Set up for First Friday + COVID-19 Restrictions 

After a long hiatus, the First Friday Foundation (FFFLV) returns with its first festival of the year. 

From FFFLV’s recent press release, the event returns this Friday, April 2nd, from 5-10 p.m. A limited capacity of 250 people allowed in the festival area at any given time to ensure everyone’s safety. You must RSVP for this event. 

Entrances and exits are available for the Art Walk on Boulder Avenue and 1st St. and the food garden/bar in Art Square parking lot and Art Way. Attendees must pass a non-invasive temperature check at the entrance. Masks are required at all times, except when eating or drinking.

Food

Explore the many options for your taste buds as the First Friday culinary experience returns with delicious options from the many food trucks, artisan food vendors, and restaurants throughout the First Friday footprint and the entire Arts District. Check out the 12 food trucks stationed at the event – including the Custom Pizza Truck, recently recognized by Food Beast! 

Custom Pizza Truck, the largest mobile pizza truck in the USA, serves up to 100 pizzas in an hour. They bring a unique experience that shows what’s happening in the kitchen.

Food and drink may only be consumed in the food garden; no open food or beverages can leave the designated area.

Art and Entertainment

The Art Walk will showcase work primarily by emerging and established local artists. You’ll find 35 different art and craft vendors at the event, curated by artist Izaac Zevalking of Recycled Propaganda. Check out the artists’ booths and surrounding galleries in the Arts District, including Arts Factory and Art Square along Main Street. There will also be interactive painting for those who want to explore their own creativity. 

This month, First Friday features Eric Vozzola, a studio artist, muralist, and graphic designer based here in his hometown. He received his BFA in Graphic Design from UNLV in 2011. Eric has shown studio work in solo and group shows locally and nationally and has multiple public artworks around Vegas. His most notable solo shows in Las Vegas were held at Winchester Gallery, Whitney Library Gallery, and the Alumni Gallery at his alma mater of UNLV. He’s created murals and public art for Circa Resort & Casino, the City of Las Vegas, the City of Henderson, the Life Is Beautiful festival, Meow Wolf at Area 15, and various private residences and local businesses.

In addition, Jef Logan, another local artist, will unveil an art installation sponsored by Sam & Ash Law. Find this special art installation on display in Boulder Plaza during the event. It will be within the art walk for viewing and to meet and greet the artist.

Likewise, find live performances on two stages throughout the night, featuring acoustic, guitar, saxophone, and other local musicians for entertainment. 

Parking/Transport Info for the First Friday Festival

For those driving to the event, free parking is available on the surrounding streets. Find city-paid parking lot areas through www.parkwhiz.com. There will also be a paid parking lot located at Arts Square/Mission Linen Building parking lot on Coolidge and Arts Way.

Need an alternative to driving to the festival? Sin City Cycle Cab is doing drop-off and pick-up at 1st Street and Hoover Avenue. Rides from downtown Las Vegas to First Friday and back all night, including from City Hall parking garage. And, the Downtown Loop also provides transportation throughout Downtown and to First Friday during the event.

FFFLV SPONSORS

The following sponsors made this month’s event possible:

● City of Las Vegas ● Bacardi ● Sam & Ash, LLP Law ● Art Houz Theaters ● CraftHaus Brewery ● AREA15

ART IS HEALING

While the festival was on hiatus, the First Friday Foundation of Las Vegas (FFFLV) remained active in the community! Thanks to their community partners, they held a few micro-events at the beginning of the year to help local families and pets in need.

In January, First Friday partnered with Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick’s ‘Clothes for Comfort.’ They received many donations of gently-used and new clothes for children and young adults while offering artists an opportunity to share their creativity and bring healing to the community. 

Artist Miguel Hernandez created a mural located inside the lobby of Art Houz Theaters in memory of Tony Hsieh while over 30 student performers shared songs throughout the day.

“Many students from Deblanc Music were out for the first time since the pandemic began and relieved to have a place to share their talent,” said Corey Fagan, the Executive Director of FFFV.

In February, FFFLV offered support to Hearts Alive Village, receiving donations for pets in the community. 

“Betty, a pitbull-mix, was out with us looking for a home and was successfully adopted later!” Fagan said. Several community therapy dogs also shared in a superhero day and greeted visitors at the event. 

Artist Karma Reyes taught the community to make pet blankets, later donated to Hearts Alive Village for pets in need. 

“THANK YOU AREA 15 FOR YOUR SUPPORT!” – First Friday Foundation

Over the pandemic, FFFLV partnered with AREA 15 in a First Friday fundraiser. They offered space to artists in the community and brought opportunities for visitors to shop from local artists normally seen on the Artwalk at the First Friday festival. 

“We look forward to continuing our partnership as the city opens back up, finding ways to collaborate with more opportunities for artists,” Fagan said.