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.

Well, it usually does.

First Friday will look a little different on April 3. Due to the NCAA Women’s Final Four basketball tournament, areas on and around Roosevelt Row will not be blocked off to secure space for vendors and crowds. But there’s still a lot going on downtown, including at major museums, on RoRo and on Grand Avenue.

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.

What can I do during First Friday in April?

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

Arizona Center: The monthly family-friendly First Friday event at Arizona Center includes a night market, art walk with live painters, a gallery show, kids’ activities, dinosaur meet and greet, food and music. 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: The current exhibition is “Departures,” a group exploration of the many dimensions of movement, transition and transformation. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

First Studio Gallery: The gallery is exhibiting three shows this First Friday: “The Space Between: Thresholds of Time and Becoming,” featuring work by Tess Mosko Scherer; “Confluence,” a group show; and “Stop This Day and Night With Me,” an installation by Harold Lohner. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.

Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: This First Friday, Five15 Arts will debut “Tell Me Lies,” work by Amy Menousek that confronts the lived reality of womanhood within a patriarchal system that demands submission while denying full humanity. 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.

Heard Museum: The museum and all of its exhibitions and free and open to the public this First Friday. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.

Herberger Theater Center: Herberger’s First Friday Live event in April gives visitors a glamorous, vintage-inspired evening of jazz music presented by the youth musicians of Young Sounds of Arizona. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral: The gallery will show “Faces and Places” featuring work by Spencer Mahaffey Lightfoot and Nolan Lightfoot. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Phoenix Art Museum: Activities this First Friday at the museum include a poetry open mic, live figure drawing, frame-making, floral sketching, docent-led tours and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.

The Styles Shop: Pleading Insanity and Jam Sessions are taking over the space for an evening of art and music. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m.

Third Rail PHX: The “Best Buds” show, presented in partnership with Bud’s Glass Joint and Blunt Club, features a large lineup of artists turning rolling trays into works of art. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m.