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.
We're still going through the First Friday summer slowdown, but there's a lot more going on on Friday, Aug. 1, than there was last month on Independence Day.
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 August?
Despite the summer slowdown, you've still got some great options.
Burton Barr Central Library: The gallery space inside the library is showing photos by Michael Lundgren, who has created a photographic portfolio of architecturally significant Phoenix buildings from the post-World War II era. The library is open until 5 p.m. on Friday.
Children's Museum of Phoenix: The museum will offer free admission for First Friday. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Eye Lounge: The artist collective is celebrating a milestone with its "Eyes on 25" 25th anniversary exhibition featuring work by more than three dozen past and present Eye Lounge members. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
First Studio Gallery: First Studio Gallery, in conjunction with Arizona Art Alliance, is currently exhibiting "A Show of Res!stance," a multi-artist exhibition featuring 80 compelling works that invite viewers to engage, reflect and act. First Friday hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: Five15 is continuing to show "Chill Pill," a summer invitational show featuring small works by more than 60 local artists. 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.
Phoenix Art Museum: Show up ready to laugh during Phoenix Art Museum's comedy-themed First Friday event centered around the current "Funny Business: Photography and Humor" exhibition. Bridge Improv Comedy will perform from 5:30 to 6:30. There will also be artist talks, take-home caricature portraits, in-gallery sketching, docent tours and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
Children's Museum of Phoenix: The museum will offer free admission for First Friday. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Eye Lounge: The artist collective is celebrating a milestone with its "Eyes on 25" 25th anniversary exhibition featuring work by more than three dozen past and present Eye Lounge members. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
First Studio Gallery: First Studio Gallery, in conjunction with Arizona Art Alliance, is currently exhibiting "A Show of Res!stance," a multi-artist exhibition featuring 80 compelling works that invite viewers to engage, reflect and act. First Friday hours are 5 to 9 p.m.
Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse: Five15 is continuing to show "Chill Pill," a summer invitational show featuring small works by more than 60 local artists. 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.
Phoenix Art Museum: Show up ready to laugh during Phoenix Art Museum's comedy-themed First Friday event centered around the current "Funny Business: Photography and Humor" exhibition. Bridge Improv Comedy will perform from 5:30 to 6:30. There will also be artist talks, take-home caricature portraits, in-gallery sketching, docent tours and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
