UNLV’s 8th Annual Art Walk: Walk into Wonder Oct. 24
- Isabel M. Castro
- Oct 14
- 5 min read
By Isabel M. Castro
Photos by Josh Hawkins| Credit: UNLV
Copyright: UNLV PHOTO photo@unlv.edu
When autumn settles into the Las Vegas Valley, one tradition lights up the season with creativity, community, and celebration: the 2025 UNLV Art Walk. Now in its eighth year, this annual gathering invites the entire city to stroll through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus and immerse themselves in an evening filled with music, dance, theatre, film, art, architecture, and the innovative world of entertainment engineering and design.
The UNLV Campus, East Mall, will transform into a hub of imagination and artistic expression from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 24. Free and open to all ages, the Art Walk has become a beloved community tradition that celebrates the accomplishments of students, faculty, and the Las Vegas arts community.
“The Art Walk is about sharing — sharing innovation, tradition, and the transformative power of creativity,” says Dr. Nancy Uscher, Dean of the UNLV College of Fine Arts. “It’s our way of inviting the community to see the incredible work our students and faculty are doing and to celebrate the arts as an essential part of life.”
Founded in 1957, UNLV has grown into a top-tier research university located just minutes from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. With its rich history of innovation and cultural impact, UNLV’s College of Fine Arts has been shaping performers, creators, and visionaries for decades. The Art Walk offers the public a chance to experience this creative energy up close.
A Tradition of Creativity
The Art Walk began nearly a decade ago as an open-house showcase designed to highlight the dynamic work taking place across UNLV’s College of Fine Arts. Over the years, it has grown into one of the university’s signature cultural events, drawing thousands of visitors who come to enjoy exhibitions, performances, and the opportunity to experience UNLV as a creative destination.
Visitors stroll along the beautifully landscaped East Mall, stopping at galleries, performance spaces, and pop-up stages where students demonstrate their talents. The atmosphere is casual, family-friendly, and full of surprises — from contemporary dance performances to live jazz ensembles, from cutting-edge short films to architectural displays that reimagine the future of design.
A University with a Vision
With a student body as diverse as the city it calls home, UNLV is deeply embedded in Southern Nevada's cultural and economic life. The College of Fine Arts plays a particularly unique role in shaping Las Vegas’ cultural identity.
“Las Vegas has always been one of the most fascinating places on earth,” says Uscher. “But I had a strong feeling when I came here that it would also be a wonderful place to be an educator — to help students thrive. The reality has exceeded even my highest expectations.”
Now in her ninth year as Dean, Uscher has overseen remarkable growth and championed programs that empower students to take risks, innovate, and share their voices with the world.
The Creative Power of Students and Faculty
The College of Fine Arts is home to seven distinct disciplines: Dance, Film, Theatre, Architecture, Music, Art, and Entertainment Engineering & Design. Guided by an accomplished faculty, each discipline brings its own energy to the Art Walk, creating a kaleidoscope of creativity.
“The College of Fine Arts is special because our students, faculty, and staff are endlessly interesting,” Uscher notes. “Many of our students are the first in their families to pursue higher education. They are so talented, and the degrees they earn symbolize years of dedication, sacrifice, and growth. The Art Walk is one way they share their gifts with the community.”
Audiences can expect to see student work in every medium imaginable — from gallery exhibitions showcasing contemporary painting and sculpture, to theatrical performances that bring stories to life, to interactive displays of cutting-edge design and engineering.
“The Art Walk gives students the chance to perform, to exhibit their films, to showcase their architecture projects, all while giving back to the community,” says Uscher. “It’s also about gratitude for the support of the region and the people who believe in the importance of the arts.”
Art as Transformation
The deeper purpose of the Art Walk is not only to display creative work but to demonstrate the transformative power of the arts.
“Students can sense that their contributions matter,” Uscher explains. “Through art, they discover what it means to give back, to connect with audiences, and to change lives. This is a pathway that will guide them for the rest of their lives.”
The Art Walk is about more than entertainment. It is about building community and reminding people of the role the arts play in making life meaningful.
What You’ll Experience at the 2025 Art Walk
This year’s Art Walk promises an even richer lineup of experiences:
Galleries Opening Night – UNLV art galleries will debut their fall exhibitions, featuring works by student and faculty artists.
Performances Across Campus – Pop-up concerts, dance pieces, and theatrical showcases will unfold across the Academic Mall.
Film Screenings – Student filmmakers will present new short films and experimental projects.
Architecture & Design Displays – Visitors can explore creative models and forward-thinking design work.
Entertainment Engineering & Design – A field unique to UNLV, EED will showcase innovations that combine art, science, and technology.
Food & Festivities – In true Vegas style, there will be free food, music, and a festive atmosphere that makes it easy to mingle with friends, neighbors, and fellow art lovers. The best part? It’s all free.
UNLV and the Arts Community
The UNLV Art Walk also honors the larger Las Vegas arts community, recognizing its dedication to supporting and growing a cultural landscape in Southern Nevada. For a city internationally known for entertainment, the local arts scene is equally vital in shaping identity, telling stories, and building connections among people.
“We really strive to make the world a better place through the arts,” says Uscher. “The Art Walk is a reflection of that commitment of collaboration, partnership, and social engagement.”
The Art Walk is designed for audiences of all ages, whether you’re a longtime supporter of the arts, a family looking for a fun evening, or a student curious about life at UNLV.
“We want children, parents, grandparents, everyone, to have the chance to celebrate the arts together,” Uscher emphasizes. “This one evening is about joy, community, and inspiration.”
Whether you are an alum, a community member, a student, or simply someone curious about the arts, the UNLV Art Walk is your invitation to experience creativity in motion.
When people leave, Uscher hopes they carry with them the memory of an evening filled with joy and inspiration and a renewed sense of how essential the arts are to living a full, meaningful life.
Discover the future of the arts in Southern Nevada and join the celebration of imagination, innovation, and community. Bring your family. Bring your friends. And walk with us into innovation and wonder.
Event Details
Where:
UNLV Main Campus
East Mall, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway
When:
5 to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 24
Admission: Free & open to all ages
For more information, visit:
Art Walk Digital Guide:
Parking Information:
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