Intro to the 18b Arts District

From humble beginnings in the early 1990s, the 18b Arts District has grown organically into the city’s primary arts hub. Named for its 18-blocks of indie and vintage stores, live performance venues, restaurants, and art spaces, the district has now spread beyond its rough borders just southwest of Downtown. Covered in murals, with public art on every corner, it is teeming with musicians, artists, poets, and Vegas’ hippest crowds, who congregate around this neighborhood dedicated to Las Vegas creativity.

Because the Arts District is in a nearly constant state of flux, first-time visitors might want to come with a plan. The place to start is its epicenter: the Arts Factory, whose original owner, community activist and photographer Wes Myles, dreamt up the special designation that made 18b what it is today. The Arts Factory began as a mid-century-era office supply store, which Myles bought in 1991, offering affordable rent to artists and galleries. Individual artists, galleries, and businesses hosted exhibitions and events, eventually making the two-floor, 30,000-square-foot space a bohemian incubator for all varieties of creativity. More than 30 artists and galleries now call the Arts Factory home, along with art vending machines (Gallery 2 Go), its 18Bin bar and restaurant, and monthly First Friday events. Over the years, more creative spaces have come and gone than you can count, but the inventive energy remains.

Invest in some vintage, classic books at Diamond Sutra Books, crab a cocktail and bite to eat at 18bin, or visit one of the artist spaces for a little bit of inspiration from Vegas creators. First Friday is the buzziest time to arrive: all the artists open their spaces for the city’s largest street fair. (You can also skip the frenzy and go a day early for Preview Thursday, a less crowded open studio event when you can meet with the artists and business owners at a less frantic pace.)

The Arts District spreads north and south from Gass to Imperial avenues. This expansion has been twenty years in the making. Heading south on Main St. you’ll find streets packed with bars, restaurants, and galleries. To the north: eateries, theatres, and mixed-use buildings—all artsy in their own way.

The north side of 18b holds some precious gems. Taverna Costera is part restaurant, and part bar, gallery, and music venue. The live shows in their rooftop venue bring in innovative local musicians, The downstairs dining room cooks smart fusion-forward cuisine, and the walls are stacked with work by art scene vets and up-and-comers.   

Farther up the street is the hip English Hotel, by chef Todd English, with a swimming pool, lush interiors, and one of downtown's most sophisticated eateries—The Pepper Club. if you are up for entertainment, the Vegas Theatre Company brings unique theater to smart people in one of the city's more avant-garde performance spaces, with full theatrical productions and one-off variety shows.  

South on Main Street is one of the most walkable, shoppable, eatable areas in town. Grab a coffee at Makers & Finders. The busy dining room and Latin comfort food will have you buzzing as much as the caffeine. If hip agitprop is your style, stroll into Recycled Propaganda. One of two galleries on Main Street, check in with them for lowbrow pop art shows, stickers, and apparel that makes a statement.  Catch a show with Majestic Repertory Theater, where immersive theater and socially relevant storytelling makes you part of the show.

Don't miss Antique Alley Mall, stuffed with vintage gear, from Vegas gone by. It is a must-see and shop for retro enthusiasts. Follow the old-school vibes over to Rebar, where you can get a beer and grab an antique at the same time. Hundreds of items are for sale and it has some of the tastiest libations in the region, plus their patio hosts poetry, standup comedy, and music every week. 

Even carnivores love Tacotarian, the vegan Mexican restaurant that packs plant-based flavor into street tacos and more. Renowned chef James Trees has expanded and moved his Esther’s Kitchen, which serves world-class seasonal Italian in a big, warm room with a loft and an expansive bar where you can dine (try the wood-fired pizza) and check out the local hipster scene.  After a great meal, take a stroll over to Analog Dope and feed your mind.  This specialized bookstore and record shop features the art and cultural contributions of the African diaspora. There isn't a direction you can head in the 18b that you won't find some sort of inspiration large or small. This may be your first trip to the 18b Arts District, but if you love the catching the city’s newest things, it won’t be your last.