The idea of wandering around downtown Phoenix in the summer may not sound like a good time, but First Fridays is a great experience that every ASU student should check out at least once. On the first Friday of every month, as the name implies, galleries in downtown Phoenix open up from 6 to 10 p.m. for self-guided tours using free Shuttle Link buses. Visitors can choose from different sets of galleries using color-coded bus routes, all of which start at the Phoenix Public Library.
I've been to First Fridays several times now, and I love the atmosphere and the art, which is different each time. The crowds who enjoy First Fridays are pretty diverse, from college students to families to the artists selling their work. No uptight gallery owners give you evil stares if you're not looking to buy; they tend to be friendly and mingle with browsers.
Thinking of dressing up? Well don't, because these aren't cocktails-and-glitz kinds of galleries. They're all about urban art and culture, and the 90 or so galleries that are open these nights attract different crowds then you're likely to see at Scottsdale galleries. Some galleries have live music performances as well as art, and others include original comic books and postcards. Wear something comfortable, because First Fridays involves a lot of walking, and bring some cash if you're an art fan. Despite all the hype and the crowds who are just looking, this is still a place for artists to sell original pieces.
— Megan Hunt
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