CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY AT FIRST FRIDAY, “STARS, STRIPES & BRUSH STROKES”
FEATURED ARTIST IS LARON EMCEE, MULTI-DISCIPLINARY VISUAL ARTIST
WATCH THE PLAZA HOTEL FIREWORKS DISPLAY
First Friday Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, announces that the theme for the July 4, 2025, First Friday is “Stars, Stripes & Brush Strokes.”
The First Friday footprint has moved to Main Street with the Art Walk remaining on Boulder Avenue (adjacent to the Arts Factory) and then flowing onto Main Street. This change allows First Friday to stay in the Arts District during the planned construction projects. The art walk area on Boulder Avenue and First Street will feature an estimated one hundred First Friday artists and craftspeople.
Key elements for this month include:
- Hours of Operation – 5:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- First Friday Footprint – The Art Walk is on Boulder Ave. in front of the Arts Factory and on 1st Street. The food garden and bar are on Main Street closest to Charleston Ave. The new footprint: Main Street from Charleston to Coolidge with art walk area on Boulder to First Street (see map).
- First Friday’s Featured Artist – LaRon Emcee is a multi-disciplinary visual artist from Gary, Indiana. With a keen eye for the faces and scenes that fill everyday life, LaRon’s work is deeply rooted in his observations and interactions with the world around him. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of comic books, Afro-futurism, realism, cartoons, and portraiture, LaRon blends these influences to create art that is both visually striking and conceptually rich. His portfolio spans diverse media and audiences—he has designed cover art and merchandise for multiple recording artists, created label art for various breweries, and exhibited pieces in notable public spaces like Las Vegas City Hall and the Nevada State Museum. His art has been showcased on BET, in local commercials, and in promotional videos in Las Vegas.
- First Friday Artist Residency – Nancy Good is one of the current artists, bringing a depth of experience to the program. Andrea Knox joins Nancy Good in the residency program through August.
- Cindy Funkhouser Residency Space – Cindy was the primary founder of First Friday, and we honor her with a monthly space given for free – this month features young student artists this month.
- Entertainment – Enjoy the First Friday entertainment from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The main stage hosts several youth dance performances this month beginning at 5pm. Vay is offering a free creative art-making space. Make your own 4th of July succulent pot and take home a succulent and hand painted pot.
- Food Trucks & First Friday Bars – Over twenty favorite gourmet food trucks featured. Check out First Friday bars.
- Other arts district art galleries, restaurants, bars and other retail businesses are open for First Friday.
- Roadwork
- Expect street improvements that will delay traffic throughout the coming months. However, we look forward to the beautiful improvements in the area.
- Parking Info:
- Parking Options: Online Information
- 1000 Commerce and 500 South Casino Center (City Hall) with a FREE shuttle directly to the event.
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION RE PARKING: *** First Friday is only operating parking in the streets immediately surrounding the festival on 1st Street and Coolidge. These spaces are available for $25 cash at the check-in tents. We are NOT operating in any of the vacant lots in the area for parking. There have been reports of people directing people to these lots and collecting money to park there. Do NOT Park in any of these lots – you risk being towed. Please notify us if someone approaches you about parking in one of the nearby vacant lots or if you see this happening. Thank you! *** The First Friday Foundation and its partners are not responsible for any damage or theft to your vehicle or belongings while at the event.
The First Friday Foundation will post updates and special offers on scheduled First Friday events and other programming through its social media channels – on Facebook at www.facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas and Twitter @FirstFridayLV. The website, www.ffflv.org, accepts applications for artists and vendors.
JULY 4TH FIRST FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Alternative to driving to the event:
- Downtown Loop provides transportation throughout downtown and to First Friday during the event.
- Art Style: Emerging and established artists, craftspeople. Interactive painting for those who want to explore their own creativity. Artists in tents at the event and in the many galleries surrounding the event.
- Art Walk 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. highlights work by primarily local artists. Check out the artists’ booths at the event and be sure to stop in the many galleries in the arts district – Arts Factory, Art Square, along Main Street.
- Fireworks: The Plaza Hotel & Casino will launch its July 4th fireworks show from the roof at 9:15 p.m. The show will be visible throughout downtown Las Vegas.
- Family fun – there is always something fun for the whole family on First Friday. In August, there are several interactive community art projects throughout the footprint. The A’s will be out with a speed pitch activation for all to enjoy. Vay is offering a free creative art-making space. Make your own 4th of July succulent pot and take home a succulent and hand painted pot.
- Music – From 5:00 p.m. local talent will be featured throughout the night. Check www.ffflv.org for details.
- Food & Drink – 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Explore the many options for your taste buds as the First Friday culinary experience is back in full force with delicious options from the many food trucks, artisan food vendors, bars and restaurants throughout the new First Friday footprint and the entire arts district.
Thanks to all our generous July sponsors:
- city of Las Vegas
- Park West Gallery
- Don Julio
- Jardin
- Las Vegas Raiders
- KTNV Channel 13 Action News Las Vegas
Regular Hours of Operation
5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
NOTE: The First Friday residency with Park West Gallery (in the Forum Shops of Caesars Palace), continues June 25-29 and July 3-6 featuring LaRon Emcee.
ABOUT FIRST FRIDAY FOUNDATION
First Friday Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing local arts and culture in Las Vegas. We also believe in collaborating with other organizations to help raise awareness in the arts and linking these partnerships to benefit local artists and community members. First Friday Foundation produces the monthly event known as First Friday Las Vegas, which has been a mainstay of arts and culture in Las Vegas since 2002 and has become the leader for family-friendly activities, art, cultural enrichment, educational efforts, imagination, community and more; activities are mostly low cost or free of cost, for every age. While the First Friday Foundation is best known for its monthly event, it is also beginning to be known for its additional community programs that support local artists, small business, and nonprofits throughout the year. For more information on the First Friday Foundation, please visit Facebook page, Instagram or follow on Twitter or visit ffflv.org