Living in Vegas, Shadow Ridge students have the awesome opportunity to expand into the downtown area to experience one of Vegas’s staples, First Friday. This is an event that takes place on the first Friday of every month and supports local art, hosting many things including food trucks, live music, clothing vendors, and art. Senior Elaina Smith who attends the event enjoys this night with her friends frequently.
“First Friday is just a night on the first Friday of every month where different clothes and food vendors come out in the Arts District. I had heard stories for a while until a friend brought me with me. It’s always a lot of fun even if you don’t end up buying anything,” Smith says.
Student life does lead to a busy schedule, however Smith tries to attend whenever possible.
“While I don’t get to every one, I probably go, on average, every other month. It’s just nice having something to do with friends, and it’s always good vibes and nice people down there,” Smith adds.
When Smith is able to attend, she knows her go to spots that she has to hit up to complete the night.
“Our usual schedule is Good Pie (a pizza place) and then we’ll go shop at the outdoor vendors, go into the art installation building, or get ice cream at Cream Me,” says Smith. “I have to go with Good Pie, it’s just our staple every time we go. They have some of the best pizza in Vegas.”
The official start time of the event is at 5pm however people can show up whenever they want.
“I think the real question on how early to get there is “how late?” The real fun starts anytime after sundown and shops start closing around 10,” shares Smith.
Being that Smith is a First Friday expert she knows her way around what to expect at the event.
“At First Friday, expect to spend thirty minutes finding parking and then walking to the actual vendors. Expect some loud music, overpriced vintage clothes, good food, and a great night with friends,” shares Smith.
Senior Preslee LaFreniere also enjoys attending the event with her friends.
“First Friday is the first Friday of every month where many clothing and food vendors come out to the arts district for the night. I heard about this fun night from my sisters for the longest time until I finally decided to go with a couple friends,” says LaFreniere.
She is newer to the First Friday experience, however still enjoys the positivity that the event brings.
“Although I’ve only been able to make it to First Friday a couple times, I’ve had a blast messing around with my friends every time. My favorite part about it is the blaring music that follows with a positive vibe from everyone around,” LaFreniere adds.
LaFreniere is also a big fan of Good Pie and has to start the night with a fine slice of pizza.
“Typically we start first Friday with a pit stop to Good Pie for a slice of pizza to get us started then we walk around to all the vendors in search of overpriced vintage clothes. We normally end the night with some ice cream or a stop to In n Out for a burger,” shares LaFreniere
LaFreniere shares her advice of arriving early to deal with downtown parking.
“The vendors normally start opening up shop around 5 pm and stay until the crowd dissipates around 10 or 11 pm. though you can get there whenever, it’s smart to leave a little earlier to find a good parking spot because that’s the biggest challenge when going,” LaFreniere shares.
There’s nothing better than walking around with a nice beverage and biscuit combo which LaFreniere has found at her favorite First Friday vendor.
“My favorite food vendor would probably be Doppio because they have tasty drinks with a complimentary biscuit to snack on,” adds LaFreniere.
Given the nature of the event, it tends to attract all types of people but even better vibes.
“When going to First Friday, definitely expect to see some very diverse groups. Most of all it’s full of good vibes, everyone is there to have a good time,” says LaFreniere.
