“SUNSET SKETCHES IN SEPTEMBER” WITH ARTISTS CREATING LIVE SKETCH ART
THROUGHOUT THE FIRST FRIDAY EVENT
FEATURED ARTIST, DARIEN FERNANDEZ, SHOWS HIS VIVID, LAYERED WORKS
SMOKEY THE BEAR’S CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT STATION CONTINUES THIS MONTH
First Friday Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, announces that the theme for the September 5, 2025, First Friday is “Sunset Sketches in September” with several artists drawing sketches live throughout the event.
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 – Darien Fernandez, also known as “Mix City,” is a New York City-born artist whose work blends the raw energy of graffiti with the refined detail of oil painting. His unique style was shaped by early influences from street art and cartoons, formal training at the High School of Art and Design and further honed during his undergraduate studies in Studio Art at SUNY Cortland. Inspired by a pivotal study-abroad experience in Ireland, where he learned the art of spray paint stenciling, Darien now creates dynamic, mixed-media paintings that reflect his deep connection to culture, community, and memory.
- First Friday Artist Residency – Nancy Good is one of the current artists, bringing a depth of experience to the program. Darien Fernandez, a painter who uses the traditional medium of oils to portray contemporary street art, joins Good starting August 15th through December. The First Friday residency program provides local artists free gallery/studio space on a day-to-day basis in Art Square.
- 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 Happy Maddy Art.
- Entertainment – Enjoy the First Friday entertainment from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Local student break dancing contests are sponsored by Shook and Stone Law Group. The Henderson Fire Department brings a truck for families to touch and learn about fire safety, while giving out badges and fire hats for children.
- Christmas tree ornament making – This year First Friday will be participating in a maker space to help create 10,000 ornaments that will go on the U.S. Capital Christmas tree this year. The tree comes from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and handmade ornaments, representing ‘Home means Nevada,’ will be created by our community. Smokey the Bear will join us along with Forest Rangers to share more about our national forest. Our community partner Vay will support this activity providing tote bags so that guests can create their own bags to take home.
- 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.
SEPTEMBER 5 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.
- Family fun – there is always something fun for the whole family on First Friday. In August, there are several free interactive community art projects throughout the footprint.
- 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 September 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 through September 13, featuring Darien Fernandez.
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