18b Arts District

In downtown Las Vegas’ Arts District you will find an eclectic mix of galleries, one-of-a-kind stores, and restaurants just a short walk or bus ride from Fremont Street. Known as "18b," the Las Vegas Arts District is located immediately south of downtown Las Vegas in an area bounded by Commerce Street, Hoover Avenue, Fourth Street and Las Vegas Boulevard (at Charleston) and Colorado Avenue.

The name, "18b," represents the original Arts District area, which consisted of 18 blocks. Today, the Arts District area has grown beyond those original 18 blocks and is a classic urban mix of residential, commercial and cultural uses that will continue to grow as the hub of the arts scene in Las Vegas.

On the first Friday of each month, an arts and cultural event is held in the district. The "First Friday" festival draws up to 10,000 visitors into the neighborhood. This event encourages people to flock downtown to browse, buy, eat, drink and  mingle. The event is a festive environment with food and beverage vendors, bands performing in the streets and artists displaying their works. There is a $2 entry fee for First Friday patrons, which is redeemable for discounts at a number of arts district merchants. Entry fees are collected at the gated entrances located along Casino Center Boulevard and Charleston Boulevard, Casino Center Boulevard and California Street, Colorado Avenue and Main Street, and Colorado Avenue and Third Street. These entry fees help defray the cost of producing these events.