First Friday Phoenix

By  Valerie Millett 

That mindless droning of the downtown business hub transforms into an eclectic mix of art, crafts, music, dancing, drinking, eating, incense, hedonism, religion, and the "warm smell of colitas rising up through the air" 

First Friday Art Walk is a monthly self-guided walking tour that celebrates creativity, culture, and community in downtown Phoenix, on the first Friday of each month from 6 – 10ish. 

From fine to funky, First Friday Art Walk showcases a spectrum of artistic styles to entertain and engage amateurs and art aficionados of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. It's a photographer's heaven. 

Crossing the street unto Roosevelt Row is like entering another realm. Hours before rush hour traffic and the stressed-out business class were the norms now the historic backdrop and art-funk murals play to the high-vibing hipster crowd and everything in between. 

First Friday Trolley Tour & Hub Locations

Artlink hosts a complimentary trolley tour every First Friday, making it even easier to access Phoenix’s Arts districts and destinations. We work with community partners to provide “Park-and-Ride Hubs,” where parking is readily available, and many of the tour stops are adjacent to Valley Metro Rail stations.

Look for shuttle stop signs.There are three Park-and-Ride Hub Stops:

• Ten-O-One Connector Hub (1001 N. Central Ave. MAP)
• Oasis on Grand (15th and Grand Aves  MAP)
• Phoenix Art Museum (1625 N. Central Ave. MAP)

Some tips:

• Tour Schedule: Trolleys run from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., stopping at each of the hubs in approximately 25-minute intervals. THE LAST CIRCUIT IS AT 9:30 p.m., so make sure you’re on board and heading back to your car or your light rail station by that time.
• Park and Ride Hubs: Park at any one of these locations and catch the complimentary Artlink First Friday trolley that makes it easy to go from one arts area to another.
• Maps: The maps pictured below are printed courtesy of Downtown Phoenix Inc. and available at each Hub Stop and on the trolleys.
• Food & Drink: Find refreshments at restaurants and bars that support the arts community. See the list in the map below and in our Directory.