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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!

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


Upcoming First Thursdays Dates

Plan ahead and mark every First Thursday on your calendar!

September 4, 2025

October 2nd, 2025

November 6th, 2025

December 4th, 2025

Our next installation of this event will be Thursday, September 4th from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event! 

September First Thursdays

Featured Attraction: The Little Art Bus! 🚌🎨

Join us during our September First Thursdays for The Little Art Bus, our featured attraction at City Center Plaza on September 4th from 5-8 PM!

Our featured attraction, The Little Art Bus, is rolling into Downtown Arlington to provide a free and fun painting experience for all ages. The Little Art Bus crew will be filling the air-conditioned bus with 8-10 artists at a time. As participants finish their masterpieces, they’ll reset the stations to welcome the next creative crew.

This special pop-up will run on a cycling basis until they run out of supplies, so come early to grab a brush, unleash your creativity and make your own unique art to take home!

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

  • Downtown Arlington LibraryCreative Corner x Button Art” -Get creative with colorful buttons at the Downtown Library!  Make a unique design to take home or give as a gift. All supplies provided--just bring your imagination. Fun for all ages. 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. 
    • Cafe Americana: “Live Music at Cafe Americana” - From 6-9pm, enjoy artists of different genres perform each month LIVE at Cafe Americana. Sip a cocktail at the bar or sit front row and enjoy a full dining experience while rhythmic music soothes your soul. Every 1st Thursday in collaboration with 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!
    • 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 - “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
    • Gilligan’s: “Music Mania Trivia & Live Music” - Join us at 7pm for "Murf's Music Mania Trivia" on the restaurant side, 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. On the bar side, enjoy live music.
    • Division BrewingRock 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. 
    • Los Molcas: Dance the Night Away - Free Salsa Lessons” - 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.
    • Goldilinks Jewelry & Hat Bar“Sip & Sparkle” - Join us this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5-8 PM for a "Sip & Sparkle" shopping experience at Goldilink's Jewelry! Enjoy complimentary champagne toasts while you browse our beautiful collections.
    • Truth SerumKaroke Night At Truth Serum” - check out Downtown’s newest craft cocktail bar with karaoke starting at 7pm going through 10pm.
    • Hooligan’s Pub: “Spin the Wheel” - Try your luck at Hooligan's Pub this First Thursday! We're hosting a "Spin the Wheel" game inspired by Wheel of Fortune, where you can win exciting prizes. Get ready for a night of fun and games in Downtown Arlington! More details coming soon.

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

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