{"id":4043,"date":"2016-04-26T11:00:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-26T18:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plazahotelcasino.com\/?p=4043"},"modified":"2019-07-02T11:53:09","modified_gmt":"2019-07-02T18:53:09","slug":"your-guide-to-the-first-friday-festival-in-downtown-vegas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plazahotelcasino.com\/blog\/your-guide-to-the-first-friday-festival-in-downtown-vegas\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to the First Friday Festival in Downtown Vegas"},"content":{"rendered":"Downtown Las Vegas isn\u2019t just about bright lights and casino excitement. Although DTLV is legendary for its neon lights and historic gaming establishments, the area also offers its fair share of arts and culture.\r\n<div align=\"center\">\r\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 8px;\">\r\n<div style=\"background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 52.3611111111% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;\"><\/div>\r\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"><a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BBbsK3mTV5Y\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A photo posted by First Friday LV (@firstfridaylv)<\/a> on <time style=\"font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;\" datetime=\"2016-02-06T05:13:06+00:00\">Feb 5, 2016 at 9:13pm PST<\/time><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\r\n<script src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\" async=\"\" defer=\"defer\"><\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nThe amazing art scene is due in large part to First Friday \u2014 a free art festival held on the first Friday of every month that\u2019s been going strong since its 2002 debut. Today, First Friday welcomes over 20,000 guests and is the largest event of its kind in Las Vegas. First Friday is popular with locals and visitors alike; some guests to downtown Las Vegas travel here specifically for this event. Here is everything you need to know about this eccentric event.\r\n\r\n<h2>First Friday Transportation and Parking<\/h2>\r\n\r\nFirst Friday is held in the <a href=\"\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-downtown-las-vegas-art-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Arts District of downtown Las Vegas<\/a>. The spacious district also referred to as 18b, is home to a variety of galleries and boutiques that participate in this highly popular event. It\u2019s so popular, in fact, that reaching the festival by car can sometimes be a challenge.\r\n\r\nConsider <a href=\"\/blog\/downtown-las-vegas-parking-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">using a parking garage<\/a>, such as the free lot at 7th and Ogden &#8211; just make sure to arrive early at this lot to get a space. Paid parking areas are also an option, such as the Fremont St. Experience lot on 4th and Carson, or <a href=\"\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Plaza Hotel &amp; Casino<\/a> lot on Main and Carson. Royal Rewards members may qualify for free parking.\r\n\r\nIf possible, walking to First Friday is a hassle-free option, although crowds can get heavy at times.\r\n\r\n<h2>The First Friday Experience<\/h2>\r\n\r\nFirst Friday is an art event; however, guests also enjoy incredible food and live entertainment. The event is a great opportunity for both visitors and locals to discover talented local artists. Thanks to this venue, pedestrian traffic in the downtown area has grown by leaps and bounds. First Friday has also helped promote the fantastic small businesses in the district.\r\n\r\n<div align=\"center\">\r\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 8px;\">\r\n<div style=\"background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 37.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;\"><\/div>\r\n\r\n<a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BCjlFusTVzB\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A photo posted by First Friday LV (@firstfridaylv)<\/a> on <time style=\"font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;\" datetime=\"2016-03-05T03:16:33+00:00\">Mar 4, 2016 at 7:16pm PST<\/time>\r\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n<script src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\" async=\"\" defer=\"defer\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nDress comfortably \u2014 think outdoor festival wear \u2014 and prepare for lots of walking. If you need a break, there are ample cafes and restaurants where you can rest your feet and grab a bite. A piece of art purchased at First Friday is a great souvenir to commemorate your time in Vegas.\r\n<h2>Area Attractions<\/h2>\r\nThe Arts District spans 18 blocks; here, you\u2019ll find art galleries and so much more. Visit Glam Factory Vintage on Colorado for incredible vintage clothing. If its home d\u00e9cor you\u2019re after, stop by Inside Style, a boutique specializing in interior d\u00e9cor.\r\n\r\nYou\u2019re likely to work up an appetite at First Friday \u2014 luckily, there are plenty of palate-pleasing <a href=\"\/blog\/6-places-to-grab-a-quick-cheap-bite-in-downtown-vegas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">downtown Vegas food options<\/a> available. Casa Don Juan serves up authentic Mexican cuisine, and for fusion fare and cocktails, head to Mingo\u2019s. There are even hair salons and tattoo parlors in this eclectic district.\r\n<h2>First Friday: Something for Everyone<\/h2>\r\nAlthough there\u2019s nothing wrong with relaxing in your plush <a href=\"\/rooms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">downtown Vegas hotel suite<\/a>, First Friday is a fantastic opportunity to get outside and mingle with guests and locals.\r\n<div align=\"center\">\r\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 8px;\">\r\n<div style=\"background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 37.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;\"><\/div>\r\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"><a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BDMeUvHzV5W\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A photo posted by First Friday LV (@firstfridaylv)<\/a> on <time style=\"font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;\" datetime=\"2016-03-21T00:26:17+00:00\">Mar 20, 2016 at 5:26pm PDT<\/time><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\r\n<script src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\" async=\"\" defer=\"defer\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nYou don\u2019t even need to be an art enthusiast to enjoy this event because there\u2019s something to appeal to everyone! Although you\u2019re sure to discover art that appeals to you at this event, there\u2019s plenty of food, beverages, and street entertainment to enjoy as well. When visiting Vegas, attending First Friday is part of a well-rounded experience.","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Downtown Las Vegas isn\u2019t just about bright lights and casino excitement. Although DTLV is legendary for its neon lights and historic gaming establishments, the area also offers its fair share of arts and culture. A photo posted by First Friday LV (@firstfridaylv) on Feb 5, 2016 at 9:13pm PST The amazing art scene is due 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