Press Release: Downtown Corpus Christi Celebrates 15th Anniversary of First Friday ArtWalk Presented by H-E-B

Corpus Christi, Texas – The Corpus Christi Downtown Management District (CCDMD) is thrilled to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Downtown Corpus Christi’s First Friday ArtWalk presented by H-E-B. CCDMD invites the public to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Twisted Tea & Shiner Blonde Stage presented by Andrew’s Distributing in front of Retro Arcade & Bar on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 7:00PM.

ArtWalk has a colorful history with different iterations before becoming the cherished monthly event it is today. It began as a CCDMD initiative with significant support and contributions from several downtown businesses that wanted to push patrons to their storefronts and quickly settled in La Retama Park. As interest and attendance grew, it expanded into Artesian Park and inside participating businesses until it eventually evolved into a street-block party format in 2021, closing off four blocks and two parks. In 2023, First Friday tripled in size, shifting into a 12-block street closure until finally settling into its current 10-block street closure footprint.

Highlights of the event include 250+ pop-up vendors and food trucks, three stages with live music and performances, and over 20 downtown businesses curating special programming such as specials, sales, art exhibitions, pop-up bars, and more!

Recently, CCDMD commissioned a First Friday ArtWalk Economic Impact Study that was conducted in partnership with the South Texas Economic Development Center (STEDC) at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. The purpose of the study was to get a better understanding of how an event of this scale and monthly occurrence impacts the economic ecosystem comprising of downtown businesses and job labor, as well as tax revenues, on a local, state, and federal level. Findings included a citywide economic impact of $16.27 million in total output, supporting 180 jobs citywide earning $5.5 million in labor outcome, and contributing $8.73 million to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) citywide.

“First Friday ArtWalk has become more than just an event, it’s a celebration of Corpus Christi’s creative identity and vibrancy,” says Michelle Smythe, K Space Contemporary Executive Director and one of the first businesses to support and curate First Friday ArtWalk. “It’s connected artists, businesses, and neighbors in a way that transforms our downtown into an expression of creativity and community every month.”

“Celebrating fifteen years of First Friday ArtWalk is a testament to the vibrant creativity, culture, and community spirit that define Downtown Corpus Christi,” says Arlene Medrano, Executive Director of the CCDMD. “What began as a small gathering of artists and downtown businesses has grown into a beloved and iconic monthly event in downtown that supports local talent and brings out city together. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and are even more excited for what’s ahead.”

To learn more about First Friday ArtWalk, vendor applications, or general inquiries about the event, please visit https://downtowncorpuschristi.org/events/first-friday-artwalk

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