Arts District – February 2016

1/30/16
First Friday Foundation, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization,, will resume producing the popular monthly arts and culture festival beginning February 5, 2016 in downtown Las Vegas.
In late summer 2015, First Friday Foundation, acquired all assets and intellectual property from First Friday Las Vegas, LLC, First Friday’s previous producer. After the October 2015 event, the official First Friday went dormant while the arts district continued to hold individual events on each first friday, so the February event, themed “Back to Our Future,” marks the return of this much-anticipated monthly event typically attended by more than 20,000 people of all ages.
“First Friday has been the most enduring example we have of Las Vegas’ creative class and unique culture. With the recent transition of operations to the non-profit, a growing team with increased community engagement, and the cooperation of the City and private sector, our intent is to sustain this cultural event well into the future” said Joey Vanas, Executive Director, First Friday Foundation.
The First Friday Foundation will post updates on scheduled First Friday events and other programming through its social media channels on Facebook at www.facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas and Twitter @FirstFridayLV. The new website, www.firstfridaylasvegas.com, is now active, and applications for artists and vendors are currently being accepted for the February event.
The First Friday Foundation is now operating with a full-time staff and a board of directors consisting of respected members of the community, representing a wide range of geographic and industry interests.
FEBRUARY 5, 2016 – HIGHLIGHTS
Hours of Operation: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: Casino Center / Art Way
Art Style: Emerging and established artists, arts, crafts
ArtWalk 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. showcases works by emerging Las Vegas artists. This is the perfect place to find locally-made, handcrafted and unique gifts made by skilled artisans. Be sure to stop into the Arts Factory and Art Square, and visit the many art galleries and studios. Guerrilla Kages will be displayed with live painting by some of Las Vegas’ most talented student-artists.
KidZone 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. is the place with fun activities specifically for little First Friday enthusiasts. Families can participate in art-making together, build Lego® creations, have fun climbing the rock wall or participate in a drum circle. All at Boulder Plaza, East of the intersection of Boulder Ave. and 1st Street.
Dance DepARTment 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. is where First Friday patrons can learn about a variety of dance forms, listen to music, and make new friends all while getting good exercise. A new location for the Dance DepARTment, on 1st Street just north of Coolidge, coincides with the new format and programming options provided by Epyk Entertainment and Molodi.
Food & Drink 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Explore the many options for your taste buds as the First Friday Culinary experience is back in full force with delicious options from a wide variety of food trucks and artisan food vendors – over 30 in total!. There are also many brick and mortar options in the Arts District, as well as the Fremont District, with new restaurants and bars opening regularly.
Photo: Courtesy of First Friday Foundation