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| - I love First Friday. I can't think of anything clever or witty to open this review like I usually do, all I can say is that I love First Friday!
First Friday, occurring appropriately on the first friday of every month, is a large community event in the Arts District in downtown Las Vegas. It's an arts festival, local music festival, and street bazaar all rolled into one. Who comes to First Friday? Practically everyone. Scene kids, hipsters, tourists, artists, musicians, you get an overall feel for an entire community at every event. I have seen a trio of people dressed in referee zebra stripes and tight shorts "officiating" a game of ping pong on a artist's table, people dressed as zombies and vampires, a girl with a "free hugs" sign (she was a good hugger!), a guy with a "free hugs" sign to considerably less success than his female counterpart, and just overall original, expressive individuals!
It's fun to walk around and go to the building to see the art on display. The people who come here are very friendly and open, so it's easy to start a conversation with people. Be sure to check out which bands are doing shows in the area, the jazz bands in particular are excellent. The Slidin Thru truck often comes here, so you can find good food through them. There are also a ton of street vendors and little shops, and you can find almost anything, including clothing items to unleash your inner hipster.
While the downtown area can be scary at nighttime, there are so many people here that you feel safe and secure. But be sure that you always go with a friend. After the event ends around 10, be sure to hit up afterparties at the exceptional (and in my opinion underrated) downtown bars and lounges. My favorite is The Griffin, but that place gets PACKED after First Friday, so you might be better off going to other places.
PROS:
It's culture in Las Vegas! Ooh, aah!
Friendly, unique and sometimes bizarre people
The art! Tilt your head while looking at it an appreciate it :)
The music!
Great afterparty venues!
CONS:
Parking and navigating in downtown can be tricky.
THE VERDICT: If you're a local, you need to go here. If you're a tourist, and you happen to be in Vegas on the first friday of the month, you need to go here.
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