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!
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Use our Google Map to plan your First Thursday: March 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, March 6th from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!
March First Thursday Featured Attractions
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Downtown Arlington presents Wooden O, an interactive adventure created by Brave Little Company: Held at City Center Plaza, this interactive, sensory experience for ages 3-6 brings Shakespeare to life with music, modern text, and a quest to find a mysterious flower. Performances at 5pm and 6pm, lasting 45 minutes. In case of rain, the event will move to the council chambers at City Hall, adjacent to the library and City Center Plaza. A special thank you to the Texas Commission on the Arts for their support in bringing Brave Little Company to our event programming.
Pop-Up Shakespeare with Shakespeare Live!: Shakespeare takes Downtown! Prepare ye for impromptu performances and Bard-tastic surprises! This First Thursday, Shakespeare Live! brings the magic of the stage to the streets with pop-up Shakespeare happening throughout Downtown Arlington from 5:30-7:30pm. Celebrate the upcoming Shakespeare Live! performances at Levitt Pavilion and experience the Bard like never before!
Interactive Music Exhibit: Make Music—No Experience Needed! Join the Interactive Music Exhibit outside Inclusion Coffee (or indoors if weather’s bad) for a unique interactive music experience this First Thursday! In groups of six, you’ll use simple controllers to create music with your friends. It’s fun, easy, and proves anyone can make music! More details coming soon
Live Glass Blowing with Grey Area Studio: Fire Up Your First Thursday with Live Glassblowing! Head to Division Brewing this First Thursday for live glassblowing demos by Grey Area Studio! Watch molten glass become art while you enjoy a craft brew & pizza on the GROWL patio.
Be sure to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our March First Thursday event:
- Deep Dive Vintage: “Threads & Tattoos at Deep Dive” - Dive headfirst into art and fashion at Deep Dive Vintage this First Thursday! We're thrilled to host Confetti Jess Tattoos, a talented local artist, for a pop-up tattoo event. Explore our curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories while watching the creation of unique, expressive designs by Confetti Jess Tattoos.
- Sugar Shack Salon: “Live Painting” - watch a painting come to life in real time featuring Sugar Shack’s mural artist Caleb Cannon
- Amore Mio Trattoria: “Shakespeare & Sips” - This First Thursday, Amore Mio Trattoria invites you to an evening of literary romance. Share your favorite Shakespeare quote on our Shakespeare "Quote Wall" while enjoying delicious Italian fare and a cozy, candlelit atmosphere. Don't forget to snap a pic and tag us for a chance to be featured!
- Hooligan’s Pub: “Sip & Color” - Unleash your inner artist (and your inner child!) at Hooligan's Pub this First Thursday. Enjoy a relaxing evening of coloring with Downtown Arlington-themed coloring books while sipping on delicious cocktails. It's the perfect way to unwind, get creative, and connect with your community
- Mellow Mushroom Pizza: “Live Music on the Patio” - Enjoy live acoustic tunes by Cody Paul on the patio from 6-8pm while you savor delicious specials.
- Ann’s Natural Grocer: “TBA”
- Namoo Koreanbowl: “K-Trivia Night” - Test your knowledge of Korean language and culture at Namoo Korean Bowl this First Thursday for a fun Trivia Night hosted by the UTA Korean Culture Association! From 6pm to 8pm, enjoy delicious food and compete for cute stationery prizes. It's a casual and fun way to celebrate Korean culture in Downtown Arlington
- 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 Sandart” - This month, we’ll be creating fun sand art in bottles to take home. 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: “Art & Music Showcase”- Join us for a vibrant evening of art and music at F6 for Downtown Arlington’s First Thursday. From 5-7pm, explore the art gallery and connect with local artists. At 7pm, check out the Open Jam Session. Show off your musical skills or simply enjoy the sounds of local musicians. Our open jam sessions are open to all levels, so come and join in the fun!
- 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 - “Nepalese Nights: Culture & Cuisine” - Immerse yourself in Nepalese culture at TAIPO during First Thursday. Discover unique treasures at the Nepalese Market and enjoy complimentary Nepalese meals for children. Join us for an evening of cultural exploration and community
- Mosaic Market: “Midsummer Night's Bloom: DIY Flower Crowns” - Embrace your inner Shakespearean with a DIY floral head wreath at Mosaic Market! Craft your own beautiful crown to wear during First Thursdays, the “Much Ado About Downtown" events, and the upcoming Shakespeare Live! performances at Levitt Pavilion. It's the perfect way to celebrate art, culture, and springtime in Downtown Arlington!
- Grease Monkey: ”Live Music on the Patio” - Enjoy live tunes from country artist Wes Ball on that patio of Grease Monkey. Grab a cold brew from the bar, a delicious burger with fries, and enjoy your First Thursday with good music and good company.
- Inclusion Coffee: “Interactive Music Exhibit” - Join the Interactive Music Exhibit outside Inclusion Coffee (or indoors if weather’s bad) for a unique interactive music experience this First Thursday! In groups of six, you’ll use simple controllers to create music with your friends. It’s fun, easy, and proves anyone can make music! More details coming soon
- Gilligan’s: “Shakespeare Trivia” - More info coming soon!
- Commodities: “Tie Dye Takeover” - Tie-dye a vintage tee (while supplies last / first come, first serve!) and explore our curated collection of sneakers and streetwear. It's a vibrant blend of fashion and art in the heart of Downtown Arlington.
- Sanford House Inn & Spa: “Romance & Rhyme” - This First Thursday, experience the magic of Shakespeare under the stars! Enjoy live poetry readings by a Shakespeare Live! actor in the Grand Courtyard from 5:30-7:30pm, sip on cocktails from Restaurant 506, and celebrate the Bard's upcoming arrival in Downtown Arlington.
- 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: “Berry Creative Coloring Time” - Enjoy Strawberry Shortcake-themed coloring pages while sipping on our delicious Strawberry Shortcake themed-drinks, all part of our "Strawberry Shortcake Marches into Spring" promotion. It's a berrylicious blend of art and refreshment 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: ”TBD”
- Arlington Music Hall: “Live Music in the Small Hall” - Enjoy live music in the Small Hall from 5:45pm-6:45pm
- STASH VHS: ”Game Night + Thrifty Thursday” - power up your evening with Gaming Night at Stash VHS! Enjoy Thrifty Thursday with 20% off vintage finds while you challenge your friends to classic games.
- 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.
- Create Texas: “Art & Acoustics at Create” - Join Create Arlington for a night of music and lights at The Wellspring On Main this upcoming 1st Thursday! The Arlington Electro-Acoustic Ensemble, an ambient music project by Aaron Shipley will accompany an immersive light installation produced by Analog Fountain artists Lillian Mechlem, Leeonlean and Addis Riddle. It's a unique opportunity to connect with local artists, explore diverse mediums, and celebrate the creative spirit of Downtown Arlington
- Catalyst Creative Arts: “Artful Finds” - Discover one-of-a-kind pottery and glass treasures at Catalyst Creative Arts this First Thursday! Enjoy 25% off your entire purchase during our special art sale, plus every purchase enters you to win a FREE reservation in an upcoming fabric dyeing class. It's the perfect opportunity to support local artists and add some creative flair to your life!
- Truth Serum: “Karoke Night At Truth Serum” - check out Downtown’s newest craft cocktail bar with karaoke starting at 7pm going through 10pm.
Live Entertainment
- Art & Games with Mathnasium: Head to Mineral Well Plaza this First Thursday for interactive fun with Mathnasium! Participants can unleash their creativity with a tessellation-inspired art station, test their skills with life-sized Jenga and Connect Four, and explore exciting math games and challenges. It's a fun, hands-on way to experience the joy of learning!
- Live Chalk Art with artist Mary Dooley
- Live Music in the Small Hall at Arlington Music Hall
- Downtown Arlington Fun Run with Cowboy Run Club: Full Event Info & Sign Up found here
- Walkable Arlington Downtown Walk: Join Walkable Arlington for a First Thursday Art Walk! Meet at 5:00 PM outside the Downtown Arlington Central Library for a guided stroll through downtown, exploring public art along the way. RSVP here to let us know you’re coming!! Connect with the community and discover hidden gems. Find us on Instagram (@walkablearlington) and Linktree (click here) for more info
- Live Saxaphone with music artist Jorge Vargas Sax
Interested in volunteering for First Thursdays? Fill out our form here
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