Local Social: Where Your Night Begins on First Fridays
Think pre-game, but on a community level. We’re making pre-event meetups a little more social in the heart of the Arts District. Welcome to Local Social, Social Exchange’s kickoff to Las Vegas' most beloved monthly tradition. Designed to connect locals, support small businesses, and build momentum for the night ahead, this new monthly social invites you to sip, savor, and socialize in a different way.
Local Social was created to bring locals together before the city’s most creative night unfolds. Each month, we partner with standout venues across Downtown Las Vegas to host a curated experience just as the streets come alive with art, music, and culture. Think of it as your pre-game with a purpose other than starting a buzz.
We launched the series at Main Street Provisions, and the turnout exceeded every expectation. Guests lingered far beyond the end of happy hour—ordering dinner, trading stories, and forming new connections over incredible dishes and impeccable service. It was the kind of night that illustrated just how vibrant and genuinely hospitable the local scene is. And of course, we can’t go without mentioning our appreciation for Jae Douglass who helped take care of our group!
To add a personal touch, we designed the space with table toppers featuring floral arrangements from Enchanted Elements, a Las Vegas-based floral and art studio. Their gorgeous creations sparked conversation and curiosity, especially when paired with our cheeky icebreaker cards. Some were funny, some heartfelt, but all intended to encourage interaction and deepen the exchange.
For those unfamiliar, First Friday is a free monthly festival that takes over the Arts District and beyond. It’s a celebration of all things local: artists open their galleries, musicians take to the streets, food trucks serve up new flavors, and shops extend their hours for pop-ups and events. It's a choose-your-own-adventure night. And Local Social is where you find (or bring) your crew to explore it with.
Up next: Prowl. We’re venturing over to this sultry new cocktail lounge on Commerce Street born from the same team behind the wildly popular Stray Pirate. It promises the same mix of bold design, imaginative cocktails, and neighborhood charm. Whether you're a local looking to expand your circle or a business interested in getting involved, this is your invitation to come mingle where culture meets cocktails.
We aren’t simply hosting these events to help locals meet each other (though that’s a major part of it). We're also here to spotlight the incredible locations that make Vegas feel like home; and to create new opportunities for those who want to align with the spirit of creativity and community. Want to host a future Local Social or support our mission? We’d love to hear from you. Yes, Las Vegas is a destination, but it’s also a community. And we’re just getting started.
