Unaccompanied teens who are 16 and 17 years old will be able to attend First Friday until midnight, according to Phoenix’s curfew laws.
Phoenix PD announced the curfew enforcement in a media relase on Thursday, citing an “increase in violent crime” at First Friday. Specific details weren’t provided by the department.
In a follow-up release Thursday, police officials walked back their enforcement plans and reclassified the move as an “educational campaign,” stating the department is “working to ensure (First Friday) remains a safe and popular event for the community.” (A post to Phoenix PD's Instagram with the original announcement was also deleted.)
Phoenix Police's involvement with First Friday
Phoenix Police have been a constant presence over the decades at the First Friday art walk, a popular event dating back to the mid-’90s. While galleries, art spaces, and other spots along Grand Avenue and throughout downtown Phoenix also take part, Roosevelt Street is the epicenter of First Friday.
As we note in our monthly event guide, thousands of people flock to the Roosevelt Row Arts District from 6 to 10 p.m. each First Friday “looking to shop, eat and drink, see art and people-watch” among its participating bars, businesses and food trucks. A large portion of those attending the event are under 18, as the event is a popular hangout spot for teens.
Phoenix Police patrol the event, which shuts down Roosevelt between Seventh Street and Central Avenue each month.
According to the department, a rise in violence at the event prompted its curfew enforcement plans. Phoenix Police officer Rebecca Rodriguez told KTAR on Friday that cops intend to “educate people, advise that we are going to be doing curfew enforcement and keep the First Friday event safe.”
