First Friday brings thousands to downtown

First Friday is one of Las Vegas' favorite arts events, drawing thousands of people to the downtown area the first Friday of the month to peruse art galleries, eat in restaurants and shop in stores. As its name implies, First Friday is held the first Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. with after-parties at a few locations going on until the wee hours. It encompasses the Arts District area, from Holsum Lofts to Third Street and from Wyoming Avenue to Boulder Avenue.

First Friday was the brainchild of antiques dealer Cindy Funkhouser, who hosted the first arts event in her shop, the Funk House, with around 300 visitors. The event has taken place every month since Oct. 4, 2002.

Today, the event attracts around 5,000 to 10,000 visitors on average with 80 indoor arts, food, drink and shop venues and 50 outdoor artists, artisans and entertainers providing outside fun.

The next First Friday will take place June 3. For more information, visit www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org.