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 be chilly on Friday, Dec. 5, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying everything going on 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 December?

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

Alwun House: The always entertaining First Friday With a Kink returns to Alwun House this month. The 21-and-over event at Alwun House’s Art Park space will include vendors selling things like harnesses and floggers; live demonstrations of various kinky activities, a DJ, food and drink for purchase and more. Cost is $6.11 in advance and $9.31 the day of. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.

Arizona Center: The family-friendly First Friday event at Arizona Center is holiday-themed this month, naturally. Highlights include opportunities to meet Santa, a night market, live art, roller-skating, food and drink for purchase and more. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.

Cahokia PHX: The Blank Canvas Social Club is free and open to the public. Each participant gets access to paint markets, paints, brushes, designated canvas space and an easel. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix: The museum will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. with no admission cost.

Eye Lounge: There’s just one piece of art on display at Eye Lounge this First Friday. Created by artist Amy Bird, “$eed Market*” is a 12-panel collage constructed from a single U.S. dollar bill. This exhibition is an example of “making a dollar stretch” by valuing every part of the whole. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

First Studio Gallery: The “Small Works Show” is currently on display at the gallery, bringing together works by dozens of local artists that are available for purchase. There will also be a special holiday market. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.

Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: This First Friday is the opening of and artist reception for “Vibrant Fibers,” mixed-media artworks by Charissa Lucille that combine colorful cotton quilts and paper zines. 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. “Purple,” a group show of violet-colored works, is also on display.

Heard Museum: It’ll be a dance-themed evening at the Heard this First Friday in conjunction with the new exhibition “October Art: The Collection of Delores Browne Abelson.” Tiffany Mellard will share stories from her dance journey, deliver a special performance and lead a movement workshop open to all ages and experience levels. There will also be a special presentation by Ballet Arizona. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.

Herberger Theater Center: This First Friday, the Herberger will host a program called “Santa’s Country Jamboree” that blends country and bluegrass bands, games, crafts and a visit from Santa. Visitors can also go inside to see the art currently on display. Hours are 6 to 9 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 “File Not Found.” Through a process that combines chance-based digital image corruption with traditional Tiffany stained glass techniques, artist Regan Henley transforms cherished photographs into fragile, luminous reconstructions. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Church: This First Friday, see “Reflexiones (Self-Reflection),” a two-person exhibition of works by Hugo Mariño and Leilani Gastelum. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Phoenix Art Museum: Activities at this month’s First Friday event include a stitch circle (bring your fiber arts works-in-progress), ornament-making, button-making, dance performances, artist talks and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.