A Night Out in the Arts District: Las Vegas’ Creative Hub
The Arts District of Las Vegas, located a few miles north of the iconic Strip, offers a unique blend of creativity, culture, and community charm. Known affectionately as 18b, this neighborhood is a haven for artists, foodies, and anyone seeking a break from the bustle of the main tourist areas. The Arts District is a veritable mecca for art enthusiasts in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here, you can wander through a myriad of galleries showcasing everything from contemporary paintings to avant-garde sculptures. The neighborhood offers a unique blend of artistic expression and community spirit that is well worth a visit, so whether you’re a Las Vegas native a visitor or looking to move to the area, check out these great tips from our amazing local experts on how to make the most of a night out in the Arts District.
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Take a dive into the Arts District’s history
The Las Vegas Arts District was officially created in the late 1990’s and has undergone impressive growth and innovation since its origination. Below, 18b President Becky Miller gives us insight into the neighborhood’s history:
“The Las Vegas Arts District (18b) is THE hot spot to visit with over 100 vibrant businesses including vintage and boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, Nevada-based breweries, social clubs, smoke shops, themed bars and, of course, art galleries. Not to mention miles of murals. It originally consisted of 18 blocks of art galleries and theaters, small retail shops, residences, and industrial businesses, however over the last two decades we’ve grown to include Brewery Row and several award-winning restaurants.
Centered at Main Street and Charleston Blvd the 18b is officially bordered by Hoover Avenue to the north, Colorado Avenue to the south, 3rd Street to the east, and Commerce Street to the west. But we’ve organically grown to embrace many incredible businesses south all the way to Wyoming Avenue and north up to Gass Avenue.” Are you interested in art? Shopping? Fine cigars? Nightlife? Interactive theater? Movies? A staycation? Spectacular dining? Pub crawls? Photography? Desert? Music? There are far, far too many fantastic businesses for me to pick a favorite, but whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find that and more in 18b.“
Explore the art and culture scene
The 18b neighborhood is teeming with absolutely phenomenal art and is home to numerous galleries showcasing both local and international artists, making it a haven for art enthusiasts. Below our experts have highlighted some of the neighborhood’s best attractions:
“Las Vegas’s Arts District, located between the Las Vegas Strip and the Fremont Street Experience, is a culture-rich area providing a variety of opportunities to attend art shows, visit galleries and museums, go to coffeehouses and hang out at sensational eateries and drinking establishments. The scene is rich, varied, and compelling. Picking a favorite from the Arts District is an impossible task. There are so many wonderful establishments and experiences to be had there, that I cannot name a single favorite.” Chris Yandek from CYInterview
“One of my favorite places in the Arts District to hang out and have a great night is at ReBar. It is a local neighborhood pub with cheap drinks and great bartenders. It’s not just a bar but it’s also an art gallery and antique shop, everything is for sale! Another great place to visit while you are in the neighborhood is Recycled Propaganda Art Gallery, they exhibit the best of lowbrow and street art in Las Vegas. Lastly, don’t forget to visit all the great secondhand shops, antique stores, and most importantly, all the alleyways that are covered in some of the best street art in the world! There is art on every corner and it’s the most un-Vegas neighborhood in Las Vegas.” Brian “Paco” Alvarez, CEO of Psionic Art Works
“Market in the Alley was established in 2017 with a focus on supporting local artisans. We started as a monthly artisan market and now we pop up weekly in different parts of the valley. The Arts District is our Flagship, re-occurring the 3rd Sunday of the month (Sept-April), and we have a database of well over 800 local artisans. During any given market we are supporting between 40-70 artisans!” Jennifer Taler, owner and creator of Market in the Alley.
Whet your palette with top tier with food and a beverage
The Art District’s culinary and beverage scene is as diverse as it is delicious. From trendy brunch spots to innovative fine dining, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Look no further for exemplary eats and drinks. Below are some of our experts’ top recommended places to wine and dine:
Things to do in the Las Vegas Arts District: Culinary delights:
“Our favorite dinner spot in the Las Vegas Arts District is easily Esther’s Kitchen. Las Vegas native Chef James Trees recently expanded his lively rustic Italian restaurant to four times the size of the cramped original that preceded it — and for good reason. House-made pasta complements amazing pizza, the exquisite Mary’s Chicken, steak, and a list of starters, craft cocktails, and wine that make for a perfect light dinner in themselves. The bar scene is an A-list of downtown movers and shakers.” Staci Linklater & James P. Reza from Globe Salon
“Whether you want a meal, a late-night bite, or just a cool place to chill and get some drinks, Cornish Pasty Co. can hit all of those spots. Normally a simple comfort food from Cornwall, England, their pasty comes in a wide variety and allows you to enjoy any flavor you’re feeling with more than 30 options to choose from. And with a full bar, you can grab a drink outside of the many brewery options nearby.” shared the team at The Pasty Guy.
“From time to time I have been known to indulge in barbeque. And one of my favorite places to enjoy that type of cuisine is SoulBelly BBQ. Simply put, it is one of the top spots in Las Vegas to enjoy tempting dishes including pulled pork, brisket, and smoked turkey. This local gem never disappoints in delivering a mouth-watering experience!” Chris Yandek from CYInterview
“The Arts District is so exciting right now because there’s always something new popping up. The Colorado building is a great example. It’s home to Palate, an inventive restaurant that treats food like an art form, and Bar Ginza, a craft cocktail lounge that specializes in Japanese whisky. They even import the ice from Japan and hand-carve it on the spot.” Rob Kachelriess, editor of Hey Las Vegas Newsletter by City Cast Las Vegas.
Bars, breweries and beyond:
“Able Baker Brewing embodies all the best qualities of Vegas’s Arts District: quality beer, unique branding, and Vegas history, all to the tune of their iconic “Atomic Duck”. This brewery not only offers top-tier brews but a location that’s close to all the action, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a history buff, or simply looking for something fun to do when the sun goes down, Able Baker should be at the top of your list.“ Dan Hornbrook from Brewlogix
“At first glance, Silver Stamp is a hidden, signless, and nondescript address; however, dig a little deeper and it proves to be a step back several decades into a rec room run by craft beer enthusiasts of the first order. To describe the joint would do the experience a disservice, so we’ll just say that the printed menu is huge and diverse (where else in Las Vegas can you drink mead?), the daily rotating taps have something for everyone, and the vibe pure midwest 1977.” Staci Linklater & James P. Reza from Globe Salon
“Akin Cooperative is a lifestyle boutique that offers support to 60+ local creatives, a lot of whom I met over the years of Market in the Alley. I also have a beer, wine license so I sell natural wines and craft beers!” Jennifer Taler, owner and creator of Akin Cooperative.
Not a planner? Check out these recommendations for how to sequence your things to do in the Arts District:
“One of my favorite things to do in the Las Vegas Arts District is exploring its vibrant neighborhood throughout the day and into the night, soaking in the creative atmosphere and diverse offerings. I like to start at Bungalow Coffee Co. or Dragon’s Alley for a coffee to go, then wander through the numerous galleries at the Arts Factory to admire the art and chat with local artists. For dining, you can’t go wrong with local favorites like Esther’s Kitchen, Cornish Pastry Company, DE Thai Kitchen, and Good Pie Pizza.
The area also boasts several wonderful craft breweries such as HUDL, Able Baker, and CraftHaus Brewery, along with unique taverns, wine bars, and tasting rooms, each with its own distinct personality. From music recording studios to boutique markets, vintage shopping, and murals sprinkled throughout, there’s never a shortage of things to do or see in the Arts District of Las Vegas. This eclectic mix of attractions truly makes it one of the most vibrant main streets of America, offering something for everyone to enjoy.” Kai Brant from Cheers Nevada
“If you’re lucky enough to be in Vegas on the first Friday of the month, you’ve got to check out the First Friday festival, where the whole Arts District turns into a massive (and free!) block party. Over 10,000 tourists and locals descend on the area to enjoy food trucks, street performances, and hundreds of artists displaying their creations. Pro tip: leave the rental car behind and rideshare, since parking can be tricky. I recommend you start your adventures at the Arts Factory which for decades has been the central hub and beating heart of the area. It’s filled with artist studios you can wander in and out of and meet our friendly local creators in person.” Robin Slonina, Las Vegas artist and owner of Slonina ARTSpace
Still need additional help planning your night out? Becky Miller, 18b President, came through with another stellar tip for how to plan your evening in the Arts District: “Take a tour or explore on your own. Our online Walking Tour Map will help guide you if you need some inspiration!”
Want to mark your night out in the Arts District with more than just food and drink? Below experts share some elevated events and experiences to add extra spice to your night on the town:
“One of our favorite local spots is Dig It Coffee, a unique and bright coffee shop. Their slogan, “Kindness. Coffee. Inclusion. WE DIG IT!” perfectly sums up their mission. Dig It Coffee provides competitive job opportunities for adults of all abilities while serving great coffee. They offer a unique perspective on what inclusion looks like through connection and coffee. We love visiting this inclusive and welcoming spot.” Emily Johnson from For The Love LV
“The First Friday event started in 2002 as an art-centric affair but has since evolved to become the Arts District’s biggest monthly draw. Part street fair, part art walk, and all party, First Friday is centered near Main and 1st streets, but the vibe consumes the entire district, from 6 p.m. until the early morning. Spring and fall are the busiest times, and parking is at a premium (rideshare recommended), but First Friday offers a high-energy introduction to why the Arts District is so popular.” Staci Linklater & James P. Reza from Globe Salon
“The arts district has been the best place for locals new and old to cross paths and connect. Walkable streets, a constantly changing lineup of new businesses, and street art ensure there is always something to see, no matter how often you visit. The 18b Neighborhood Association mixers on the 18th of every month happen at a different neighborhood business every event and include an introduction period for everyone to meet the other movers and shakers downtown.” Curtis Walker from Photo Bang Bang
“The ENGLiSH Hotel is such a unique spot for spending time in the Arts District. It is an upscale boutique hotel unlike anything else in Vegas, with a cool, adults-only pool (it is a 21-and-older property) and The Pepper Club for grabbing a cocktail or a snack. Plus, on-site parking makes the hotel easily accessible.” Melissa Larsen, editor in chief of Fabulous Media Group
“Our Arts District Foodie Tour is a fun way to spend the afternoon eating and learning about the city. Not only do you get to indulge in a meal filled with tastings of top trending dishes, but you’ll discover hidden gems and visit cultural attractions like art galleries, street art, historic buildings, and an Elvis wedding chapel. It’s a great way to step away from the craziness of Sin City and experience real Las Vegas.” Kathryn from Taste Buzz Food Tours
Wrapping up: Night out in the Las Vegas Arts District
In conclusion, the Arts District in Las Vegas contains establishments and experiences which never cease to amaze and inspire. Whether you’re exploring art galleries, sampling culinary delights, or simply soaking in the creative atmosphere, this neighborhood offers a refreshing alternative to the glitz and glamor of the Strip. Plan your visit to 18b and immerse yourself in a vibrant community where art, culture, and community converge in perfect harmony.
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