What is it? = Every first Friday evening of each month you can take a free self-guided tour of downtown Phoenix galleries, studios and art spaces. It's called First Friday. First Friday is organized by Artlink, a nonprofit organization "...dedicated to bringing together artists, the public, and businesses for a greater understanding, appreciation, and promotion of the arts and the development of a strong and vital downtown Phoenix arts community."

Time: 6pm – 10pm

Cost:  Nothing. First Friday is free.

Should I dress up for First Friday? = The downtown Phoenix First Friday event is not about glitz or champagne or cocktail parties - it is about the inner-city urban experience. Go casual!

First Friday Tips =

1. Many people take advantage of the shuttle service provided. You can park    for free at the  Central Phoenix Library on Central, south of McDowell.

2. There are 5 shuttle routes. Each one takes about 20 minutes to make a full circle. They constantly circle throughtout the evening.

3. The shuttles start at 6 p.m. All 5 shuttles make their first trip at about the same time, so if you miss the 6 p.m. shuttle, it will be about 20 minutes before you'll see the next one. The shuttles are clean and comfortable.

4. Once you get to the Central Library, you can get a full First Friday map at the library (if it's open) or on the shuttle buses (they usually have them, but they may run out later in the evening).

5. There are cafes and other food stops along the way. Why not stop, enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee, and then start again?

6. It is recommended that you get on a bus by about 10 p.m. if you intend to get back to the library via shuttle.

7. Wouldn't you like to support these artists and businesses and take home a piece of art?

Downtown Scottsdale is one of very few areas in the greater Phoenix area that lends itself to walking around. The Scottsdale Gallery Association exploits that aspect in the best possible way--with Scottsdale ArtWalk.

Every Thursday night, every night of the year (except Thanksgiving), for the past 30 years, many of the more than 100 art galleries in downtown Scottsdale have opened their doors to art lovers, art lover wannabes and people watchers during Scottsdale ArtWalk. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Thursday evening, it's a great way to get out for a couple of hours and get to know artists and galleries.