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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!

Our next installation of this event will be Thursday, March 5th from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event! 

March Featured Attractions

Featured Attraction: Musical Instrument Petting Zoo with Coyote Music Studio

When: Thursday, March 5 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: City Center Plaza, Downtown Arlington

Classes: 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, & 7:00 PM

Downtown Arlington is thrilled to host Coyote Music Studio for a hands-on musical experience at City Center Plaza! The Instrument Petting Zoo is a 10x10 playground of sound where kids can get "up close and personal" with drums, keyboards, guitars, ukuleles, xylophones, and more.

Join a Family Music Class: On the hour, join a short class led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Specifically designed for ages 3–6, these sessions blend interactive songs with "Musical Storytime" to bring books to life through sound.

Come explore, play, and find your rhythm in the heart of the city!

Featured Attraction: Live Corndog & Hotdog Portrait Art

March First Thursdays is officially going to the dogs! Have you ever wondered what you’d look like as a hot dog or a corn dog? Get those burning questions answered this month as we head over to Division Brewing for a night of quirky art and specialty eats.

The patio is 100% dog-friendly, so bring your pups along for the fun:

  • Live Portraits: Get a free custom hot dog or corn dog portrait of yourself (or your pup!) by artist Becca Waugh.
  • The Gallery: Peruse Becca’s specialized gallery of corn and hot dog-themed art.
  • The Kitchen: Grab specialty hot dogs and corn dogs straight from the Division Brewing menu.

When: March 5th | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: Division Brewing (506 E Main St)

Come for the art, stay for the local brew!

Featured Attraction: School of Rock Busker Showcase  

School of Rock Busker Showcase

When: Thursday, March 5th | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: Rotary DREAM Park

Join School of Rock Arlington for a live Busker Showcase at Rotary DREAM Park. This high-energy performance features a rotating lineup of students and instructors performing rock, pop, and soul hits in a stripped-back, outdoor setting.

Experience the "School of Rock Method" in action as musicians from the Rock 101 and Performance Programs take the stage. Grab a seat near the DREAM sculpture and enjoy a night of local talent and live music in the heart of Downtown.

Featured Attraction: Arlington Amplified presents: Street Sounds 

Experience the vibrant sounds of Downtown Arlington this First Thursdays on March 5th from 5-8 PM! Our featured attraction, "Street Sounds," brings talented Arlington Amplified artists to various locations throughout Downtown. As part of Arlington's "Music Friendly Community" initiative, these local musicians will create a fun musical atmospheres for your evening stroll and shopping experience.

Check out our Interactive Google Map: 

Use our Google Map to plan your First Thursday: March First Thursday Map

Be sure to come early to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our March First Thursday event:  

  • Create Wellspring: “The Dinosaur Exhibit Opening Reception” - Join Create Texas @ Wellspring on Main for the grand opening of their latest exhibition featuring artists Noin Rivera and Marilyn Lopez. This immersive showcase brings imagination and texture to life through playful storytelling and unique artistic vision. Spend your First Thursday evening meeting the artists and exploring the gallery while enjoying complimentary charcuterie, wine, and beverages. This event is free, open to the public, and a perfect stop for art lovers of all ages!
  • Kung Fu Tea: “Love Letters & Boba” - Spread the love this First Thursday at Kung Fu Tea! Stop by their DIY Card station to craft a custom Valentine’s Day card or write a heartfelt love letter to your partner, your friends, or even yourself. It’s the perfect way to get creative while enjoying your favorite boba!
  • Ann’s Natural Grocer: "Sip, Sample & Serenade" - Elevate your grocery run with live music by Larry Ladale and a variety of delicious in-store tastings. Enjoy fresh Caprese bites, Q Mixers, and Pirq Protein samples for the ultimate "shop and snack" experience this First Thursday!
  • J. Gilligan’s: “Rom-Com Trivia & Live Music” - Test your knowledge with Meg Ryan Movie Trivia starting at 7:00 PM on the restaurant side, or head to the bar for live music by Max Segura. It’s the perfect night for movie buffs and music lovers alike!
  • Camia Rhea: “Stop & Smell” - a free, interactive scent experience inviting visitors to stop in, smell, and help name an upcoming candle. Guests will be able to explore an unlabeled fragrance, share their creative name ideas, and participate in a simple, community-driven activity
  • Tokyo Station: “Super Smash Bros. Tournament” $ - Battle it out in a Super Smash Bros. Tournament starting at 7:00 PMthis First Thursday! Entry is $5—visit Tokyo Station’s website or social media for full rules and registration details.
  • Mi Tesoro Thrift: “Date Night Styling” Experience - Join Mi Tesoro Thrift for their first First Thursday! Step into their Valentine’s themed “Date Night Styling” experience, where you can curate your perfect date night outfit from their unique collection. Snap a photo of your finished look, enjoy some complimentary popcorn, and celebrate the season of love with the downtown community!
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters: “DIY Valentine’s Magnets” - Brighten up your February with Big Brothers Big Sisters! Join us this First Thursday for a fun, all-ages DIY magnet craft. Participants will have the chance to design and assemble their own Valentine’s themed magnet to give to a loved one or keep as a personal gift. Whether you’re a "Big," a "Little," or a downtown neighbor, stop by to create something beautiful and learn more about how BBBS is making a difference in our community.
  • Lacquer Box Nail Salon: “Valentine Vibes” - Get pampered this First Thursday at Lacquer Box Nail Studio with sweet treats and style! Enjoy complimentary Valentine-themed nail art to get your look holiday-ready, and indulge in chocolate-covered strawberries while you browse their low-toxic, vegan beauty selections. It’s the perfect stop for a little self-love or a pre-Valentine’s date with your bestie.
  • Canvas & Co.: "Headshots & Highlights" - Step into the spotlight at Canvas & Co. Studio! Enjoy complimentary professional headshots (edited and emailed to you), take a guided tour of their state-of-the-art podcast and content creation spaces, and join the fun with their "Street-Style" interview experience filmed right on the sidewalk.
  • Space Monkey Tattoo: “Ink & Intuition” - Explore the mystical side of the Cultural District with live Tarot card readings and exclusive Tarot-themed flash designs. While you're there, grab some free Tarot coloring pages and immerse yourself in the art of the deck!
  • Los Molcas: ”Dance the Night Away - Free Salsa Lessons” - Start time 7pm. Join us for a sizzling night of free salsa lessons with Salsa at the Gardens at Los Molcas. No experience necessary, so whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, you’re invited to learn the basic steps and have fun with our professional instructors. 
  • Downtown Arlington Library: “Creative Corner x Valentine Suncatcher” - Drop by the library and craft a beautiful Valentine's Day suncatcher. Use colorful washi tape and your creative spirit to make a unique decoration that will brighten any window. 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. Thank you to the Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library for their generous support of our programming.
  • Fool’s Kava: “Gamer Night” - THURSDAY = GAME DAY at Fool’s Kava House! Sip some kava and get your game on all day long with our PC, console, and VR setups. Whether you're here for the skills or just the vibes, come chill and level up your First Thursday with us. Enjoy $15 All-You-Can-Drink Kava specials.
  • Truth Serum: “Vinyl & Karaoke” - Enjoy exclusive drink specials available throughout the evening while you browse the stacks of curated vinyl. Stick around as the energy picks up for their popular Karaoke session starting at 7:00 PM. It’s the perfect night to shop for records, enjoy a drink, and sing your heart out!
  • Amore Mio: “Love Notes & Snapshots” - Join Amore Mio this First Thursday for a heartfelt community activation! Stop by to participate in their "Love Notes" station: write a personalized note to someone special, take a beautiful photo in their charming space, and share the love with the world. Whether you're celebrating a friendship, a partner, or your love for Downtown Arlington, it’s the perfect way to capture a memory and spread some joy.
  • Mosaic Market: “Handmade Hearts Workshop” - Get creative this First Thursday at Mosaic Market! Join us for a hands-on crafting experience where you can design your own ribbon and beaded heart-shaped ornaments and wreaths. Whether you're looking to create a unique piece of home decor or a thoughtful handmade gift, this workshop is the perfect way to celebrate the season of love. All skill levels are welcome—come twist, bead, and weave something beautiful with us!
  • Wondrous Works Gift Shop: “Nature & Wildlife Artist Pop-Up” - Explore the beauty of the natural world at Wondrous Works! This month, they are hosting local artist Lorri Leigh, whose stunning paintings and illustrations focus on wildlife and nature. Meet the artist, discuss her creative process, and browse her collection of original works and cards available for purchase.
  • Goldilink’s: “Glow & Flow” - This First Thursday, join Goldilink’s and Hotworx East Arlington for a high-energy interactive experience. Come find your flow and get a glow-up with the Downtown community!
  • STASH VHS: ”Thrifty Thursdays & Game Night” - Head inside the shop for a classic video game night and outside, you can challenge friends to a game of cornhole. While you're there, be sure to take advantage of their special Thrifty Thursday deals! 
  • 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!

Interested in volunteering for First Thursdays? Fill out our form here