Your guide to the First Friday monthly artwalk in downtown Phoenix

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.

It’ll still be somewhat toasty on Friday, Oct. 3, but those lingering high temperatures shouldn’t keep you away from an option-packed evening downtown.

And don’t forget the curfew that went into effect in April: 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.

What can I do during First Friday in November?

Galleries and museums have plenty of work on display this month.

Alwun House: New at Alwun House this First Friday is “Things Made From Other Things,” featuring sculptures by Tempe artist Rodgell. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.

Arizona Center: The family-friendly First Friday event at Arizona Center will include a night market, roller-skating, live painting, open-mat jiu-jitsu sessions and more. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix: The museum will present traditional Pow Wow dancing from the Etsitty Group, in honor of Native American Heritage Month. First Friday hours are 5 to 9 p.m.

Eye Lounge: Eye Lounge is currently showing “Yard Sale: An Exhibition About Family, Home, and Letting Go,” in which artists Amanda Mollindo, Elaine Mollindo and Roberto Lopez reflect on their upbringing along the U.S.-Mexico border through fiber, multimedia, and installation art. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

First Studio Gallery: The “Small Works Show” is currently on display at the gallery. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.

Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: This First Friday is the opening of “Wordplay,” a group exhibition of visual works that connect deeply with language. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

FOUND:RE Contemporary: The gallery spaces inside the Phoenix hotel are currently hosting two shows. “Gods & Monsters” features the work of local artists that explores the mythic, divine and monstrous. “Blue,” a group show of sky-colored works, is also on display.

Heard Museum: The museum will offer free admission this First Friday, along with a performance by Vipismal Neidam: Hummingbird Singers from the Gila River Indian Community. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.

Herberger Theater Center: This First Friday, the Herberger will host a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos, honoring traditions of remembrance, music and community. Visitors can also go inside to see the art currently on display. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Industry Standard: The popular Roosevelt Row eatery will host an interactive Arizona Gin Lab with Suncliffe Gin. Guests can create their own infused gin creations at a build-your-own Gin & Tonic bar. Each custom cocktail is $16. Hours are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library: The center will host live music this First Friday. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m.

Modified Arts: This First Friday, the gallery will show “*all and none of the above,” a solo exhibition by Katherine Del Rosario. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Church: This First Friday, see “Trilateral Views,” an exhibit of landscape paintings by Mare Czinar, Dallas Lee Lovett and Christin Quissell. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Phoenix Art Museum: Activities at this month’s First Friday event include a variety of drawing classes and demonstrations, plus DJ sets and docent-led tours. The blockbuster exhibit “Eric Fischl: Stories Told Hours” opens on Friday as well. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.

Roosevelt Artworks: An “Arty Party” will include art recently shown at Burning Man, DJ sets, fire spinners, projection art, studio tours and more. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Xico Inc.: Xico’s annual “Nostras Las Mujeres | We, the Women” show continues this First Friday at its new home at Arizona Center. The show “elevates the voices and stories of femme-identifying artist and celebrates their contributions to the preservation of culture through art,” according to the gallery statement. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.