LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The first Friday of 2026 will launch the year with the theme “New Beginnings,” and with it comes an expanded and refreshed experience throughout the Arts District. This year’s First Friday footprint stretches across Main Street from Charleston to Coolidge, with the Art Walk situated along Boulder Avenue in front of the Arts Factory and continuing onto 1st Street. Visitors will find the food garden and bar areas positioned on the Main Street side closest to Charleston, creating an easy flow between art, food, and entertainment.
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A major focal point of January’s event is the Featured Artist, Recycled Propaganda—the creative identity of English‑American artist Izaac Zevalking. Known for striking graphic work that tackles everything from global history to modern social issues, Zevalking blends bold visual style with powerful commentary. His imagery—gritty, thought‑provoking, and sometimes intentionally jarring—appears across mediums ranging from large‑scale murals to sticker packs.
The event also highlights its ongoing commitment to supporting local talent through artist residencies. Current resident Nancy Good brings extensive experience to her studio space in Art Square, while the Cindy Funkhouser Residency Space—named in honor of First Friday’s primary founder—features Oddmman Art this month. Thanks to new sponsorship from the Eric Roy Law Firm, First Friday has expanded its offering of free artist spaces, now providing ten complimentary booths along the Art Walk.
Beyond the visual arts, the evening includes animal adoptions with Hearts Alive Village, live entertainment from 5:00–11:00 p.m., and the debut of work by Mila May, the winner of this year’s poster competition, who will design monthly posters through October 2026. Over twenty gourmet food trucks, First Friday bars, and the many surrounding galleries, shops, and restaurants round out the experience.
Guests should expect some ongoing roadwork in the area, though the improvements promise long‑term benefits for the district. Parking is available at 1000 Commerce and 500 South Casino Center with free shuttle service, but organizers stress that only parking on 1st Street and Coolidge is officially operated—vacant lots nearby are not authorized, and parking there may result in towing. Updates, artist applications, and event information can be found on the First Friday Foundation’s social media pages and website.
For those seeking alternatives to driving, the Downtown Loop provides convenient transportation to and from the event. The Art Walk remains open from 5:00–11:00 p.m., featuring primarily local artists, interactive painting opportunities, family‑friendly activities, and music from local talent throughout the night, complementing the culinary offerings across the expanded First Friday footprint…