Vegas and more: Off the Strip for free thinkers and adventurers » First Friday

First Friday Party @ Chandelier Hookah Lounge

Sandra — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 14:28:03 +0000

It’s far from Downtown, but the locals in Henderson can appreciate a special party for First Friday in their neighborhood. They are offering Live Top 40’s Band with the action starting at 9:30. Full Bar, Middle Eastern food and, of course, Hookah. Dance, drink, dine, smoke, socialize – in other words, party. No cover charge. Call 702-768-5668. Website chandelier.isqs.info. Chandelier Mediterranean Restaurant-Lounge-Hookah 2980 St Rose Parkway Henderson NV (St Rose & Eastern)

“First Friday” Downtown Arts District

Sandra — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:00:47 +0000

This Friday is the monthly giant block party happening in the Arts District Downtown Las Vegas. All the galleries are open late and the streets will be teeming with native life. A growing tradition in a lot of towns these days, the First Friday in Las Vegas is indeed special. You’ll find lots of FREE live entertainment at what is fast becoming the monthly place for the young to see and be seen. The bar scene is hopping all over Downtown as the party goes on after hours.

Websites to check out:
1. Whirlygig, non-profit producer of the events, who works closely with host sponsor, the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs: whirlygiglasvegas.org
2. specific info about entertainment, activities, maps etc firstfriday-lasvegas.org.

Free “Viva Las Vegas” Film & Elvis Dress Up Party

Sandra — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 17:37:27 +0000

On First Friday, August 3 is the chance to throw away your inhibitiions, put on your sparkle and glamour and kitsche and come on out to celebrate our city in “Vegas over-the-top style.” Elvis impersonators welcome and any other lover of the King. This is a free screening of ‘Viva Las Vegas’ – under the stars. Bring a blanket and picnic. No glass permitted. Service animals only. Movie starts at dark. Call 702-455-8239 for more details. Website co.clark.nv.us. Clark County Amphitheater 500 Grand Central Parkway Las Vegas NV

Andre’s First Friday Wine Tasting

Sandra — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 18:19:11 +0000

Andre’s is one of the venerable old-time spots in Las Vegas, serving French cuisine since 1980, located in a vintage Downtown home from the 1930’s. They are featuring a First Friday wine-tasting from 5:30p-9:30p with 4 wines and a “plat du fromage.” Cost is $15 pp + tax & gratuity. Call 702-385-5016 for more info. Andre’s 401 S. 6th St Las Vegas NV www.andrelv.com

Free “Urban Renewal” Concert & Art Show

Sandra — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:31:59 +0000

In celebration of First Friday and warm summer evenings, The Clark County Amphitheater will host a free concert with “Urban Renewal,” a new band that mixes jazz and hi-hop (call that nu-jazz.) The concert begins at 7pm with lawn seating – blankets and low back chairs welcome. Pls no pets. Part of Jazz in the Park Series.

Kevin M Bays, a local artist, will showcase his work based on pop culture, using collage media for expression of his “whimsical yet edgy” work. The artist reception begins at 6pm.

Call 702-455-8239 for more info. Shuttle buses will run regularly from First Friday Downtown to the Government Center parking lot. Clark County Government Center Amphitheater and Rotunda 500 S Grand Central Parkway Las Vegas NV.

First Friday Party Downtown Las Vegas

Sandra — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:56:21 +0000

This Friday is sure to be an historical event in Downtown Las Vegas. You have the fun monthly giant block party happening in the Arts District Downtown coupled with the events revolving around the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Just remember that some streets will be blocked and you will not have normal access with your car.

All the galleries are open late and the streets will be teeming with native life. A growing tradition in a lot of towns these days, the First Friday in Las Vegas is indeed special. You’ll find lots of FREE live entertainment at what is fast becoming the monthly place for the young to see and be seen. The bar scene is hopping all over Downtown as the party goes on after hours.

Verge Music Stage (Colorado & Casino Center) features Afro-Cuban Jazz Band, the Uncommon Alliance Las Vegas break dancing group, Roman Beats from Ft. Worth and the LA new soul/experimental group, The Basiqs. The Land Rover Stage presents Las Vegas’s own Pickadillos, followed by XRPM and finishing the evening with Hedwig & the Angry Inch. I saw the Uncommon Alliance at the Verge Grand Opening Party, which was their first gig. I’m thrilled to see them getting some deserved attention.

Event hours are 6pm-10pm, but you need to check the schedule as individual venues vary. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from Official First Friday Vendors ONLY. Be forewarned – You’ll have to throw away any other drinks/beers/etc when you enter the Festival area.

Check out the official website for maps, music and gallery schedules/locations/hours and any other info you need to know. There’s a whole process if you want VIP passes etc. The County provides free parking at the Government Center with Free City Arts trolleys to the party from 6pm-10pm. www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org.

Featured after-parties, restaurants and cafes with special food and drink deals for First Friday:
Dino’s Lounge
Beauty Bar
The Ice House
Andre’s Wine & Cheese Tasting
Island Flavors Cafe
Tinoco’s Bistro
Chicago Joe’s
Casa Don Juan
Florida Cafe

There seems to be some rumbling amongst the galleries that this event has moved way beyond the original “art after dark” idea and has now exploded into a full-fledged street party. Let’s hope the politicos keep this alive, cause a once-a-month pedestrian fest is a shot in the arm to Downtown nightlife, not to mention it’s one more fun thing to do in Vegas Off the Strip.