Phoenix First Friday Art Walk

Downtown Phoenix is home to a thriving arts scene. From small stages and galleries to boutiques and murals, there’s no shortage of creative expression — no matter when you visit.

And while you can experience the buzz of this scene at seasonal happenings that range from culinary and music festivals to pop-up markets of every variety, there is one event that is not only among the best things to do in Phoenix for visitors, but it’s also a rite of passage for locals: First Friday Art Walk  is the ultimate way to experience this city’s culture, arts, flavor, and overall vibe.

Here’s our insider information with everything you need to know ahead of the next First Friday in Phoenix.

Originally founded and organized by Artlink , a nonprofit organization launched in the mid-90s, the First Friday Art Walk started out with just a handful of participants. Today, it’s a free, all-ages event that draws thousands of attendees spread out across dozens of city blocks and nearly 100 businesses.

At the center of this monthly event — which continues to evolve and grow as a signature downtown attraction — is the vitality and diversity of the city’s urban arts community, which showcases a multicultural range of creativity and artistic expression that appeals to art enthusiasts of every medium and flavor.

Aptly named, this event invites vendors, musicians, and artists of all varieties out into the streets (many of which are closed off to traffic) for an evening where the essence of downtown Phoenix’s arts and culture can be seen, felt, heard, and tasted throughout more than 70 galleries, venues, art-related spaces, and surrounding bars, restaurants and food trucks.