We say it a lot but we’ll say it again – Phoenix is the city that keeps on giving. There’s just so much to do, so much scenery to see, and so much sunshine to enjoy it all.

One of the things that residents and tourists alike really look forward to are First Fridays in the valley. In our opinion, it’s the one day held every month when the city truly comes alive.

We’d even dare say that First Fridays here are a rite of passage. You haven’t completely experienced Phoenix unless you’ve immersed yourself in its splendid art, culture, and music scene.

Now you’re probably asking, “What makes First Fridays in the city so special?” Read on below as we give you the insider scoop on what it is, what to expect, and how to best enjoy it.

What is First Friday in downtown Phoenix?

First Fridays (sometimes called First Friday Art Walks), mostly showcases the vibrant art and culture scene in Phoenix. It’s one of the largest self-guided art walks nationwide wherein museums and art galleries offer free or discounted admission. 

It’s a monthly event that draws thousands of visitors every year. The festivities typically span across several city blocks and are participated by over a hundred businesses.

Image Source: AllEvents.in

Today, First Fridays have expanded beyond art and culture. Numerous restaurants, boutiques, and musicians also take this opportunity to offer something special and new for everyone to see and experience.

Where do First Fridays take place in Phoenix?

Image Source: Patrick Breen via AZCentral

Most of the action happens within the neighborhoods of Roosevelt Row and the Historic Grand Avenue districts. Several streets in the area are closed off during this time to safely give way to foot traffic.

A Quick History of the First Friday Art Walks

Ever wondered how the First Friday Art Walks began? Well, its history traces back to 1988 when Phoenix’s first art walk event and open studios tour, Art Detour, was held.

In 1989, the good folks behind that officially formed Artlink Inc., a non-profit organization that aims to keep the arts relevant and integral to the local community.

The Art Detours proved to be a huge success. Residents and tourists loved the idea of being immersed in the city’s art scene and being introduced to local, national, and international talents. 

So, they continued to hold Art Detours monthly and host self-guided tours of galleries, studios, and businesses all over Phoenix. And in 1994, the organization started promoting the event into what is now known as the First Friday Art Walks.

Opening art venues for a limited time to the public wasn’t a new thing in the United States then. However, the First Friday Art Walks in Phoenix became one of the most anticipated ones.

In fact, it brought in throngs of tourists every month and the number continued to grow each year. This gave way to another event – Third Fridays, or often called “Gallery Night”, because more exhibitions opened up and wanted to participate as well.

These days, the First Friday Art Walks continue to be a central hub for artists, musicians, and more.

What time do First Fridays start in Phoenix?

The First Friday Art Walks happen every first Friday of the month, from 6PM to 10PM. Around these hours, the city streets in participating neighborhoods are closed off to any vehicles.

However, most vendors will show up as early as 4PM to set up shop. A lot of restaurants and bars will also offer happy hour deals before 6PM. 

We’d also like to point out that most venues and shops stay open beyond 10PM. In fact, most places with live music and drinks stay open until 2AM.

Image Source: Roosevelt Row

Our tip is for you to arrive early, as lines can get long anywhere – from restaurants to art galleries, and even some pop up boutiques.

Around 7PM, you’ll notice the streets filling up with eager visitors. The festivities will typically be in full swing around 8PM.

Where do you park for First Friday downtown?

If you want a prime parking spot, Roosevelt Row would be your best bet. However, street parking gets full super quick, so arrive as early as you can.

The parking meters here are enforced from 8AM to 10PM. They cost $1 to $1.50 per hour, depending on the spot you choose.

You can also try your luck at street parking over at Grand and 15th avenues. If you absolutely can’t get street parking, there are a couple of nearby places that you can head to as an alternative.

We recommend parking at Arizona Center (the garage entrance is located at the northbound section of Fifth Street) or the Phoenix Art Museum. The latter offers free parking and shuttle services all throughout the event.

To be quite frank, parking during First Fridays is a nightmare. Prepare to bring a lot of change for parking garages and meters, and a lot more patience in finding a decent spot.

Commuting and Getting Around on First Fridays

Whenever someone asks us about the best way of getting around during First Fridays, we always recommend taking the light rail or biking. Finding a parking spot just isn’t a walk in the park.

To help guide you on your commute, we’ve listed down below where to best get off the light rail depending on where you’re headed.

Where You’re Heading	Recommended Exit
Midtown Phoenix	Indian School Road or Central Avenue
Roosevelt Row	Roosevelt Street or Central Avenue
Phoenix Art Museum	McDowell Road or Central Avenue
Heard Museum	Encanto Boulevard or Central Avenue
Downtown	Van Buren Street, Central Avenue, Washington Street, or Third Avenue
Warehouse District	Jefferson Street or First Avenue

If you plan on bringing your bicycle with you, there are a ton of bike racks all over downtown. Just remember to be careful as some areas are more packed with pedestrians than others.

What to Do on First Fridays

There are lots of things one can visit and do on a First Friday Art Walk. In order to give you the full picture, we’ve listed down below a few of the best ones.

1. Go art gallery hopping.

First Fridays are mainly an art event. Naturally, we wanted to highlight several art galleries for your art walk.

Here’s a quick summary of the galleries you can visit per neighborhood. On First Fridays, admission is free for certain hours so make sure to check their website and plan your walk accordingly.

Roosevelt Row Arts District

Roosevelt Row (or RoRo, as locals call it), is among the coveted list of best places in America according to the American Planning Association. Not only is it a desirable place to live at and visit, but it’s also transport-friendly with a distinct southwestern flair. 

On top of that, Roosevelt Row is completely walkable and is home to a lot of art galleries, unique boutiques, and street art. 

Roosevelt Row sees no shortage of art galleries that feature talents from across the globe. On First Fridays, admission is free for a lot of them at certain hours.

1. Modified Arts

Image Source: Modified Arts

Website: https://modifiedarts.org/

Address: 407 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 9AM–4PM; Saturday, 6AM–9PM

Contact Number: (623) 396-5148

Modified Arts strays away from tradition by exhibiting contemporary collections of paintings, photography, sculptures, and more. It began as a live music performance space in 1999, and continues to hold music events to this day as well.

The exhibits change all the time, which is why it feels as though there’s something new to see every now and then. Admission is free for certain periods during First Fridays, so make sure to check the schedule on their website if you plan on visiting.

2. Eye Lounge

Image Source: Lynn Trimble via Phoenix New Times

Website: https://www.eyelounge.com/

Address: 922 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Friday, 6AM–9PM; Saturday, 1PM–5PM; Sunday, 11AM–3PM

Contact Number: (602) 430-1490

Eye Lounge is an artist-run collective that is part of the founding members of Roosevelt Row. It’s one of the must-visit places on First Fridays, simply because they make sure to have a good selection of exhibits and rotating murals every time. 

On First Fridays, too, most local artists come here to mingle and visit. So if you want to say hi and meet a few of them, this is the spot to be.

3. monOrchid

Image Source: Janet Wunnicke via TripAdvisor.com

Website: https://monorchid.com/

Address: 214 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7AM–6PM

Contact Number: (602) 492-3235

Right at the heart of Roosevelt Row is the monOrchid, a multi-use space for art exhibitions, events, food, and a variety of businesses. It was originally built as a warehouse in 1937 and maintained its old charm into the building that it is today.

Every month, it participates in the First Friday activities by holding various exhibitions – mostly by local indie artists. We’re always pleasantly surprised by what we find at every visit!

4. Alwun House

Image Source: Ran Van Velzer via AZCentral

Website: http://alwunhouse.org/

Address: 1204 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Business Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12PM–6PM

Contact Number: (602) 253-7887

The Alwun House is a local arts center that goes all-out with an Art Park on First Fridays. Not only do they showcase art exhibits, but they also host lots of art vendors and food trucks.

Here, you’ll often find a bunch of unique knick knacks, jewelry, and art materials. The art galleries are relatively smaller than others, but it’s really the bohemian vibe that you come here for.

5. Roosevelt Row Welcome Center

Image Source: Roosevelt Row CDC

Website: http://alwunhouse.org/

Address: 1204 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Business Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12PM–6PM

Contact Number: (602) 253-7887

Right beside Eye Lounge is the relatively new Roosevelt Row Welcome Center. During the First Fridays, they hold art exhibits along with other activities and sidewalk sales.

We recommend making this your first stop on an art walk. First, because they’re right at the street entrance; and second, because they sell a ton of fun stuff such as cute maps, shirts, books, and vintage clothes.

Bonus: Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Image Source: Children’s Museum of Phoenix via TripAdvisor.com

Website: https://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/

Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9AM–4PM

Contact Number: (602) 253-0501

Just two blocks away from Roosevelt Row Welcome Center is the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Though technically not part of Roosevelt Row, it’s still close enough to the area that we render it worthy of a mention.

As the name implies, this museum is a kid’s oasis. It’s a center for fun, imagination, creativity, and so much inspiration for the young ones!

You’ll not only find art pieces here, but there are a ton of interactive displays and activities as well. They offer over 300 play experiences spread out across three-floors of the entire building.

Standard ticket rates for this museum are also relatively expensive, so we highly-suggest taking advantage of the free admission every First Friday.

Historic Grand Avenue

Where Roosevelt Row ends, Grand Avenue begins. And while the boundaries are thin, the latter offers so many eclectic art experiences for its visitors.

Vintage buildings, historic attractions, brick colonnades, and the iconic bell tower can all be found here. Apart from those, First Friday also gives way to offbeat street art, pop-up artisan markets, live painting, and more.

We’ll start with the good ol’ art galleries. The Historic Grand Avenue is home to a lot of these, with each one showcasing fresh and unique talents.

1. Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse 

Image Source: Five15 Arts

Website: https://www.five15arts.com/about

Address: 1301 Grand Ave #2b, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Business Hours: Friday to Saturday, 6AM–9PM; Sunday, 11AM–2PM

Contact Number: (602) 228-0685

Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse is one of the more popular spots in this area. It’s a collective founded by 12 artists who also hold their own group and solo exhibits within the space.

If you’d like to see the works of up-and-coming artists, this is one of your best bets. In fact, it’s one of the oldest galleries downtown and was the launching pad for a lot of the local community’s most well-known artists today.

The contemporary gallery also rotates shows every month and every Third Friday, so there’s really a lot of new things to see with every visit.

2. Sisao Art Gallery

Image Source: Sisao Art Gallery

Address: 1501 Grand Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85007

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9AM–5PM

Contact Number: (516) 603-1930

The Sisao Art Gallery just opened in 2017, but it has already been a regular spot to visit for a lot of First Friday visitors. It’s located smack in the middle of Grand Avenue at the basement of the Oasis on Grand apartment complex.

The art shows here usually change on a monthly basis, and admission is free every First and Third Friday of the month. 

Even though it’s relatively smaller than other galleries, people love coming here because they feature a lot of up-and-coming indie artists.

3. The Wayward Taphouse

Image Source: The Wayward Taphouse

Website: https://thewaywardaz.com/

Address: 1028 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Business Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12PM–12AM; Sunday, 12PM-10PM

Contact Number: (602) 671-7900

Alright, it’s not technically a full-on art gallery, but The Wayward Taphouse diligently joins the monthly First Friday festivities with a cool art exhibit. Plus, the vibe is great, and what’s better than enjoying a good bottle of beer on an art walk?

We love coming here as a last stop, and we recommend that you try it out, too. It’s such a nice place to unwind after a long night of walking around.

4. Hazel & Violet Letterpress

Image Source: Phoenix Urban Guide

Website: https://www.hazelandviolet.com/

Address: 1301 Grand Ave #2b, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Business Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 10AM–4PM; Friday, 10AM–9PM; Sunday, 10AM–4PM

Contact Number: (480) 544-2162

It’s another technically-not-an-art-gallery entry, but we had to include Hazel & Violet Letterpress in this guide as they offer unique printing events. What’s on display, you might ask? Posters!

Walls upon walls of unique posters are what people come here to look at (in our book, they count as art!). And every First and Third Friday of the month, they have vintage proof presses that anyone can come use and print a free poster. 

They also often hold workshops and sell a bunch of cute stationery. We absolutely love stopping by here, and we think you would, too!

5. Zucca Art Gallery

Image Source: Abe Zucca Art Gallery

Address: 852 N. 6th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85003

Business Hours: Friday, 6AM–9PM

Contact Number: (602) 399-4540

The Zucca Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery owned and run by controversial local artist, Abe Zucca. If you know anything about him, then you’d know that nothing he ever does is subtle.

While he showcases a lot of his abstract pieces here, the gallery also holds art exhibitions from other artists. New pieces are usually on display every First and Third Friday of the month. 

6. Vertigo Art Gallery

Image Source: Vertigo Art Gallery

Website: https://vertigo.gallery/

Address: 1301 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Business Hours: Thursday to Saturday, 10AM–7PM

Contact Number: (602) 386-6319

The Vertigo Art Gallery is a boutique, by appointment-only space that focuses on exuding the therapeutic value of art’s creative expression. They believe that art can not only raise questions, but it can also calm and soothe the mind.

Every First and Third Friday of the month, they bring in new works from indie and established artists. They also sometimes have live painting, junk arts, and drag shows.

The Warehouse District

We like to call The Warehouse District one of Phoenix’s best-kept secrets. It’s not the most visited neighborhood in the area, but it has seen a burgeoning of eclectic art and architecture over the past couple of years.

1. Bentley Gallery

Image Source: Bentley Gallery via Yelp.com

Website: https://bentleygallery.com/

Address: 920 E Madison St Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Business Hours: By appointment only

Contact Number: (480) 946-6060

The Bentley Gallery has been around for over 35 years. They hold a grand collection of contemporary paintings and art pieces collected from various artists across the US.

A good variety of art mediums are on-display here, including paintings, photography, drawing, textiles, installation art, and even videos.

If you’re looking for a big gallery with a ton of things to look at, then this may be the best place for you to visit on that art walk.

2. 9 The Gallery

Image Source: 9 The Gallery

Website: https://9thegallery.com/

Address: 515 E Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Friday, 5PM–9PM

Contact Number: (480) 454-5929

9 The Gallery is another contemporary place that exhibits local and internationally-renowned artists. You’ll often find fine pieces of art here that were carefully-curated to provide an immersive art experience.

Upscale and much more sophisticated, this gallery surprises with the diversity in their collections. The place is multi-functional, too, as they have corporate spaces and social lounges that one can rent out.

3. Northlight Gallery

Image Source: Arizona State University

Website: https://art.asu.edu/galleries-and-facilities/northlight-gallery

Address: 605 E Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Thursday to Saturday, 12PM–5PM

Contact Number: (480) 965-6517

The Northlight Gallery inside Arizona State University (ASU) has a wide spectrum of photo-based work from many internationally-acclaimed artists. 

Among their permanent collection are works by renowned artists Ansel Adams, Eugene Atget, Thomas Barrow, and more. 

Some of the artworks you’ll find here are intriguing in the way that they challenge one’s sensibilities. It’s not for everyone, and may not be suitable for young kids, but seeing them is always up to your discretion.

4. Step Gallery

Image Source: Arizona State University

Website: https://art.asu.edu/galleries-and-facilities/step-gallery

Address: 605 E Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Friday to Saturday, 12PM–5PM

Step Gallery found a permanent home inside the Grant Street Studios. It had an interesting history of being a “mystery” gallery in the early 90s, as it would pop up at different locations throughout Tempe.

Most of the art pieces and exhibitions here are solicited from the School of Art community. They’re quite unique and brave, owing to the brilliance of the ASU art students.

Midtown Phoenix

Midtown Phoenix is often credited for its incredible urban growth. It’s sometimes referred to as the “Central Corridor” or the “Financial District”.

As such, it’s a homely neighborhood that’s not too quiet, nor too far from all the downtown action. And, some of the biggest museums in Phoenix are within this district.

1. Heard Museum

Image Source: Heard Museum

Website: https://heard.org/

Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10AM–4PM

Contact Number: (602) 252-8840

The Heard Museum has been around since 1929. Today, it’s widely-known as one of the best museums in the world for the quality of their art collections, educational programming, and unrivaled festivals.

Here, you’ll find a dedicated gallery for American-Indian art. It’s absolutely amazing how they trace back the history of the American-Indian people through both traditional and contemporary works of art, from a first-person perspective.

It’s truly a visually-stimulating and satisfying way to satiate one’s curiosity of the Native American culture. And, the atmosphere is wonderfully serene.

If you plan on just visiting one or two museums on First Fridays, we recommend not skipping out on this one. 

2. Phoenix Art Museum

Image Source: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Website: https://phxart.org/

Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 10AM–5PM

Contact Number: (602) 257-1880

Much like Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum is also home to world-class art exhibitions and over 20,000 works of preserved art. You can find almost anything from historical pieces to more modern curations.

What’s great about this massive museum is how the galleries often change. Themed spaces are available for viewing, too, and there are visibly no boring sections (at least, in our book).

Apart from First Fridays, they also offer Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesdays, which is pretty self-explanatory. We just think it’s a really great, educational place to visit within the city.

3. FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel

Image Source: FOUND:RE Hotel

Website: https://www.foundrehotels.com/

Address: 1100 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Open 24/7

Contact Number: (602) 875-8000

FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel has partnered with Artlink Inc. to provide a beautiful, elevated art experience for their guests and visitors. On First Fridays, they have local artists come and display one-of-a-kind pieces throughout the entire hotel.

These displays range from large-scale murals to artistic videos, up to their free-standing gallery, the FOUND:RE Contemporary.

We think it’s ingenous of them to feature local art pieces on a modern structure. It’s almost as if the entire hotel is an art piece in itself.

4. New City Studio

Image Source: New City Studio

Website: http://www.newcitystudio.org/

Address: 1300 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Every first Friday of the month, 7PM–10PM

Contact Number: (602) 908-5539

Local art in a variety of mediums are what you’ll find at New City Studio. At this gallery, no two events are the same as they feature a different theme every time.

They’re only open every First Friday, which is why we really think you mustn’t miss the chance to visit. It’s completely free to enter and the quality of art pieces that they source are top-notch. 

Come early, as they usually have a line of people coming in. That, in itself, speaks volumes of how wonderfully-curated their art space is.

2. See larger-than-life murals along Roosevelt Row.

One of Roosevelt Row’s most prominent features is the line of vibrant street art and murals. Yes, you can technically see them every day and not just on First Fridays, but you’ll often chance upon live mural paintings on these days.

Plus, you’re likely to spot some vibrant murals anyway, so why not make it a point to find the best ones? Below are our top picks.

1. 1 ½ Street a.k.a. Mural Alley

Image Source: Hobbies on a Budget

Address: 2814 N. 16th St., #1205, Phoenix, AZ 85016

1½ Street along Roosevelt Row is what locals fondly call the “Mural Alley”. It looks exactly as it sounds – a long, wide swath of captivating murals painted by local artists such as Isaac Caruso, Nyla Lee, and more.

It’s located right around back the nondescript building of The Churchill. It’s quite easy to find if you’re actually looking for it, but the place is well-hidden in plain sight.

2. Clyde Graffiti’s La Musa

Image Source: Vistana

Address: 1130 N 2nd St #108, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Just north of Second Street is where you’ll find Clyde Graffiti’s striking mural, La Musa (which translates to ‘The Muse’). It’s right on the high side of en Hance Park Condos past Portland street. 

It’s among our favorites for its unique 3D-ish look. It depicts the image of a traveler with a faraway look and was meant to inspire people to embark on new journeys.

3. Tyson Krank’s Untitled Mural

Image Source: David Urbanic via The Blocks Roosevelt

Address: 915 N 5th St. Phoenix, AZ 85004

Street artist Tyson Krank painted an untitled mural on the east-facing wall at The Blocks. Despite the intricacy of the art, he was able to finish it in just 24 hours.

The image shows a woman wrapped in plants and vines. According to Krank, he wanted to pay homage to the unity of nature and people with the idea that we’re all one organism.

4. Tato Caraveo’s Theodore

Image Source: Tato Caraveo

Address: 110 E Roosevelt St Ste C, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Tato Caraveo is one of the most popular local artists in Phoenix. Because of his many works, he has become a household name, particularly within the muralist community in the city.

Right at the side of The Theodore Beer + Wine Bar, he painted a surrealist visual of Teddy Roosevelt himself. The mural gives an interesting perspective of the former US president, complete with elongated and delicate lines.

5. Lalo Cota’s Los Suns

Image Source: NBA

Address: 128 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

In 2018, the Phoenix Suns sports team commissioned local artist Lalo Cota to create a mural of the team. They wanted him to incorporate his signature style, along with some touches of Mexican culture.

Fun fact: the mural was created to commemorate the time that the Suns debuted their new uniforms. NBA and Nike designed the uniforms around the vibrant culture of the city, paying homage to the local art scene.

3. Enjoy a live music performance.

People not only join art walks on First Fridays, but they also come to watch and enjoy live music performances! Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the best places to hear live music.

1. El Charro Hipster Bar & Cafe

Image Source: El Charro Hipster Bar & Cafe

Website: https://elcharrohipster.com/

Address: 1325 Grand Ave Suite 4, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Business Hours: Wednesday, 3PM–10PM; Thursday, 3PM–12AM; Friday, 1PM–2AM; Saturday, 10AM–1AM; Sunday, 10AM–5PM

Contact Number: (602) 730-3247

On First Fridays, El Charro Bar & Cafe invites many local songwriters and singers for a free, open-mic jamming session. They’re conveniently-located downtown, and we find them to be a good place to hangout in between visiting art galleries.

The space itself is intimate and bright, with a relaxed patio area. And while you listen to the talented performers, enjoy a warm cup of coffee or try out one of their delicious cocktail drinks.

2. The Lost Leaf

Image Source: The Lost Leaf via TripAdvisor.com

Website: https://thelostleaf.org/first-fridays/

Address: 914 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5PM–2AM

Contact Number: (602) 258-0014

Music is a staple at The Lost Leaf any day of the week, but on First Fridays, free live music is available at their beer garden. They’re near a lot of art galleries, as well, so you can stop by on your way or let the night drift off here.

What we love about this place is that it’s always bustling with music and energy. All the staff members are super welcoming, and the menu has a bit of something for everyone.

Their walls are decked with some art pieces, too, and everywhere you look, people are just having fun. What a vibe!

3. Bud’s Glass Joint

Image Source: Bud’s Glass Joint

Website: https://budsglassjoint.com/

Address: 907 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Friday to Saturday, 10AM–12PM; Sunday to Wednesday, 10AM–11PM

Contact Number: (602) 258-1500

Bud’s Glass Joint is a premier glass shop that exclusively carries Arizona-blown glass pipes and water pipes. They’re the very definition of what a Head Shop is and has an extensive selection of natural oils, tea, tinctures, and vapes.

It may come as a surprise to you, but they’re one of the most live music stops every First Friday. They invite a variety of local artists across the valley, as well as vendors and live glass blowers.

They’ve been voted the Best First Friday Hangout spot by the Phoenix New Times, so you best believe that they know how to turn it up.

4. Herberger Theater Center

Image Source: Herberger Theater Center

Website: https://herbergertheater.org/

Address: 222 East Monroe St. Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 10AM–5PM; Saturday to Sunday, 12PM–5PM

Contact Number: (602) 252-8497

The Herberger Theater Center was built in 1989. Since then, they have been a central hub for performing arts across the valley.

Every First Friday of the month, they hold live outdoor performances that feature a variety of musical performances – for free! Apart from that, they also host projection and visual arts alongside interactive exhibits.

5. Lacuna Kava Bar

Image Source: AllEvents.in

Website: https://www.lacunakavabar.com/

Address: 821 N 3rd St Suite 12, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Thursday to Friday, 11AM–12AM; Saturday to Wednesday, 11AM–11PM

Contact Number: (602) 237-6158

Not into alcohol but love the lively bar setting? Make your way over to Lacuna Kava Bar for an alcohol-free but fun night of live music and delicious drinks!

The thing about this place is that all their drinks are plant-based and healthy. It’s a great place to be for vegans and those who are really health-conscious.

On First Fridays, they invite local performers and DJs to entertain all guests until midnight. Admission is completely free, too!

Where to Stay During First Fridays

For tourists coming into the city, getting a place to stay for the night might be a good idea. This is because parking can be difficult and walking around is exhausting enough.

So, if you want to find the best hotels to stay at within the art district, keep reading below.

1. Cambria Hotel 

Image Source: Cambria Hotel

Website: https://www.cambriahotelphoenix.com/

Rates: Starts at $130 per night

Address: 222 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Open 24/7

Contact Number: (602) 675-3500

The Cambria Hotel located in the middle of Downtown Phoenix offers stylish and sophisticated rooms for you to relax in. 

Each room is designed with city-centric artwork and comes with smart features. Their rooftop restaurant gives a stunning view of Roosevelt Row, and there’s a pool that you can make use of, as well.

We find the hotel to be upscale, clean, and hip. Despite being at the center of the metropolis, the rooms are quiet enough to afford you a decent night of sleep.

2. AC Hotel by Marriott

Image Source: AC Hotel by Marriott via TripAdvisor.com

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxad-ac-hotel-phoenix-downtown

Rates: Starts at $132 per night

Address: 414 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Open 24/7

Contact Number: (602) 258-1771

The AC Hotel by Marriott exudes of European luxury amidst downtown’s southwest charm. It’s only a stone’s throw away from Phoenix Art Museum, so this would be an ideal place to stay if you plan on visiting.

We think you’ll love how spacious and clean the rooms are. They’re all also fully-equipped with well-working HVAC units, smart features, beautiful light fixtures, and comes with a relatively huge haul of toiletries.

It’s also close to the airport and is surrounded by tons of restaurants and cafes. The only thing is that they don’t have a pool, so if you’re bringing kids, this might be a tiny bit disappointing for them.

3. Hampton Inn at Phoenix Midtown

Image Source: Hampton Inn via Booking.com

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/

Rates: Starts at $164 per night

Address: 160 W Catalina Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Business Hours: Open 24/7

Contact Number: (602) 200-0990

The Hampton Inn is included in our list simply because of how accessible it is. It’s both commute-friendly (as it’s near the light rail station), parking-friendly, and is also close to the airport.

Another thing we love about this hotel is that they’re pet-friendly! Feel free to bring your pooches along with you on your First Friday art walks.

Standard amenities are also available, including free breakfast, WiFi, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. The rooms skew a bit to the smaller side, but not so much so that it feels too cramped.

4. Renaissance Phoenix Downtown

Image Source: Visit Phoenix

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxbd-renaissance-phoenix-downtown-hotel

Rates: Starts at $258 per night

Address: 100 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Business Hours: Open 24/7

Contact Number: (602) 333-0000

The Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel is an icon in itself. It’s known to be a hub for the arts, creativity, and modern architecture.

Spotting it along the area won’t be a problem, as its walls are decked in huge murals. It really makes quite the first impression. 

What really impresses, though, are their luxurious rooms complete with designer bathrooms. And, they have an outstanding cowboy-inspired restaurant that sits well amidst the vibe of the town.

5. DoubleTree Suites

Image Source: DoubleTree Suites via TripAdvisor.com

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/phxfvdt-doubletree-suites-phoenix/

Rates: Starts at $148 per night

Address: 320 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Business Hours: Open 24/7

Contact Number: (602) 225-0500

The DoubleTree Suites offers exactly what their name is. It’s an all-suite hotel that only features king- and queen-sized beds, a microwave, refrigerators, and not one, but two HD TVs!

If you want the royal treatment, then we think you’d absolutely enjoy your stay here. An outdoor pool is also available, along with a full fitness center, and a 24-hour airport shuttle service.

It’s a 10-minute walk away from Roosevelt Row, but we’d consider the distance worth covering. 

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Are you all set for your First Friday experience? Let us know in the comments below what you’re most excited about!