Downtown fest First Friday is ‘Too Cool for School’ in September

From artists to musicians to attendees, everyone’s “Too Cool for School” — at least at September’s throwback-themed First Friday.

The monthly downtown arts district happening — which runs from 5 to 11 p.m. — also has a new footprint.

The main stage moves to the south end of the Art Way parking lot, while most artists and vendors shift to First Street, extending to Hoover Avenue. And premium parking (accessible via Coolidge Avenue and Casino Center Boulevard) will be available in front of the Mission Building and Art Square.

The Welcome Tent welcomes the First Nevada Robotics Team, who will promote not only robotics but STEAM (science, technology, education, arts and mathematics) education initiatives.

In the monthly featured artist spotlight: local Kurtis Rykovich, who received his bachelor’s of fine arts degree from UNLV. He describes his paintings, which illustrate his love of fantasy, as “a collection of gorgeous creatures full of dangerous allure and intrigue.”

Musical highlights include the final preliminary round of the Rock & Review battle of the bands; in October, First Friday’s anniversary month, all four winning groups will compete head-to-head. In addition, Las Vegas Academy students will perform on the relocated main stage from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Also on tap for September’s First Friday:

■ Art Style, featuring works by emerging and established artists and artisans, curated by artist Izaac Zevalking, plus interactive painting for visitors eager to get into the act

■ ArtWalk, showcasing emerging Las Vegas artists in festival area booths, plus Arts Factory and Art Square galleries and studios

■ Paint by numbers with Jasmine Farro and Friends

■ Kids Zone in Boulder Plaza, with the Sin City Roller Girls, Guardian Elite Medical Fire Truck, block building, face painting and more

■ Epyk Dance DepARTment and Community Productions Drum Circle from 5 to 11 p.m.

■ Food trucks, artisan food vendors, special First Friday drinks and more

■ Antiques and more at the south end of the arts district; streets will be blocked between California and Colorado avenues, Casino Center Boulevard and Antique Alley (one block east of Main Street)

More First Friday details are available online at firstfridaylasvegas.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas and Twitter @FirstFridayLV.