New Business Opportunities to Bolster First Friday Offerings in Arts District

First Fridays in Phoenix continue to thrive, and starting Friday, Oct. 2, a new pilot program, approved by Phoenix City Council on Wednesday, will give property owners and small businesses in Downtown’s Roosevelt/Evans Churchill neighborhood the tools they need to activate their property with outdoor arts-forward programming in ways that are aligned with the spirit and legacy of one of the longest tenured art walks in the country.  

This significant move is the result of nearly two years of work aimed at reshaping First Fridays on and around Roosevelt Street, including two-way dialogue with the community, collaborative and thoughtful strategizing with City leadership as well as some difficult decisions, including April’s suspension of the street closure on Roosevelt Street and vendor experience contained within that closure.  

“After listening closely to our neighbors, artists and City partners, we’re ready to launch this artist and business-focused pilot program,” said Cindy Dach, Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation board member and small business owner. “It’s an opportunity to nurture creativity, strengthen community ties, and shape a livable, vibrant future as our city evolves.” 

"Decades of First Fridays have turned Roosevelt Row into a destination, bringing people through the doors of the businesses and creative spaces that call it home," said Devney Majerle, President and CEO of Downtown Phoenix Inc. "In partnership with the city of Phoenix, this pilot program builds on that legacy, giving artists, property owners and small businesses new tools to succeed and thrive." 

It’s important to recognize that First Fridays in Phoenix continue to be a free, family-friendly and arts-centric citywide program. Areas throughout Downtown, including Roosevelt Row, Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Center, Herberger Theater Center, Historic Grand Avenue, and other destinations all celebrate First Fridays. Sunsetting the street closure and launching this pilot program to promote vending on private property is positioned to create a celebration of Phoenix’s art community. 

“Artists are the heart of First Fridays. We commend the City of Phoenix for creating a permit pathway that supports local creatives and neighborhood businesses as part of this beloved art walk tradition,” said Catrina Kahler, Artlink President & CEO. “This is an opportunity to strengthen the welcoming, community-driven spirit of Roosevelt Row while keeping the arts at the forefront of First Fridays throughout Central Phoenix.” 

Now that Phoenix City Council has approved the pilot program, the City will deploy its expertise to counsel property owners and brick-and-mortar businesses during an in-person workshop on Monday, September 14. Downtown Phoenix Inc., Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation and Artlink Inc. will be there, in lockstep, to ensure this program’s ultimate success.  

All three organizations commend City leadership, including Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington, District 7 Councilwoman Anna Hernandez, and the City Manager's and Mayor's offices, for helping guide the process and expedite this solution.  

The organizations also thank Downtown businesses, residents, artists and the community at large for their feedback and patience during this transition, and believe this initiative marks an exciting new chapter in the continued evolution of First Fridays in Phoenix.