People near and far come to downtown Phoenix’s First Friday, one of the largest art walks in the U.S. With arts and crafts and local merchants and galleries, there’s plenty to do whether it’s your first time or just another Friday in your recurring tradition. Don’t miss this First Friday night on Sept. 6.
Roosevelt Row’s Art Walk
Extending down Roosevelt from Second to Fifth streets, First Friday has its Adaptive Reuse of Temporary Space (ARTS) Market dedicated to handmade crafts, fine arts, vintage and culinary items. Follow the row of bazaar-style tents and you can be sure to find all sorts of one-of-a-kind pieces here—anime paintings, black-and-white photography, hip t-shirts, natural beauty products and even Patrick O’Brien’s Reilluminated Vintage Camera Lamps.
Art Galleries
Modified Arts at 407 E. Roosevelt St. will showcase Paul Lorenz, a Buckeye-based artist, and his “Squares & Gestures,” a collaborative drawing to the sounds of the trumpet. First Studio at 631 N. First Ave. will present ceramics, sculptures, paintings, photographs and mixed-media themed around “ICE ICE BABY!” New City Studio on 1300 N. Central Ave will have new artwork displayed in their “For the Culture” show, with sculptures, 3D pieces and other mixed-media art that portray the ever-changing culture around us.
Music Performance
It’s hard to miss the neon purple sign of Arizona’s only venue dedicated solely to jazz performance and education. The Nash will be rockin’ in rhythm and free to the public, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., you can enjoy bassist Ben Hedquist and his quintet of local jazz talent. Other performing artists will be out in the open air throughout Roosevelt, from rock bands to taiko drums.
Food and Drinks
Food trucks dishing out churros, gelatos, street corn, Argentinean empanadas and more snacks and drinks will be scattered throughout the art walk and beyond. If you prefer to sit-down rather than take-out, local restaurants will also be open. You can pair a tasty sandwich or salad with your favorite drink at the bar in Carly’s Bistro. If you’re in the mood for Latin food, PAZ Cantina or Taco Chelo are savory choices for tacos. If it’s a burger and craft beer you want, stop in at AZ Wilderness DTPHX to satisfy your cravings.
Getting Around
Is there a way to enjoy it all? Yes! Artlink offers complimentary trolley tours every First Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. The tours give you a chance to taste a bit of everything! The routes even venture beyond Roosevelt Row and take you to Historic Grand Avenue or the Phoenix Art Museum, which has free exhibitions after 6 p.m. At the Park-and-Ride Hub stops, you can park your car with the option to catch a trolley, the light rail or walk. Now accessible on your phone, Artlink even provides an online map and event calendar known as “PUG” (short for Phoenix Urban Guide). This helpful tool connects you to other First Friday attractions, restaurants and more.
Contact the reporter at csserra1@asu.edu.
