September First Friday Delayed in Vegas Due To Rain

Okay not really. It's still called First Friday. Because usually the Las Vegas art walk lands on the first Friday of every month. September in Vegas, however, sometimes comes with unpredictable weather. As locals know, it's monsoon season. So you have to be ready for anything.

In this case, that includes rescheduling an estimated 60 local art and craft vendors ready to display their work. But, as all artists know, the show must go on. And go on it shall. This Friday, September 8, 2023, First Friday will resume with its "Soulful September" celebration in the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas on Boulder Avenue and First Street. The event will be from 5:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.

This month, the featured artist is Soul Artist Cara. She is a local, self-taught artist whose work is experimental focusing on women and nature. She uses a myriad of different media. Including charcoal, pencil, acrylics, watercolor and oil. Her work has been shown often this year at Hey Maker located at Ferguson's Downtown.

Other artists that will be on site this weekend include Connor Graves, Gina BoBina and Diameta. Several artists will be painting live throughout the event. And guests will be able to take part in some interactive murals. Two featured artists, Dray and LaRON Emcee, will have showings at the First Friday studio, 1025 S First St., Suite 170 for the final month of their residencies.

Over twenty gourmet food trucks will be featured in the food garden this weekend. And several restaurants and bars will also be open. As well as galleries and retail businesses. Entertainment will be provided by local musicians starting at 5:00pm, on one of three stages.

There is a new plaza open now at First Friday. It features plant-based food tents and trucks. Live mural painting will also be present. As well as Girl Scout activities for families. The plaza also offers nutritional education and fresh farm foods. The new park is located across from the English Hotel.

Precautions are being made for Covid-19. Masks and social distancing are not required but guests are asked to be considerate of others. Including with washing and sanitizing hands as frequently as possible. Also, September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This month, First Friday is hosting a vigil at 7:00pm to increase awareness of the importance of Suicide Prevention. As well as to remember those who have been lost to suicide.

For more information about First Friday, visit their Facebook page here.

- Wendy Rush, 96.3 KKLZ

It's almost fall, and you know what that means - pumpkin spice season.

This time of year, you can't walk through a store, a coffee establishment, or a fast food place without seeing something pumpkin. But why are we so addicted to it this day and age, like we never were before? 

Starbucks PSL (code for Pumpkin Spice Latte) started selling again last week. It's the PDL's 20th anniversary this year! 

Even in Las Vegas, where temperatures are still in the 100's, we are feeling the spicey vibe. I mean, who isn't thinking of that warm pumpkin smell and taste, when they're at the pool, or out on the boat - right?

I love pumpkin pie. Especially the pumpkin chiffon pies my mom used to make for Thanksgiving, and I miss them a lot. "Make them yourself, Carla!" No - I don't want to make them myself, because they are just not my Moms.

But the smell of pumpkin sure does bring back memories of a wonderful, and innocent time.

I remember learning about cause and effect in my college philosophy class. This is where a specific event will cause another event.

Eating mom's pie on the holidays caused so much fun with family and friends, and ultimately left me with memories that I enjoy, and miss terribly, every year.

And that is precisely what I think the attraction - or maybe, addiction - to pumpkin spice is. Pure nostalgia. 

Cinnamon, Ginger, clove, and nutmeg are generally the spices you smell and taste in pumpkin spice - but not pumpkin. Most PS items don't actually have any pumpkin in them. But who really cares? It tasted good!

Pumpkin spice has become so popular. I don't doubt one day in the near future it will just be a regular offering on most menus.

Besides the usual Starbucks, here's where you can find all sorts of pumpkin spice goodies in Las Vegas.

Dairy Queen has brought back their fall favorite, The Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. Made with real pumpkin pie pieces, vanilla soft serve, whipped cream and a touch of nutmeg.

The Pumpkin Spice latte, Pumpkin Spice iced latte, and Pumpkin Spice Ice Blended - all back on the menu for fall. Along with this writers favorite: The Winter Dream Latte.

The Pumpkin Snowy is quite decadent: A sweet blend of creamy white chocolate, espresso, and pumpkin sauce. Yum! Not a lot of Human Beans in Las Vegas, but more will be opening soon. Try them out if you get a chance. Well worth it!

Available September 1: The Caramel Pumpkin Brulee. Made with pumpkin and salted caramel, topped with pumpkin drizzle, raw sugar sprinkles and Dutch Bros signature Soft Top. It will be featured through the end of October.

Dunkin definitely hit early with their pumpkin drinks, just like Starbucks. Pumpkin lattes - hot, cold, and blended. Dunkin's is an east coast favorite, that has certainly made its mark on Las Vegas in a big way.

Pumpkin Spice Cheerios are made with real pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. A large box sells for about $4.50. In stores for a limited time.

Sam's Club is now selling Pumpkin Spice Empanadas. The empanadas are made with real pumpkin and cream cheese. A package of twenty sells for $12.68. Seriously - these sound like heaven on earth.

Philadelphia Cream Cheese is bringing back its Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese - in stores for a limited time. Philly cream cheese is the grandaddy of retail cream cheeses, and they do a great job with their pumpkin spice cream cheese. Try it on a nice wheat bagel.

Pumpkin Spice Oreos are back in grocery stores for a limited time. Keep in mind - nothing healthy about these cookies. But they taste great dunked in coffee, tea, or milk - and they are just plain seasonal fun!

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