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.
Though it's still technically summer, the first Friday of September signals the beginning of autumn as far as the artwalk is concerned, and it shows in the number of options you've got on Sept. 5.
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 September?
The return of fall means there's plenty to do this month.
Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center: It's almost your last chance to see ALAC's annual Frida Kahlo art show dedicated to the legacy of the Mexican artist, as the show closes on Sept. 12. The center is open until 6 p.m. on Friday.
Cahokia PHX: "Lateral Roots" is a group photography show featuring the work of five local artists "that bring a unique look of Arizona through street photography, portrait, landscapes and alternative printing processes," according to the gallery. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Children's Museum of Phoenix: During this month's First Friday at the museum, the Arizona School for the Arts Robotics Club will show off their mechanical creations. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
Eye Lounge: This First Friday, Eye Lounge is continuing to show Hedda Neelsen's solo exhibition "Waking Matter," "a collection of paintings and drawings that visualize inner experience through still life observation and imagination," according to the gallery. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: Five15 Arts will celebrate the opening of Wendy Raisanen’s exhibition "WTF?!" on Friday. The show features fine art quilts that depict important disruptions in American society and the anxiety of social media addiction. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
FOUND:RE Contemporary: There are two shows on display at the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel this First Friday: "Green" offers, well, emerald-hued works and "Hot American Summer" presents pieces by local artists whose work reflects the timeless, nostalgic essence of summer in America.
Heard Museum: See the current exhibitions and the permanent collection of this world-renowned museum dedicated to Indigenous art. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.
Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library: After being closed for the month of August, the center is back open and will be hosting live music this First Friday. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m.
Modified Arts: This First Friday, Eye Lounge and Modified Arts present "The Dreamer," a solo exhibition featuring works by Dain Q. Gore. His modular art objects function as "a sort of personal collage from many sources, such as mythology, movies and the paranormal," according to the gallery statement. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral: Olney's September exhibition is "Straight From the Heart: Art Beyond Bars," featuring the work of formerly and currently incarcerated artists. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Phoenix Art Museum: The museum will host a wide range of activities this First Friday. Attendees can make their own zines; screen-print scarves, tote bags and posters; learn how to style a scarf; curate bag charms; make '90s slap bracelets; practice sketching; dance to music by a DJ; and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
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.
Cahokia PHX: "Lateral Roots" is a group photography show featuring the work of five local artists "that bring a unique look of Arizona through street photography, portrait, landscapes and alternative printing processes," according to the gallery. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Children's Museum of Phoenix: During this month's First Friday at the museum, the Arizona School for the Arts Robotics Club will show off their mechanical creations. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
Eye Lounge: This First Friday, Eye Lounge is continuing to show Hedda Neelsen's solo exhibition "Waking Matter," "a collection of paintings and drawings that visualize inner experience through still life observation and imagination," according to the gallery. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: Five15 Arts will celebrate the opening of Wendy Raisanen’s exhibition "WTF?!" on Friday. The show features fine art quilts that depict important disruptions in American society and the anxiety of social media addiction. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
FOUND:RE Contemporary: There are two shows on display at the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel this First Friday: "Green" offers, well, emerald-hued works and "Hot American Summer" presents pieces by local artists whose work reflects the timeless, nostalgic essence of summer in America.
Heard Museum: See the current exhibitions and the permanent collection of this world-renowned museum dedicated to Indigenous art. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.
Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library: After being closed for the month of August, the center is back open and will be hosting live music this First Friday. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m.
Modified Arts: This First Friday, Eye Lounge and Modified Arts present "The Dreamer," a solo exhibition featuring works by Dain Q. Gore. His modular art objects function as "a sort of personal collage from many sources, such as mythology, movies and the paranormal," according to the gallery statement. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral: Olney's September exhibition is "Straight From the Heart: Art Beyond Bars," featuring the work of formerly and currently incarcerated artists. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Phoenix Art Museum: The museum will host a wide range of activities this First Friday. Attendees can make their own zines; screen-print scarves, tote bags and posters; learn how to style a scarf; curate bag charms; make '90s slap bracelets; practice sketching; dance to music by a DJ; and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
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.
