For over 30 years, First Friday in downtown Phoenix has been a community staple.
Recently, Roosevelt Row CDC and Artlink removed the vendors lining the streets selling their wares and the streets were no longer being shut down or policed. And yet, First Friday continued on.
That's right, the galleries and museums still threw open their doors for the public to meander in while walking along Roosevelt Row, refusing to let go of their monthly ritual despite the changes. The changes were due to "unacceptable violent acts that have occurred in, or in close proximity to, the event's footprint," according to an Instagram post from Roosvelt Row CDC.
There's still no word yet if the vendors and the police presence will be returning to First Fridays, but
September's event is still on. So, here's what you need to know before you go.
Is First Friday in Phoenix shutting down?
There's no need to worry about First Friday. It's still happening every month; it just looks a little different.
Is First Friday moving to Mesa?
August's First Friday kicked off with a flurry of misinformation when popular Instagram account @phoenix_finds posted a photo that has since been deleted with a photo caption that read "Downtown Phoenix loses First Fridays as popular even moves to Mesa." The post stated that "First Fridays is moving from downtown Phoenix to Mesa, meaning the longtime Phoenix tradition will look a whole lot different going forward. The move was announced Friday, August 7. First Fridays will continue, just with Mesa as its new home."
However, what was really happening is new Mesa development Cannon Beach would be putting on their own First Friday event, complete with vendors, artists, food and more.
Roosevelt Row art galleries, performance spaces and public art
Roosevelt Row is best known as downtown Phoenix's arts district, so here are the galleries, studios and shops selling and displaying local art.
- Cahokia SocialTech + ArtSpace: Founded by Indigenous women, Cahokia provides curated perspectives through art installations and gallery exhibits. 707 N. Third St., Suite 130. cahokiaphx.com.
- FOUND:RE Contemporary: A gallery space representing emerging and established artists through a bimonthly exhibitions and special events. 1100 N. Central Ave. foundcontemporary.com.
- The Garment League: A nonprofit organization dedicated to fashion education and industry resources. 815 N. First Ave. thegarmentleague.com.
- Great Arizona Puppet Theater: A long-running theater organization that offers programming for kids and adults. 302 W. Latham St. azpuppets.org.
- Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library: A gathering place and specialty library with works related to Celtic culture and genealogy. 1106 N. Central Ave. azirish.com.
- Modified Arts: Exhibitions of contemporary photography, sculptures, paintings, multimedia and more. 407 E. Roosevelt St. modifiedarts.org.
- New City Studio: Contemporary gallery space focusing on local art, artists and music. 1300 N. Central Ave. newcityphx.com.
- Onyx Art Gallery & Events: Bringing a fresh, urbane feel to downtown's Grand Avenue historical district's expanding art scene. 1346 W. Roosevelt St. onyxartevents.com.
- Phoenix Center for the Arts: Provides arts and culture opportunities for all through education, programming and advocacy. 1202 N. Third St. phoenixcenterforthearts.org.
- Release the Fear Sculpture: An anti-violence sculpture by artist Robert John Miley featuring a happy 24-foot-tall figure emerging from a partly melted pile of guns that had been used in actual crimes. 116 W. Roosevelt St.
- Rising Youth Theatre: A youth leadership organization working at the intersection of art and social justice. 1202 N. Third St. risingyouththeatre.org.
- Roosevelt Row Welcome Center: 918 N. Second St. rooseveltrow.org.
- RoRo Street Art Tour Phoenix: See larger-than-life murals and hear stories of the artists who created them with a walk through the nationally renowned Roosevelt Row Arts District. azingtours.com.
- Teatro Bravo: Produces plays that promote a complex portrait of Latinx and Chicanx populations. 1202 N. Third St. teatrobravo.org.
- Valley Youth Theatre: A safe place where young people from diverse backgrounds can learn and grow as individuals, performers and leaders. Oscar winner Emma Stone got her start here. vyt.com.
- Xico: One of the oldest ethnic arts organizations in the U.S. and a leader in promoting Latino and Indigenous culture through art. 829 N. First Ave. xico.org.
Roosevelt Row bars and restaurants
Roosevelt Row is walkable, which is a big part of its charm. Here are bars and restaurants where you can refresh and refuel while hitting your step goals for the day.
Walter Studios: Open for brunch, lunch and dinner serving happy hour food and cocktails with a private dining room. Hosts events like local DJ sets and themed brunches. 747 W. Roosevelt St. walterstudios.com.
Arizona Wilderness: A slew of local brews featuring locally sourced ingredients, plus huge burgers, duck-fat fries, onion rings and other bar favorites. 201 E. Roosevelt St. azwbeer.com.
Central Records Kitchen and Recordbar: A modern cafe and electric sound lounge inspired by Japanese kissa cafes. 824 N. Central Ave. centralrecords824.com.
Châm Pang Lanes: A 1960s utopia where games, champagne and fried chicken come together in the name of modern vintage entertainment. 903 N. Second St. champanglanes.com.
The Churchill: A 9,000-square-foot courtyard with dining and drinking options, space to socialize and more. 901 N. First St. facebook.com/thechurchill.
Cobra Arcade Bar: A vintage video game and pinball machine bar with cocktails and craft beer. 801 N. Second St., Suite 100. cobraarcadebar.com.
DWNTWN: Latin night club. 702 N. Central Ave. clubdwntwn.com.
The Farish House: A cozy bistro and wine hang that is family-owned and operated. 816 N. Third St. farishhouse.com.
First & Last: A new restaurant serving up a season menu, wines from small producers and playful cocktails. 1001 N. Third Ave., Suite 1. firstandlastphx.com.
GenuWine Arizona: Stylish, art-lined bar and bottle shop featuring self-serve wines to pair with cheeses and small plates. 888 N. First Ave., Suite 101. genuwinearizona.com.
Ghost Donkey: A vibrant mezcal and tequila bar that embodies the heart and soul of Mexican hospitality. 903 N. Second St. ghostdonkeyphx.com.
Gracie's Tax Bar: This former tax office is now a bar with a jukebox and board games that serves up finger foods and sandwiches. 711 N. Seventh Ave. instagram.com/graciestaxbar.
Greenwood Brewing: A woman-owned local craft brewery. 922 N. Fifth St. greenwoodbrews.com.
The Grand: A retro-fusion style nightclub experience with three rooms of different ambiances. 718 N. Central Ave. thegrandaz.com.
Hi-Score Club: An anime-themed lounge with imported arcade games, sake bombs and themed cocktails made with Japanese whiskey. 801 N. Second St., Suite 108. instagram.com/hiscoreclub.
Jobot Coffee, Diner & Bar: A funky cafe offering locally roasted coffee, Southwestern-leaning bites and occasional live music. 333 E. Roosevelt St. instagram.com/jobotcoffee.
Kahvi Coffee and Cafe: A relaxed approach to premium coffee along with cocktails, wine, beer and food. 214 E. Roosevelt St., Suite 2. siplacuna.com.
Lacuna Phoenix: A coworking space by day and botanical elixir lounge by night that serves nonalcoholic beverages and hosts events. 914 N. Fifth St. lacunakavabar.com.
Legends Never Die: Cocktail bar that's defined by its technique-drive, modernist approach to cocktails. 509 E. Roosevelt Street. heroesgetremembered.com.
LoveBite Dumplings: A casual restaurant that offers a variety of dumplings accompanied by rice or noodles. 116 E. Roosevelt Street. eatlovebitedumplings.com.
Lucky's Indoor Outdoor: A neighborhood hangout with a big patio, a 1970s trailer bar, food trucks, picnic tables and bocce. 817 N. Second St. luckysphx.com.
Match Market & Bar: An upscale local cafe, market and bar overlooking Portland Parkway Park. 1100 N. Central Ave. matchphx.com.
MonOrchid: An indoor and outdoor venue for corporate events, weddings, birthdays and other occasions. 214 E. Roosevelt St. monorchid.com.
Mr. Baan's Bar and Mookata Grill: Serving charcoal-grilled Thai barbecue, cocktails, wine and spirits. 218 E. Portland St. mrbaans.com.
The Nash Jazz Club: Venue hosting jazz shows and open-mic sessions plus lessons and workshops. 110 E. Roosevelt St. thenash.org.
Pedal Haus Brewery: Enjoy an extensive selection of award-winning craft beers from this local brewery. 214 E. Roosevelt St., Suite 4. pedalhausbrewery.com.
PHX Cat Cafe: More than just a coffee spot, this nonprofit cat rehomes felines. 147 E. Garfield St. phxcatcafe.org.
Pretty Penny: A restaurant with internationally inspired small plates and innovative cocktails served up in a cozy setting and open late. 509 E. Roosevelt Street. intastewetrust.com.
Rough Rider: Victorian-era cocktails with a contemporary flair paired with modern American cuisine. 1001 N. Central Ave. roughrideraz.com.
Samsara Restaurant & Lounge: Restaurant, premium cocktail bar and hookah lounge all in one. 901 N. Fourth St. samsaraphx.com.
Sazerac PHX: A vibrant haunt with craft cocktails, local beers and premium cigars. 821 N. Second St. instagram.com/sazeracphx.
Taco Chelo: This restaurant serves up classic tacos and craft cocktails along with imported draft beer in an airy, artsy environment. 501 E. Roosevelt Street. tacochelo.com
Tap That Downtown: This bar has 35 self-serve taps of craft beers, plus a variety of wine and champagne. 909 N. Fifth St. tapthatbeer.com
Topaz Bar and Lounge: Food and craft cocktails in an indoor-outdoor setting. 801 N. Third St. topazbarlounge.com.
Turquoise Wine Bar: Modern wine bar that blends taste, art and culture that offers curated wines along with creative events. 504 E. Roosevelt Street. turquoisewinebar.com.
The Vig: Upscale neighborhood hangout with four indoor and outdoor seating areas. 606 N. Fourth Ave. thevig.us.
Roosevelt Row shopping
You'll find plenty of clothing, jewelry, home decor and gifts along Roosevelt Row.
Straw and Wool Hat Store: Find a one-of-a-kind hat here. 610 E. Roosevelt St., Suite 144. strawandwool.com.
Antique Sugar: A vintage clothing store with fashions spanning the 20th century for men and women. 801 N. Second St., Suite 104. antiquesugar.com.
Bunky Boutique: This store sells clothes for men and women plus items for your home. 1001 N. Central Ave. https://bunkyboutique.com/
The Historic Gold Spot: Built in 1925, this is one of the first shopping centers in Phoenix. 1001 N. Third Ave. thehistoricgoldspot.com.
Onyx Style Collective: Home decor, clothing for men and women, classic styles and current trends. 610 E. Roosevelt St., Suite 133. instagram.com/onyxstylecollective.
RIP Valley: The ultimate stop for sports cards collectors and lovers of pop culture. 1014 N. Second St., Suite 2. ripvalley.com.
Stardust & Sage Crystal Shop: An Indigenous healing store selling Florida Water (an alcohol-based cologne used in mystical practice), crystals, sage and candles. 610 E. Roosevelt St., Suite 136. startdustandsage.com.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Yes, First Friday is still in downtown Phoenix. What's happening
