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 events.

And even though temperatures are heating up, the art scene refuses to cool down, and there’s a wide range of things to do and see on July 3.

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.

What can I do during First Friday in July?

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

Alwun House: This First Friday at Alwun House is more than an art exhibition. The Art Stewardship Sale allows the public the opportunity to view and acquire selected works from the Alwun House Collection. This exhibit is cash and carry. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

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.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix: The museum will offer free admission from 5 to 9 p.m.

eye lounge Collective at Modified Arts: Currently on display is “All Eyes on You IV,” a juried group exhibition featuring works in a variety of mediums. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: This First Friday, Five15 Arts will debut “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 “Where the Wild Things Stay,” which showcases animal-themed works by local artists.

Heard Museum: The museum is free and open to the public this First Friday. See artist James Johnson (Tlingit) give a carving demonstration from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The museum will also screen “Happy Birthday Qyah!,” an episode of “Molly of Denali.” Full 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 to see the museum’s collections and participate in a drawing activity with a live clown model, presented by Sissy Art. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.

SHOWBOX Pop-Up Gallery: The SHOWBOX space will show work by artist Lauren Lee. An artist talk starts at 7:15 p.m. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.