Just west of Downtown is the Arts District, an 18-block stretch that’s one of the oldest sections of Las Vegas, where storefronts date back as early as the 1930s. The railroad underpass on Charleston Boulevard, built in 1949, was responsible for bringing in businesses like the housewares and home construction stores that were the early developments in the area.

The Arts District is east of the Stratosphere and blocks away from Fremont East. What characterizes the neighborhood, also known as 18b, is both its charm and unique businesses, which range from boutiques to bars to restaurants that are considered the hippest places in town. In these local hangouts, you’ll find more than a few people who make Vegas their home but prefer an urban setting instead of a suburban lifestyle.

Some consider the Arts District a trendy area, since expansion in surrounding areas is affecting the Arts District, new businesses are in talks to join 18b, and developers want to make the area “cool” again, but it’s really been a local hangout for years. Main Street is the heart of the district, which is known for an art scene anchored by a number of galleries and artists getting their work noticed.

Things To Do

Check out Las Vegas' First Friday event to experience art / Shutterstock

Without a doubt, First Friday is the premier neighborhood event that brings the community together every first Friday of the month. First Friday hopes to raise awareness about local businesses in the area and coordinate a community event that uplifts underprivileged communities while inspiring artists to show their work to the public. The event, which has been known to bring in as many as 30,000 people at a time, also brings in music, a line of food trucks, and craft vendors to the event. To get an idea of the art you’ll see at First Friday, check out their Instagram.

The Arts District is also home to the Burlesque Hall of Fame, a nonprofit museum that showcases the history of burlesque. A current exhibition is about Gypsy Rose Lee and Dita Von Teese.

Art Galleries

Mural in Graffiti Art Gallery Alley / Shutterstock

There are so many art galleries and theaters in the Arts District that are concentrated into a small area. Made up of three 1950s remodeled buildings, Art Square is at the core of 18b and includes more than 16 tenants, including Art Square Theatre, Brett Wesley Gallery, and Nevada Humanities, along with the First Street Art Garden, where artists showcase their work. Nearby is The Arts Factory, which is in a former warehouse and hosts a range of art studios along with a common area where performances take place. Next door, Wonderland Gallery is a great place to see the work of artists like Kat Tatz and Lynne Adamson Adrian.

Graffiti Art Gallery Alley, considered a best-kept secret in Las Vegas, is a regularly changing art installation that’s simply an outside wall available to all.

Restaurants and Bars

Vegas' Arts District is home to many hip & trendy bars / Shutterstock

In the Arts District, there’s never a shortage of cuisine and great bars. At Cornish Pasty Co., enjoy authentic English pasties like The Oggie, a traditional pasty with steak, potatoes, onion, and rutabaga alongside soups, salads, and appetizers. Located on the patio at the Arts Factory, Tacos Huevos serves build-your-own burrito bowls, taco plates, tostadas, and salads with fresh ingredients like flat-iron steak and crispy fried rice.

Coffee shops are also popular in the Arts District. Makers and Finders is known for its Spanish comfort food, lattes, and cocktails. They may have a location in Summerlin, but the Arts District’s location is the original. Vesta Coffee is known for its fresh-roasted coffee. Although you can order classics like espresso shots and cold brew coffee, a popular favorite is the macadamia almond latte.

Bars in the area include Velveteen Rabbit, a craft cocktail and beer bar known for its events and private cocktail classes but remembered for its eclectic space featuring local art and artisan cocktails. Artifice has weekly events, including Wednesday karaoke and Goth Night on the first and third Saturday of every month.