Downtown Phoenix's First Friday Event Undergoes Changes Amid Violence

Organizers cite recent incidents of fights and shootings as reasons for scaling back the popular arts and music festival.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered glass bottle on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violence and public safety concerns that have prompted changes to the First Friday event.The recent surge in violence at Downtown Phoenix's First Friday event has forced organizers to scale back the popular arts and music festival, prioritizing public safety over the traditional street closure and vendor experience.Phoenix Today

The monthly First Friday event in Downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row neighborhood will no longer include the traditional street closure and vendor market experience, according to organizers. This decision comes after a rise in violent incidents, including large fights and shootings, that have raised public safety concerns in the area.

Why it matters

First Friday has long been a signature event that draws thousands of people to Roosevelt Row to experience the neighborhood's vibrant arts, music, and small business scene. The changes to the event format represent a significant shift in how the community gathers and celebrates, driven by the need to prioritize public safety amidst an increase in violence.

The details

Organizers from Downtown Phoenix Inc. say the street closure and vendor market will be suspended for the foreseeable future, though Roosevelt Row's small businesses and galleries will remain open on First Friday. Recent incidents have included large fights and shootings, prompting immediate action to address public safety concerns.

  • The changes to First Friday will take effect starting in May 2026.

The players

RJ Price

A representative from Downtown Phoenix Inc., the organization that oversees the First Friday event.

Donny Ades

The owner of Roro Dogs, a restaurant located on Roosevelt Street in Downtown Phoenix.

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What they’re saying

“Certainly the highest priority, public safety is always the highest priority. So anytime that people are getting hurt, in some cases losing their lives, that requires immediate and swift attention.”

— RJ Price, Representative, Downtown Phoenix Inc.

“We've seen fights, right up here from our balcony. We've seen about 300 teenagers gather in this parking lot across from us. And then random fights just broke out.”

— Donny Ades, Owner, Roro Dogs

What’s next

Organizers from Downtown Phoenix Inc. say they will continue to evaluate the situation and work with local law enforcement to determine if and when the full First Friday event format can be safely reinstated.

The takeaway

The changes to First Friday highlight the delicate balance between fostering a vibrant community event and ensuring public safety, as Downtown Phoenix grapples with an increase in violent incidents that have disrupted this long-standing tradition.