Arts & Culture

The city is involved in many events and programs that further the advancement of arts in the community. Below you will find information on some of these projects and events.

Events & Classes

First Friday 
On the first Friday of each month, Downtown Las Vegas transforms into a block party where artists and musical performers entertain thousands of visitors.

Arts & Culture Events 
The city sponsors many cultural events ranging from concerts and plays to dances and film showings. Many classes are also offered and registration is available online .

Cultural Locations

City Galleries 
A number of city-owned galleries sponsor art shows and events.

Arts District
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 area includes an eclectic mix of galleries, one-of-a-kind stores and restaurants just a short walk or bus ride from Fremont Street.

Downtown North Cultural Corridor 
Located just north of downtown is a cultural hub featuring seven institutions: Cashman Center, the Las Vegas Library ,  the Las Vegas Natural History Museum  , Lied Discovery Children’s Museum  , The Neon Museum  , the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort and State Historic Park, and the Reed Whipple Cultural Center.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts 
The Las Vegas Performing Arts Center Foundation, in partnership with the city of Las Vegas, is developing the The Smith Center for the Performing Arts . Upon completion, this facility will be the first regional performing arts center in the Las Vegas Valley. The project is “an anchor” for the city’s Union Park project, a 61-acre, mixed-use development being master planned by Newland Communities and the city of Las Vegas.

Fifth Street School 
The Historic Fifth Street School, located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, has been transformed into a “cultural oasis” filled with an assortment of local arts and architectural organizations.

The Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement / Mob Museum
The city is transforming the historic downtown Post office and Courthouse into a museum that will focus on the city’s history, including the influence of organized crime.

Community Involvement

Arts Commission  
This city commission, made up of representatives from the community, meets monthly to consider issues relevant to the total cultural well-being of the city in matters related to the arts.

Mayor’s Urban Design Awards
These annual awards honor exceptional urban design in the following categories: public art, public places, buildings and environs, and historic preservation. The awards are presented at the mayor’s State of the City each January.