There is a lot of ground to cover in the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District. The 20-block neighborhood boasts seemingly endless fun things to do, from catching a bite to eat at one of the many dining spots to exploring the latest art exhibit or late-night event. The ever-growing, vibrant scene boasts a community of creatives and artists and is a must-visit if you find yourself in the city of sin. The following is a guide to help you get the most out of the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District.
Proclaimed as the “Least Vegas Neighborhood in Vegas” by The New York Times, the district is located in Downtown Las Vegas, just outside The Strip. The site is made up of 20 blocks and showcases the community and life of Vegas outside of the glitz and glamour the city has become infamous for. This neighborhood is different; it’s a community for the creatives, the quirky artists and its connoisseurs. The streets are filled to the brim with murals, street art, museums, galleries and more to see and do.
The area offers many cultural events and activities for both locals and tourists alike, including First Friday. The monthly art fest on the first Friday night of every month features art galleries, antique and vintage pop-ups, live music, local artists, craft booths, street food and tons more. Though if you are looking for a more family-friendly evening event with all of the artistic highlights of First Friday, then Preview Thursday, taking place on the first Thursday of the month, might be more your speed. The event offers a more relaxed environment with opportunities to meet the artists directly and watch them create magic.
If you aren’t looking for an evening event, stop by RTC Bike Share and rent a bike to help you explore the area. There are over 10 dining spots you can stop at for lunch, cooking up flavors from all over the world. Some local favorites include Yu-Or-Mi Sushi, a Japanese raw and sushi bar with refreshing handcraft cocktails and sake; Taverna Costera, a Mediterranean rooftop destination serving up coastal-inspired fare; or Good Pie, with some of the best Brooklyn-style pizzas you can have without visiting the city. You could also make your way to one of the many craft breweries for a cool-down like CraftHaus, which is family- and pet-friendly.
Though there are an abundance of fun events to enjoy, guests visit the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District mainly for the show-stopping art galleries and museums. There are more than 10 to see, each offering an eclectic style, like The Arts Factory, home to over 30 artists and art galleries under one roof. The space features every imaginable medium, including paintings, photography, fashion designs, sculptures and more. One of the factory’s biggest draws is the famous Gallery to Go art vending machine, dispensing a souvenir to help you remember your trip to the factory. Another must-visit, located on Main Street, is Stinko’s, a gallery specializing in works created by mixing mass media with vibrant floral arrangements. Be sure to stay until the end of the tour to shop for floral arrangements and art pieces to decorate your home.
If you are feeling up to some not-so-artsy fun, then head to Ninja Karaoke for late-night sips, private themed rooms and singing your favorite tunes. The spot focuses on providing a Tokyo-style karaoke experience and isn’t your average karaoke night, with themed nights including a unique Sumo experience.
To learn more about the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District, visit dtlvarts.com.