First Friday Party Downtown Las Vegas

Art, Bars Clubs Lounges, Discounts, First Friday, FREE | Sandra | April 3, 2007 at 06:56

This Friday is sure to be an historical event in Downtown Las Vegas. You have the fun monthly giant block party happening in the Arts District Downtown coupled with the events revolving around the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Just remember that some streets will be blocked and you will not have normal access with your car.

All the galleries are open late and the streets will be teeming with native life. A growing tradition in a lot of towns these days, the First Friday in Las Vegas is indeed special. You’ll find lots of FREE live entertainment at what is fast becoming the monthly place for the young to see and be seen. The bar scene is hopping all over Downtown as the party goes on after hours.

Verge Music Stage (Colorado & Casino Center) features Afro-Cuban Jazz Band, the Uncommon Alliance Las Vegas break dancing group, Roman Beats from Ft. Worth and the LA new soul/experimental group, The Basiqs. The Land Rover Stage presents Las Vegas’s own Pickadillos, followed by XRPM and finishing the evening with Hedwig & the Angry Inch. I saw the Uncommon Alliance at the Verge Grand Opening Party, which was their first gig. I’m thrilled to see them getting some deserved attention.

Event hours are 6pm-10pm, but you need to check the schedule as individual venues vary. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from Official First Friday Vendors ONLY. Be forewarned – You’ll have to throw away any other drinks/beers/etc when you enter the Festival area.

Check out the official website for maps, music and gallery schedules/locations/hours and any other info you need to know. There’s a whole process if you want VIP passes etc. The County provides free parking at the Government Center with Free City Arts trolleys to the party from 6pm-10pm. www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org.

Featured after-parties, restaurants and cafes with special food and drink deals for First Friday:
Dino’s Lounge
Beauty Bar
The Ice House
Andre’s Wine & Cheese Tasting
Island Flavors Cafe
Tinoco’s Bistro
Chicago Joe’s
Casa Don Juan
Florida Cafe

There seems to be some rumbling amongst the galleries that this event has moved way beyond the original “art after dark” idea and has now exploded into a full-fledged street party. Let’s hope the politicos keep this alive, cause a once-a-month pedestrian fest is a shot in the arm to Downtown nightlife, not to mention it’s one more fun thing to do in Vegas Off the Strip.