I am from Seattle and really miss the art and culture I grew up with. I have heard about first friday and have blown it off for a year or so, thinking there was no way it could compare to what I am used to. I attended first friday for the first time last month and was pleasantly surprised. It, of course, couldn't REALLY compare... but it was the best attempt at something of that nature I have seen since I have been in Las Vegas.
There were nice little booths with friends vendors selling artwork and jewelry. There were food carts and street performers. Everyone seemed to be in a genuinely good mood and it was really quite refreshing.
The parking was a little outrageous and towards the end of the night it was obvious that a younger crowd was showing up to do the partying on Fremont. So I will definitely show up a bit early next time.