Whether you’re looking for murals, art galleries with rotating exhibits, local boutiques, or trendy restaurants, Roosevelt Row Arts District has all that and more. The beloved walkable arts district of Downtown Phoenix was chosen as one of the hottest neighborhoods in America thanks to its economy, entertainment options, lifestyle, outdoor activities, and year-round agreeable weather. Combining its evolution of growth with its commitment to preservation and dedication to the arts, Roosevelt Row has carved out a colorful reputation.

Exploring the area may be overwhelming as the continuously changing platform is infused with new artist studios, galleries, public art displays, murals, and street art. So if you want to experience the best spots in Roosevelt Row, check out this guide to begin your artistic adventure through this urban core of Downtown Phoenix.

Fridays in Roosevelt

First Fridays in Roosevelt Row

Although any day of the week is a good day to be in Roosevelt Row, or as Phoenix locals call it “RoRo,” Fridays are a must. Roosevelt Row was listedas one of the “10 Best Neighborhoods that Tourists Haven’t Found Yet,” according to USA Today. This neighborhood has everything from trendy shops to food trucks lining the streets. First Fridays in Roosevelt Row are also known for creating lively social hubs among locals and visitors, making the neighborhood’s art galleries and local businesses prime gathering spaces. Local artists sell their wares, artists display their latest works of art, and live music can be heard throughout the streets as people dance to the tunes. The energy in this neighborhood can’t be beat.

Downtown Phoenix also hosts one of the nation’s largest, self-guided art walks every first Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., providing free event shuttles throughout downtown and headquartered at the Phoenix Art Museum. Finally, stop by the outdoor A.R.T.S. Market that’s heldon the first Friday of the month, between 2nd and 5th streets by Metrowest Mckinley Row, to check out fine art, handmade crafts, vintage items, and culinary products in this year-round public market.

Art Galleries

Alwun House photo courtesy of Tony the Marine

The easiest way to see the a variety of galleries is to venture down West Roosevelt Street where a cluster of artistic houses can be found, including an innovative drive-thru gallery. Located near the Townhomes at Roosevelt Square, Modified Arts is a contemporary art gallery that was once a popular venue for live music and performances. Over the years, the art gallery has become a prime spot for a variety of exhibits like contemporary photography, sculptures, paintings, and multimedia from regional, national, and international artists.

Eye Lounge is a collective, artist-run, contemporary art space that’s committed to fostering emerging and established visual artists in Downtown Phoenix, and Five15 Arts Gallery is an artistic staple of the area hosting shows like their infamous “Mutant Piñata Show.”

Other notable galleries in the area include MonOrchid Gallery, which offers office space, art studios, and gallery exhibitions alongside a wide range of art events. Also, the Alwun House, now in its 40th season, was Downtown Phoenix’s first nonprofit contemporary art gallery and has been a long standing asset to the community. It features a vast selection of distinct exhibitions, including erotic paintings and sculptures. Head to any of these locations on First Fridays for the ultimate meeting of artistic minds.

Murals

Street art in Roosevelt Row

The mural culture is strong in Roosevelt Row with artists like El Mac, Augustine Kofie, and Carrie Marill, who have all been embraced by the community as street artists bestowing the mundane with creativity. Park at the meters along East Roosevelt Street, near Portland on the Park, and begin your walk through a collaborative collection of inspiring murals. See the father and daughter duo mural by Lalo and Devon Cota and murals with powerful messages like “Do I Look Like a Mascot,” by Douglas Miles. Head to West McKinley Street for some of the more recognizable murals including those by Thomas Breeze. For a map on the best murals click here.

Community Organizations

Community garden / Shutterstock

For locals and even visitors wanting to become a bigger part of the community, there are multiple community hubs allowing involvement. Ben’s Bells has been giving Phoenix locals a chance to volunteer through simple and artistic methods. The nonprofit’s presence on Roosevelt Row aims to spread a message of kindness through wind chimes, ornaments, and other expressions of art. The Roosevelt Growhouse Community Garden features communal plots for local gardeners, a chicken coop, compost area, an aquaponics system, and a bee hive as well as vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, and locally made goods. Finally, the Japanese Friendship Gardens of Phoenix strives to educate locals and visitors about public space, which is in great contrast to our understanding of western garden spaces. The gardens have a gift shop, classes, and workshops on Haikus, Ikebana flower arrangements, Japanese martial arts, Japanese music, and Japanese gardening techniques. 

Local Events

McDowell Mountain Music Festival photo courtesy of Jason Siegel Photography

And if you still want to immerse yourself into the RoRo art scene, then you can attend one of neighborhood’s annual events. Art comes in many forms and the Chile Pepper Festival is a prime example. Featuring some of the best local restaurateurs and chefs in Phoenix, the fest’s goal is to highlight the most delicious chile pepper cuisine the city has to offer with chile roasting, cooking demos, and more.

Nearby, the Margaret T. Hance Park hosts the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, which brings community, culture, and charity together. Residents of Roosevelt Row gather to celebrate music of all kids while giving back to a good cause. Local artists can also showcase their work at the on-site marketplace that has become a staple of Roosevelt Row’s musical talents.