FIRST THURSDAYS ARE THE NIGHT TO BE IN DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON
Grab the family and text the group chat, it’s THE day to be in downtown Arlington! Enjoy once a month evening of live music, artistic experiences, and exploration at your favorite businesses!

Use our Google Map to plan your First Thursday: April First Thursday Map
Upcoming First Thursdays Dates
Plan ahead and mark every First Thursday on your calendar!
October 3, 2024
November 7, 2024
December 5, 2024
February 6, 2025
March 6, 2025
April 3, 2025
May 1, 2025
June 5, 2025
July 3, 2025
August 7, 2025
September 4, 2025
Our next installation of this event will be Thursday, April 3rd from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!
April First Thursday Featured Attractions

Downtown Arlington presents Live Drum Circle with Rhythm Path Interactive Drumming: Moving indoors to F6 Lounge and Art Gallery. Join UTA Alum David Cox of Rhythm Path at F6 Art Gallery & Lounge for an interactive drum circle! Drums provided, all levels welcome. Discover your rhythm and connect through music. "If you can say it, you can play it!" Family-friendly, come make some noise!
Shakespeare Live! at Levitt Pavilion: Shakespeare takes Downtown! This First Thursday, April 3rd, experience the magic of Shakespeare Live! on the Levitt stage! At 7:30 PM, enjoy a free, community-driven performance of "As You Like It," bringing the timeless works of Shakespeare to life. Shakespeare Live! is a volunteer-driven, grassroots initiative, bringing Shakespeare to the people of Arlington. Performances will run from April 3rd to April 5th at the Levitt Pavilion Arlington. Join us and celebrate the power of live performance in the heart of Arlington's art and culture scene. Learn more about Shakespeare Live! at shakespearelive.org.
Live Glass Blowing with Grey Area Studio: Event will continue as planned in the case of inclement weather. Fire Up Your First Thursday with Live Glassblowing! Head to Grease Monkey this First Thursday for live glassblowing demos by Grey Area Studio! Watch molten glass become art while you enjoy a craft brew & burgers on the patio.
Be sure to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our March First Thursday event:
- Amore Mio Trattoria: “Italian Film & Feast” - Enjoy a classic silent Italian film screening while indulging in our delicious pizza and beer specials. It's a perfect blend of cinematic art and culinary delights in a cozy Downtown Arlington atmosphere
- Hooligan’s Pub: “Sax & Sips at Hooligan’s” - This First Thursday, Hooligan's Pub is bringing you the perfect blend of music and relaxation! Enjoy the smooth sounds of live saxophone from Jorge Vargas creating the perfect ambiance for your evening. Pair the music with our delicious drink specials and unwind in the heart of Downtown Arlington.
- Mellow Mushroom Pizza: “Live Music at Mellow” - Enjoy a perfect evening at Mellow Mushroom this First Thursday! Live music sets the mood while you indulge in $3 SweetWater $4.20 drafts, $10 Sunset in Paradise cocktails, and delicious bites like $5 cheese bread and $5 half-order pretzels. It's the ideal way to unwind and enjoy the night
- Chosen One Tattoo: ”Open Gallery” - Explore our gallery featuring a curated collection of artwork by local and international artists. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of our tattoo shop while admiring the diverse styles and techniques on display. Those who stop by can grab a gift bag & enter a raffle for a chance to win a free piercing! PLUS – enjoy chalk art out on the sidewalk!
- Downtown Library: “Creative Corner x Shakespearean Crafting” - Get ready for Shakespeare Live! at Levitt Pavilion with a creative First Thursday at the Downtown Library! Step into the Bard's world and craft your very own puppet or mask inspired by iconic plays. It's a fun, hands-on activity for all ages, perfect for getting into the spirit of Shakespeare Live! happening at the Levitt stage that evening and throughout the weekend. Explore our makerspace and discover the exciting possibilities of technology and craft. And don't forget to enjoy our family-friendly games in the lobby.
- F6 Art Lounge: “Interactive Drum Circle”- Join UTA Alum David Cox of Rhythm Path at F6 Art Gallery & Lounge for an interactive drum circle! Drums provided, all levels welcome. Discover your rhythm and connect through music. "If you can say it, you can play it!" Family-friendly, come make some noise!
- Binion’s: “Bingo at Binion’s” - From 6-8pm, join us for a fun-filled evening at Binion's on First Thursdays! Test your luck playing bingo while enjoying delicious food and drinks. It's the perfect way to spend a Thursday evening in Downtown Arlington!
- Fool’s Kava: “The Art of Kava” - Come enjoy your first kava ceremony! A kava ceremony is a cultural experience that involves drinking kava, a euphoric tea made from the kava root, in a communal setting. Kava ceremonies are a significant part of many Pacific Island cultures, including Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. Bula! Enjoy $15 All-You-Can-Drink Kava specials for First Thursday.
- TAIPO - “Free Kid’s Face Painting + Nepalese Nights” - Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Nepal at TAIPO this First Thursday! Enjoy complimentary Nepalese meals for children with any purchase, free face painting for kids, and live music at the bar. Join us for an evening of cultural exploration, community, food, and drinks in Downtown Arlington
- The Mosaic Market: “DIY Beaded Earrings” - This First Thursday, unleash your inner jewelry designer at Mosaic Market! Join us for a fun and creative DIY bead earring workshop. Design and create your own unique pair of earrings to add a touch of handmade flair to your look. It's the perfect way to express your personal style and connect with fellow creatives in Downtown Arlington
- Grease Monkey: ”Live Glass Blowing” - Fire Up Your First Thursday with Live Glassblowing! Head to Grease Monkey this First Thursday for live glassblowing demos by Grey Area Studio! Watch molten glass become art while you enjoy a craft brew & burgers on the patio.
- Inclusion Coffee: “Pop-Up Art Gallery” - This First Thursday, Inclusion Coffee transforms into a vibrant art space! Experience the captivating work of artist Rudy Martinez in a special pop-up gallery. Immerse yourself in his unique style and connect with the local art scene while enjoying your favorite Inclusion Coffee brews. It's a perfect blend of art and community in Downtown Arlington
- Gilligan’s: “Music Mania Trivia” - Join us for "Murf's Music Mania Trivia," a three-round battle of the bands. We'll be covering the 60's & 70's, the 80's & 90's, and the 2000's to today, with 30 questions to challenge your expertise. It's the perfect way to enjoy a fun and competitive night out in Downtown Arlington!
- Commodities: “DIY Easter Cookie Decorating” - This First Thursday, Culture Commodities is serving up a delicious dose of creativity! Join us for an Easter Cookie Decorating event, where you can transform sweet treats into edible masterpieces. Unleash your inner artist and design your own unique cookie creations. Supplies are limited, so it's first come, first served! Come celebrate art, culture, and a little bit of sugary fun in Downtown Arlington
- The Sanford House Inn & Spa: “Yoga in the Courtyard with Arlington Yoga Center” - Moving indoors at Sanford House in the case of inclement weather. Come unwind for the evening with a donation-based, all-levels yoga class while enjoying the views of the Sanford House's Grand Courtyard garden. Come enjoy some yoga then go visit other participating Downtown businesses for their First Thursday community activation! In order for our instructor to know how many participants to expect, you MUST register for class to attend. Register Here
- Division Brewing: “Rock the Growl - Open Mic Night” - Stop by and enjoy an open mic night showcasing local talent. Check-in at 6pm, Show at 7pm. Join us at GROWL this First Thursday for a night of live music, craft beer & delicious pizza from Division Brewing.
- Kung Fu Tea: “DIY Easter Egg Decorating” - Join us for an Easter egg decorating event, where you can design your own unique eggs while enjoying your favorite Kung Fu Tea drinks. It's a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate spring and the arts in Downtown Arlington
- Cheba Hut: “Mural Madness & Mario Kart” - Unleash your inner artist AND gamer this First Thursday! Color our mural with your own artistic flair using our coloring sheets and provided supplies, then race your friends in Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. It's a creative and competitive night out at Cheba Hut in Downtown Arlington!
- Los Molcas: ”Margarita Melodies: Karaoke Night at Los Molcas” - Belt out your favorite tunes with karaoke from 7pm-10:30pm while enjoying margarita specials. It's the perfect way to celebrate self-expression and connect with the community in the heart of Downtown Arlington's Cultural District
- Arlington Music Hall: “Live Music in the Small Hall” - Enjoy live music in the Small Hall from 5-7pm with DJ Rex Burks spinning an all vinyl set covering 50s-70s pop, doo-wop and soul
- STASH VHS: ”Sip’N’Shop + Thrifty Thursday” - Enjoy a unique evening of thrifting and fun. Score 20% off vintage finds while you shop and enjoy free drinks. It's the perfect way to spend your First Thursday in Downtown Arlington.
- Goldilinks Jewelry & Hat Bar: “Sip & Shop” - Enjoy complimentary champagne while you explore our charming new studio space plus take advantage of our Flash Sale with 25% off the entire store. Browse our stunning collection of handcrafted jewelry and personalized accessories – you're sure to find something special to treat yourself or someone you love.
- Catalyst Creative Arts: “Live Pottery Wheel Demo” - This First Thursday, immerse yourself in the art of pottery at Catalyst Creative Arts! Enjoy a captivating live pottery wheel demonstration, meet the artist, tour the studio, and explore a curated pottery sale. It's a unique opportunity to witness the creative process and experience the vibrant arts community in Downtown Arlington
- Truth Serum: “Karoke Night At Truth Serum” - check out Downtown’s newest craft cocktail bar with karaoke starting at 7pm going through 10pm.
- Space Monkey Tattoo: “College Night” - College students with valid IDs can enjoy exclusive $60-$100 flash tattoo specials, $10 off all piercings, and a raffle entry for a free tattoo or piercing!
- Deep Dive Vintage: “Bag Toss Bonanza” - Shop our unique collection of curated vintage pieces while you challenge friends to a game of corn hole. It's the perfect blend of retro style and friendly competition in Downtown Arlington
- Donna’s Gift Closet: “Shop & Snack” - Celebrate with Donna's Closet this First Thursday as we join their grand opening weekend in Urban Union! Enjoy an evening of shopping and snacks as we welcome this exciting new addition to Downtown Arlington. Discover your new favorite pieces and celebrate in style!
- Ann’s Natural Grocer: “Smooth Beats & Smoothies” - Get your groove on and get healthy at Ann's Natural Grocer this First Thursday! Enjoy live DJ beats from DJ Richi while sampling our delicious and refreshing smoothies from 6 pm to 8 pm. We'll be whipping up a new flavor every 15 minutes, so you can try them all: Beachfront Study Break, Neighborhood Nuts and Berries, Mesquite Street Miracle, Nutty Professor, Pink Paradise, Leaf Hurrache (The Mike), Damn Gina, and Chalice of Champions. It's the perfect way to energize your evening in Downtown Arlington!
Interested in volunteering for First Thursdays? Fill out our form here


