Styles Shop: Head to Grand Avenue for live art, vintage shopping and community. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Third Rail PHX: Hundreds of artists will bring thousands of free stickers to Third Rail for Sticker Drop 10. Bring some to trade and leave with new treasures. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
