First Friday Arts District: Liberty Station’s Arts And Culture Events Get Expanded Format

For nearly 10 years, San Diego residents and visitors have made ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station their destination for arts and culture every first Friday, thanks to a community open house called Friday Night Liberty — a fun, fresh, free arts experience.

With the remarkable growth of the ARTS DISTRICT since 2009, and with much more in the DISTRICT for arts lovers to wander, experience and enjoy, event producers at the NTC Foundation are hitting the reset button with a new name and new expanded format.

Beginning on April 5, and taking place on the First Friday of every month throughout the 28 acre campus, the event will be renamed FIRST FRIDAY ARTS DISTRICT and expanded with additional activities and more programming from community partners for a more energized arts experience.

Come for the Art, Stay for the Party

Launching on June 7, FIRST FRIDAY will be supersized each quarter as FIRST FRIDAY ARTS DISTRICT (((amplified))) with live concerts, a craft Beer Garden and a Pop-Up Market so attendees can experience even more creative activities for the mind, heart, soul and stomach.

For June 7, September 6 and December 6 in 2019, these bigger and expanded FIRST FRIDAYS will cap the evening with the highly successful Liberty Station Concerts. For the third year, ARTS DISTRICT is partnering with Beer, Food and Music to present leading local bands in fully produced outdoor concerts on the grassy North Promenade.

“The addition of a Beer Garden featuring Stone Brewing and other craft brewers at the quarterly (((amplified))) events is sure to enhance the experience,” he added.

Another (((amplified))) enhancement is a new Pop-Up Market, presented in partnership with The Local Bazaar, a local duo known for creating curated markets, offering an eclectic mix of local fashion and handmade and vintage gifts.

Their highly successful Holiday Market has been held at Liberty Station since 2016 and has drawn thousands of shoppers and art-seekers.

Their team will help activate the outdoor spaces with a curated selection of vendors, artisans and creative activities.

Jodie Alonso, co-founder of The Local Bazaar with Jade Spalding said, “We showcase top local makers as well as emerging new talents to create a unique mix of jewelry designers, candle makers, vintage, local boutiques, fashion and art. Liberty Station is the perfect location. Mixing in live demonstrations and mini-workshops, we create a family-friendly local community event that attracts people of all ages.”

Expanded Arts Experience for San Diego

Meet working artists, enjoy dance, theatre and music performances featuring community partners and discover intriguing public art installations. Wander and explore the galleries, museums, artist studios, distinctive shops and dining at historic Liberty Station. Connect more fully to the arts and culture of San Diego.

This expanded vision of the visitor experience is driving the vision of growth and investment at ARTS DISTRICT.

“When we started in 2009, the ARTS DISTRICT had seven completed buildings,” said Andrew Waltz, NTC Foundation Associate Director of Marketing & Communications. “Ten years later we’ve grown to 45 renovated buildings filled with over 120 art galleries, artist studios, museums, cafés, a food market and much more. The new name reflects our new approach to this signature event and puts the focus on the arts, the community and the visitor experience. Now, the FIRST FRIDAY ARTS DISTRICT name says when it is and where it is!”

Explore the Full Schedule

Click here to visit the First Friday Arts District website and learn about the full schedule of activities planned in the coming months!

See you there!