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.
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.
Benjamin Leatherman
What can I do during First Friday in October?
The return of fall means there’s plenty to do this month.
Alwun House: Friday is the opening reception for “Monsters Menagerie,” Alwun House’s annual show devoted to “creatures of darkness, gothic nightmares, political fiends and surreal horrors.” Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
Arizona Center: The family-friendly First Friday event at Arizona Center will include a Diwali celebration, a night market, roller-skating, live painting, mask art, open-mat jiu-jitsu sessions and more. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center: The exhibition “Órale Pachuco,” which celebrates Hispanic heritage, continues at ALAC. The center is open until 6 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix: The museum will offer free admission during evening First Friday hours. Young musicians from the Harmony Project Phoenix will perform from 6 to 7:30 p.m. First Friday hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Eye Lounge: Eye Lounge is currently showing Summer Raine Young’s solo exhibition “Punch List,” a body of work that reflects on the cycle of rebuilding oneself again and again over the course of a lifetime. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
First Studio Gallery: The gallery will show “The Shape of My Voice,” featuring works by Kristine Kollasch. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: This First Friday is the opening of “Fallen.” The solo exhibition by Daniel Friedman features painted photos of downed saguaro cactuses. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
FOUND:RE Contemporary: The gallery spaces inside the Phoenix hotel are currently hosting two shows. The seasonally themed “Hot American Summer” closes on Oct. 12, and “Blue,” a group show of sky-colored works, opened two weeks ago.
Heard Museum: The museum will offer free admission this First Friday. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.
Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library: The center will host live music this First Friday. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m.
Legend City Studios: The 25th annual “Chaos Theory” show featuring the work of dozens of prominent local artists returns this First Friday. Hours are 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday and 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Modified Arts: The gallery continues to show “Lore,” a group exhibition curated by Kevin Layshock that celebrates storytelling. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Church: The gallery will show “Exploration,” an exhibition of photography by Jim Bochenek and Cyd Peroni. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Phoenix Art Museum: Activities at this month’s First Friday event include performances by the BlakTinx Dance Festival, live art-making by Omar Soto, tours and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
Third Rail Studios: See more than 80 works painted on coffin-shaped canvases during the First Frightday Coffin Panel Jam.
Xico Inc.: Xico’s annual “Nostras Las Mujeres | We, the Women” show continues this First Friday. 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. Contact Xico for First Friday hours.
