First Friday is a Valley-favorite event. From expansive food options to showcasing Phoenix’s artistic community, it is a night that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. Find your new favorite clothing item from a wide range of thrifting and upcycling vendors, get a new centerpiece for your living room or try a crazy new cookie or candy all on the same block! Join the Phoenix community every first Friday of the month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and make sure to check out some of our favorite vendors and booths. We put together a list of our five favorite vendors at First Friday, ranging from sweet treats to savory meals and artistic creations mixed with thrifting!
1. Birria Guajillo
As a self-proclaimed birria enthusiast, Birria Guajillo’s birria quesadilla was one of the best I’ve ever had. Their menu expands from birria ramen to pizza birria with fresh agua frescas that are the perfect complement to their main dishes. This big tent was set in the middle of the event square, making it a popular spot for many attendees. Make sure to check out this birria home-run whether you’re at First Friday or another event they’re serving at. Visit their Facebook for more information on where they’ll be next and what you can expect on their menu.
2. Brookie’s Cookies
This family-owned and operated baking business sold me one of the best cookies I’ve ever had. With whole, simple ingredients, which they pride themselves on, their cookies are soft, fluffy, crispy and flavorful in all the right places. The father-daughter duo came together in 2021 following Brookie’s father’s retirement after baking for 45 years. They wanted something to do together, something they were passionate about. So, they created Brookie’s Cookies; a fun surprise that mixes classic flavors and crazy combinations to bring customers a new cookie experience. Follow Brookie’s Cookies on Instagram @brookiescookies.az or visit their website to see where they’ll be next or to order cookies online.
3. FLIPFLOP Clothing
Sarah Roberts, creator of FLIPFLOP Clothing, has a mission and a vision: to give old textiles a second life and reduce the amount of textile waste by creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. FLIPFLOP immediately caught my eye. The creativity within each piece and the distinctiveness of the designs were something I could not walk past. Roberts shared that each piece is made from recycled or donated pieces, a new take on sustainable clothing that brings to light the raw, innovative talent that Roberts possesses. From the tote bags made out of jeans and the basic T-shirts made eccentric to the breathtaking designs on jeans and custom-made accessories that you can’t find anywhere else, this is a must when you shop at First Friday. Follow FLIPFLOP Clothing on Instagram at @flipflop.clothing or visit their website to see where they’ll be next or to shop their online store.
4. Pale September Vintage
This thrifting gem was an unexpected surprise during my walk through First Friday. With a mixture of different styles ranging from grunge to girly, ’90s aesthetics to 2020s chic—it is safe to say I spent more money than I should have at this booth. Each rack of clothing opened up a door to new clothing opportunities, most of which were sorted by color or cut. Stop by this booth during May’s First Friday and find your new favorite staple piece, the knee-high boots of your dreams or a fun addition to your “going out” wear. Follow Pale September Vintage on Instagram at @pale_septembervintage to see where they’ll be next or to shop their online Depop store.
5. TumbleWeed Flower
This Arizona-based artist is multi-talented within the artistic industry but is best known at the First Friday market for her unique work creating different household and daily use accessories and decor. These unique designs feature different flowers and greenery encased within resin and are the perfect add-on to your living room coffee table or an aesthetic choice for your next bookmark. Follow Tumbleweed Flower on Instagram at @tumbleweedflower to see where they’ll be next.
