Beat the Heat and Experience a First Friday with a Northern Twist

This special evening on the Heard Museum campus in downtown Phoenix brings the spirit of Alaska to the desert, offering a cool contrast to a warm Phoenix night! Join us for an exciting lineup of activities featuring special guest James Johnson (Tlingit) and a screening of Molly of Denali: Happy Birthday Qyah!

The Cantina will be open late, serving up a delicious selection of food and drinks to keep you refreshed as you explore. And as always, Heard Museum admission is FREE* during First Friday between 4 – 8 p.m.

James Johnson demonstrates Tlingit carving at the Heard Museum

Watch a Live Carving Demonstration by James Johnson

See traditional techniques take shape and hear firsthand how James Johnson’s work is rooted in heritage, storytelling, and place. This live carving demonstration offers a unique opportunity to experience Indigenous artistry rooted in the Pacific Northwest Coast, plus a chance to meet the artist!

Carving Demo: 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a Screening of Molly of Denali, “Happy Birthday Qyah”

Bring the whole family and check out a special screening of the Molly of Denali episode “Happy Birthday Qyah!” (2026) in the Heard Museum’s Harnett Theater.

Happy Birthday Qyah! | Approx. Run Time: 25m 33s | Rating: TV-Y | Courtesy of PBS KIDS®
Molly and Tooey learn about America’s 250th birthday! But hasn’t their home, Qyah, been around longer than that? When they can’t find the information online, Molly and Tooey join Nina and Olin on a cave exploration to find out how old Qyah really is!

*Add-on experience fee required for entry to Molly of Denali: An Alaskan Adventure in Steele Auditorium.


Adult: $10
Senior (65+): $7
Military: $7
Student (with ID): $5
Children (6-17): $5

Add-on experience fee can be paid at the door. Click here to learn more about Molly of Denali: An Alaskan Adventure.

About the Artist

James Johnson is an award-winning Tlingit artist and carver from Juneau, Alaska. He belongs to the Ch’áak’ Dakl’aweidi Clan (Eagle Killerwhale) and carries forward a powerful lineage of leaders and makers, including Chiefs Gusht’eiheen, Jimmy Johnson, and Peter Johnson, for whom he is named. Encouraged by his late father, Franklin Johnson, he has dedicated his life to perpetuating the Tlingit art form — honoring his ancestors through his art.

Made possible at the Heard Museum thanks to:

  • Presenting Sponsors

    Anonymous

  • Opening Weekend Presenting Partner

    Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation

  • Supporting Sponsors

  • Youth & Family Programming Sponsors

  • Youth u0026 Family Programming Sponsors

    Tohono O’odham Nation

Molly of Denali: An Alaskan Adventure is a nationally traveling exhibit created by The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum in collaboration with GBH Kids and a team of Alaska Native advisors. Molly of Denali is a trademark or registered trademark of WGBH Educational Foundation. Used with permission. The series and underlying indicia known as Molly of Denali ©2019 WGBH Educational Foundation. All rights reserved. PBS KIDS® and the PBS KIDS Logo are trademarks owned by Public Broadcasting Service. Used with permission. © 2025 Public Broadcasting Service. All rights reserved.