Go on a walking tour of Roosevelt Row, an artistic and creative corridor in downtown Phoenix. This is one of the liveliest and most fashionable neighbourhoods in the city, an enclave of art galleries, studio spaces, museums, cafés, restaurants, cultural events and live music.
Roosevelt Row’s origins as a creative area date back to the 1970s when the neighbourhood fell into decline. Buildings were boarded up, rents were cheap and artistic and bohemian types moved in, helping to revitalize the area.
Search for unique pieces of local art in the many galleries in and around Roosevelt Row. Study the colourful murals on billboards, walls and sides of buildings. See the vast collection of Native American art at the Heard Museum. Even more creativity is on display at the Phoenix Art Museum, which has a permanent collection of more than 17,000 modern and contemporary works of art.
Join in the revelry of First Friday, a massive art walk through Phoenix’s downtown area on the first Friday of every month. Roosevelt Row is the epicenter of this popular cultural event. Museums and galleries stay open until late and the streets come to life with music and dancing. Shops and restaurants also have extended hours so you can browse stores and enjoy food and drink into the evening.
Other regular Roosevelt Row events are the open-air market on Saturday and Food Truck Fridays. Every Friday around lunchtime, several colourful wagons line up in the parking lot of the market to serve delicious street food.
You don’t have to wait for First Friday to enjoy the row’s nightlife. Dine in a restaurant where the walls are lined with artwork, watch a music concert or go dancing in one of the nightspots.
Roosevelt Row’s artistic and cultural attractions are part of downtown Phoenix and easy to get to by light rail, bus or the downtown area shuttle. Alternatively, use parking garages and paid street parking places within walking distance.
