Hotels near First Friday in the 18b Arts District

The 18b Las Vegas Arts District, named for the 18 blocks it originally covered, is where Las Vegas shows its local side. On the first Friday of every month, including the first Friday of October, the First Friday festival fills Main Street, Casino Center Boulevard and Charleston Boulevard with galleries, live music, artists' stalls and food trucks from early evening.

October's mild evenings make it one of the best months to go, after the summer heat that keeps crowds small. Outside First Friday, the district is worth a daytime visit for its vintage and antique shops, independent coffee shops, craft breweries and murals. It is a short ride from the Smith Center, so the two combine easily in one evening.

Pro Tip: Arrive around 18:00, before the main crowds, and take a rideshare rather than driving, as parking fills quickly on First Friday.