First Friday Returns to Downtown Las Vegas With ‘Sounds of Nature’ Theme

The monthly arts gathering features featured artist Juan Muniz, live performances, more than 100 vendors, and pet adoptions on May 1.

First Friday Foundation will host its May 1 event in Downtown Las Vegas under a 'Sounds of Nature' theme, celebrating nature, music, and inspiration. The gathering runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Main Street, with an art walk on Boulder Avenue in front of the Arts Factory and on First Street, drawing together visual artists, live performers, food vendors, and community organizations for one of the city's signature monthly cultural events.

Featured Artist and Art Walk

Juan Muniz, known professionally as Ninobuni, is the featured artist for the May event. Muniz is the creator of the pop art character Bunny Felipe and has shown work in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Japan, and London.

Approximately 100 artists and craftspeople will display their work throughout the art walk area, which spans Boulder Avenue in front of the Arts Factory and First Street. The breadth of the walk reflects the event's longstanding role as a showcase for both established and emerging local and regional talent.

Live Music Lineup on the Main Stage

The city of Las Vegas main stage will feature several performers throughout the evening. Scheduled acts include School of Rock, Sierra Vista High School's band SV Beats, Chasing Light, and local band the X Flowers.

The 'Sounds' theme ties the musical programming directly to the event's broader celebration of nature and inspiration, connecting the live performances to the visual art on display across the walk.

Food, Pet Adoptions, and Parking

More than 20 food trucks will be available on-site during the event, offering attendees a wide range of dining options throughout the evening.

Pawstive Difference will offer pet adoptions from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., giving community members an opportunity to adopt animals during the early hours of the event. Parking is available at 1000 Commerce and 500 South Casino Center, with free shuttle service provided to and from the event area.

What we know

• First Friday Foundation's May event takes place on May 1, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Main Street in Downtown Las Vegas.
• The event's theme is 'Sounds,' celebrating nature, music, and inspiration.
• Featured artist Juan Muniz, known as Ninobuni, created the pop art character Bunny Felipe and has exhibited in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Japan, and London.
• The art walk is located on Boulder Avenue in front of the Arts Factory and on First Street.
• The city of Las Vegas main stage will host School of Rock, Sierra Vista High School band SV Beats, Chasing Light, and the X Flowers.
• About 100 artists and craftspeople will display work, and more than 20 food trucks will be on-site.
• Pawstive Difference will offer pet adoptions from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Free shuttle service is available from parking at 1000 Commerce and 500 South Casino Center.

Why it matters

First Friday is one of Downtown Las Vegas's most established monthly cultural events, drawing residents and visitors to the Arts District for a mix of visual art, live music, and community programming. The May 1 edition's 'Sounds of Nature' theme highlights the event's ongoing role in supporting local and regional artists while activating the neighborhood's creative corridor. With roughly 100 exhibiting artists, multiple live acts, and community organizations like Pawstive Difference participating, the gathering serves as both an arts showcase and a broader community gathering point for the city.

What’s next

First Friday's May 1 event begins at 5 p.m. and runs through 11 p.m. on Main Street in Downtown Las Vegas. Pet adoptions through Pawstive Difference are scheduled specifically from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees can access the event via free shuttle from parking locations at 1000 Commerce and 500 South Casino Center.

Frequently asked questions