Las Vegas Arts District: The Ultimate Explorer’s Guide

Want to see an entirely different side of Las Vegas? The Arts District is Sin City’s hidden gem – a vibrant and colorful neighborhood where the locals spend their time. Here you’ll find the cultural pulse of the city of Las Vegas, with indie art galleries, quirky vintage shops, an excellent local food scene, and much more. In this ultimate visitor’s guide, we’ll give you inside tips on what to see and do in the Las Vegas Arts District.

---

What Is the Las Vegas Arts District?

Just a 10-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip and just over a mile from the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Arts District is a unique and eclectic neighborhood that’s undoubtedly the city’s creative hub. Covering 18 blocks (that’s why the locals call it “18b), the Arts District is home to a thriving local art scene, clearly evident by the number of art galleries and the colorful murals covering the walls.

In 1988, a nonprofit initiative started transforming old warehouses into a lively neighborhood where artists, foodies, and fun-seekers began spending their time. Today, the Arts District is a thriving hotspot where locals come together and celebrate the creative side of Vegas. There’s a real sense of community in this part of town, with the sense that everyone, from the shop owners to the bar regulars, has a part to play in making the district awesome.

The heart of the Las Vegas Arts District is the corner of Charleston Boulevard and Main Street, and the neighborhood spills out from there. Whether you’re visiting Vegas for the first time or you’re a local looking for new experiences, you don’t want to pass up spending time in this mind-opening area.

---

What Will You Discover in the Las Vegas Arts District?

First Friday

On the first Friday of every month, the Arts District hosts its exciting signature event. First Friday is where the community comes together to showcase what makes the neighborhood amazing. This free-of-charge, open-air street festival celebrates the area’s art, music, and food. The streets are filled with booths of talented local art, music performances, delicious food trucks, and interactive installations.

If you want to dive into the Arts District at its most electric, going to First Friday is a must. The family-friendly festival runs from 5 pm to 11 pm, and you don’t need a ticket – just show up! First Friday is a monthly opportunity to discover the art, music, and culture that make Las Vegas great.

---

Amazing Art Galleries

If you’re an art lover, the Las Vegas Arts District is obviously meant for you. This part of town is home to some of Sin City’s most exciting local art galleries, each one different from the next. Here are our favorites.

The Arts Factory

This place is arguably the epicenter of the Arts District – a giant warehouse space transformed into an art haven. Inside, you’ll find art studios and galleries displaying the perfect mix of contemporary and classic masterpieces by more than 30 different artists. The Arts Factory regularly holds community events and art shows where creative folks can mix and mingle.

MAD Gallery

The Arts District’s newest gallery, MAD Gallery, exclusively features local Las Vegas artists. Bringing together the best work of 21 local artists, this gallery showcases everything from fine art to urban art. MAD Gallery celebrates local talent and fosters a community spirit with an ever-changing lineup of exhibitions, collaborations, and events.

Recycled Propaganda

Izaac Zevalking, otherwise known as Recycled Propaganda, became known for his street art that encourages critical thought and opens up discussion about societal norms. This brick-and-mortar gallery features his work in many forms, from murals to stickers, alongside other artists, both established and up-and-coming.

---

Quirky Vintage Shopping

The Arts District is the ultimate shopping destination for those who love all things vintage, kitsch, and kooky. The neighborhood is packed full of antique shops, vintage clothing stores, and oddity shops. Here are our faves.

Barter Beer + Mall

The newest, coolest antiques mall in the Arts District is named Barter, and it’s something quite different than anything you’ve probably experienced before. Explore dozens of booths selling antique treasures and local art, and sip on a beer while you’re at it – because this antiques mall is also a bar!

The Red Kat

This boutique vintage clothing store sells cool retro outfits for men and women, as well as a good selection of old vinyl records. They always have an exciting selection of clothes and accessories to look through, and you never know what kind of unexpected gems you’ll come across.

Glam Factory

If you love dressing up in retro style, Glam Factory is a store you need to take a look around in. This colorful little vintage store sells retro clothing and accessories for both men and women – everything from rollerskates to tuxedos. The owner’s adorable pets will keep you company while you browse!

---

Delicious Dining

Some of the best restaurants in Downtown Vegas are located in the Arts District, so once you’ve worked up an appetite browsing in galleries and antique stores, be sure to grab a bite at one of these excellent Arts District restaurants.

Esther’s Kitchen

For top-notch Italian cuisine, dine at Esther’s Kitchen. This cozy neighborhood restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere and serves farm-to-table Italian food, including housemade pasta, sourdough pizza, and seasonally-inspired entrees. We featured Esther’s Kitchen in our list of the top 10 Italian restaurants in Vegas.

Main St. Provisions

This hip neighborhood restaurant serves inventive new takes on classic American comfort food, including delicious steaks and fresh seafood. Main St. Provisions is the perfect spot for dining with a group, because the dishes are made to be shared family-style.

Cornish Pasty Co.

An absolute favorite of Las Vegas locals, Cornish Pasty Co. is a restaurant devoted entirely to the Cornish Pasty: an empanada-like pastry traditionally filled with potatoes and meat. Here, the pasties come in a wide variety of flavors, like Italian and Indian tikka masala. They also have an extensive selection of veggie-friendly options.

---

Cozy Coffee Shops

The Arts District is filled with excellent coffee shops where you can wander in, sit down for a fine cup of joe, and watch the world go by. Here are our favorite coffee shops that you have to check out.

Bungalow Coffee Co.

The baristas at this top Arts District café know what they’re doing when it comes to coffee. Bungalow Coffee offers premium coffee blends and handcrafted specialty drinks in a spacious and inviting atmosphere. Try their bungalow matcha or rosemary latte.

Vesta Coffee Roasters

This leading coffee shop in Vegas has a roastery located right on site, so you’ll always be getting the freshest coffee in town when you visit Vesta Coffee Roasters. Their specialty lattes are superb, including options like hazelnut-maple and macadamia-almond.

Makers & Finders

Makers & Finders is a hip, family-owned coffee shop that specializes in excellent coffee, Latin food, and culture. This lively spot is vibrant with murals and positive affirmations displayed throughout. Their syrups are handmade by trained baristas, so their specialty latte menu is top-notch.

---

Unique Bars & Lounges

Ready for a night out on the town? The Arts District has some truly one-of-a-kind bars where you can pull up a seat and grab a drink. Here are our 3 absolute favorite bars in the Las Vegas Arts District.

ReBAR

Owned by the same inventive minds behind Barter Antique Mall (which we mentioned earlier), ReBAR is an equally unique spot that’s half antique store, half bar. Everything you see at this welcoming local waterhole is for sale! ReBAR serves more than 50 beers, wine on tap, specialty cocktails, and an awesome menu of vegan bar food.

Stray Pirate

Don’t say we didn’t warn you that the Arts District’s bars are extremely unique. Stray Pirate is a dog-friendly, pirate-themed tiki bar that’s decorated like a sunken ship on the bottom of the ocean. Sip on tropical cocktails with names like “Buck-O-Neer” and “Scurvy Send-Off”, served in kitschy tiki cups with little pirate flags.

Velveteen Rabbit

This craft cocktail and beer bar in the Vegas Arts District is an eclectic space filled with vintage furnishings and local art. With a laid-back vibe, soft lighting, and a magical pink patio for outdoor seating, Velveteen Rabbit is a cozy and romantic gem. You’ll have trouble choosing from their long list of creative cocktails.