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, April 2nd from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!
Supported by
April Featured Attractions
Featured Attraction: Interactive Community Drum Circle
Join Downtown Arlington for a high-energy Live Drum Circle! Supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts, this April First Thursday event features UTA Alum David Cox of Rhythm Path Interactive Drumming.
Experience the Beat:
- Interactive Fun: Hands-on drumming sessions designed for all skill levels and ages.
- Instruments Provided: No experience or gear necessary—we provide the drums!
- Family-Friendly: A perfect outdoor activity for kids and adults to connect through music.
Come make some joyful noise and celebrate the local arts scene in the heart of the city!
Location: City Center Plaza
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Featured Attraction: The Steve and Don Show at Theatre Arlington
We are thrilled to welcome our Cultural District partner, Theatre Arlington, to the April First Thursday lineup! This month’s featured attraction is the return of the Steve and Don Show, featuring Executive Producer Steven D. Morris and pianist Don Reason.
Enjoy an ongoing performance of American songbook classics from the 30s, 40s, and beyond, plus special guest stars and live trivia with prizes. The show is completely free to attend and runs from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Since it’s an ongoing performance, feel free to drop in and out as you please while you explore the district!
Stop by Theatre BARlington to grab a drink and help us celebrate one of our favorite neighborhood anchors.
Featured Attraction: Downtown Lens - A Guided Photo Walk with Arlington Camera:
Grab your camera – whether it's your phone or a DSLR – and join Arlington Camera for a fun and social photo walk through the vibrant scene of Downtown Arlington's First Thursdays!
From 5-8 PM, meet the Arlington Camera crew at City Center Plaza and embark on a guided exploration to capture the unique energy, art, people, and details that make this event special. Get tips on capturing dynamic street scenes and participate in a friendly online photo contest the following week for a chance to win a gift card! Registration is limited and required. To learn more and to register - click the link.
Featured Attraction: The Ramazinis’ Two-Person Circus
Step right up and experience the magic of the circus! We are thrilled to welcome The Ramazinis for a high-energy spectacle that proves big things come in small packages.
This fan-favorite performance is a whirlwind of variety and versatility, featuring breathtaking acrobatics, expert juggling, and side-splitting comedy that will delight guests of all ages. Whether they are performing daring partner stunts or charming the crowd with their signature clowning, the Ramazinis deliver a "big top" experience in a Downtown setting.
Final Details: We are still putting the finishing touches on our performance schedule and location. Please check back during the week of First Thursdays for final details, including specific showtimes and performance locations!
Featured Attraction: Live Pottery Demo at Division Brewing
Get an up-close look at the craft behind the cup! Join artist Landon Palmer for a live pottery-throwing demonstration right at Division Brewing. You’ll get to witness the incredible skill it takes to shape raw clay into functional art on the potter's wheel. Grab a fresh Division brew, pull up a chair on the patio and enjoy the rhythmic and fascinating process of live pottery throwing.
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.
Featured Attraction: Movie Music Night with Symphony Arlington ($)
Looking for a unique way to support local arts and culture? Join Symphony Arlington at the Arlington Music Hall on Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 PM for our 17th Annual Great Movie Scores Quiz!
Experience the thrill of a live orchestra performing iconic film scores alongside classical masterpieces by Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, and Tchaikovsky—featuring guest violinist Shannon Lee.
The best part? You get to play along! Test your film knowledge in our interactive audience quiz for a chance to win prizes. It’s high-energy fun for the whole family at an unbeatable price.
When: April 2, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Where: Arlington Music Hall
Tickets: Starting as low as $5!
Get your tickets now: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/symphonyarlington/3315/event/1434874
Featured Attraction: Downtown Sounds
Downtown Sounds brings curated live music to the sidewalks of Downtown, hosted by Downtown Arlington!
Keep an ear out for this month’s featured performers:
- Patrick Pombuena: Performing live on the sidewalk
- Symphony Arlington: Catch a world-class musician busking along Front Street through our special community partnership.
Follow the music as you shop, dine and explore the vibrant spirit of our downtown community!
Check out our Interactive Google Map:
Use our Google Map to plan your First Thursday: April First Thursday Map
Be sure to come early to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our April First Thursday event:
- Create Wellspring: “4 Fold Perspectives Exhibit Closing Reception” - Celebrate the final look at 4 Fold Perspectives during a free closing reception at Wellspring! Join us for an intimate evening featuring live artist talks from Alicia Chapman, Mark Hernandez, Alison Ledbetter, and Joaquin Soto as they share the inspiration behind their work.
- StarrStruck Studio & Gallery: “Open Gallery” - Celebrate the newest addition to the Cultural District! Head over to StarrStruck Studio & Gallery this First Thursday for a glass of champagne and a tour of their brand-new space.
- Rocketbelly: “Ducks in Space: A Cosmic Decorating Party” - Join Rocketbelly and the Arlington Sunrise Rotary Club for a "stellar" night of creativity and community! Personalize and "bling" your own rubber duck in a fun, space-inspired atmosphere while enjoying your favorite teas. Adopting a duck earns you a free flashing keychain, and 20% of all Rocketbelly sales during the event will be donated to the Dream City Duck Derby to support local service projects.
- Kung Fu Tea: “Easter Egg Art” - Unleash your creativity at Kung Fu Tea’s Easter egg painting station! Sip on your favorite boba and decorate your own festive eggs to take home as part of our April First Thursday celebration.
- Theatre Arlington: “Employee Cabaret”
- Ann’s Natural Grocer: "TBA”
- J. Gilligan’s: “TBA”
- Camia Rhea: “TBA”
- GROWL: “Rock the Sidewalk” - Head over to Abram Street in front of GROWL and Division Brewing Pizza from 5–8 PM to catch the incredible student performers from Arlington’s newest music school, School of Rock. Grab a slice, grab a brew, and enjoy some live sidewalk busking from the next generation of rock legends. It’s the perfect soundtrack for your downtown stroll—see you there!
- Tokyo Station: “Super Smash Bros Tournament ($) - Battle it out in a Super Smash Bros. Tournament starting at 7:00 PM this First Thursday! Entry is $5—visit Tokyo Station’s website or social media for full rules and registration details.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters: “Make Your Own Musical Instrument” - Join Big Brothers Big Sisters at First Thursday for a hands-on workshop where you can build your own musical instruments! Using provided supplies, visitors of all ages can craft custom rainmakers, tambourines, and maracas to take home and keep the rhythm going.
- Donna’s Gift Closet: “One Year Birthday Celebration” - Come help us celebrate being in the wonderful city of Arlington for 1 whole year! There will be birthday snacks, crafts and special savings!
- Lacquer Box Nail Salon: “Bunny Photo Op” - Snap a photo with our adorable 8 foot inflatable Easter Bunny and hours are extended to 8pm.
- Canvas & Co.: "Headshots & Highlights” - Step into the spotlight at Canvas & Co. Studio! Enjoy complimentary professional headshots (edited and emailed to you) and take a guided tour of their state-of-the-art podcast and content creation spaces.
- Space Monkey Tattoo: “Art of Tarot” - We’re hosting a celestial-themed night featuring exclusive flash designs, a live tarot card reader, and free tarot-themed memory games.
- Downtown Arlington Library: “Creative Corner x Mosaic Bookmarks” - Celebrate Arabic Heritage Month by creating a beautiful geometric bookmark inspired by traditional Moroccan mosaic tiles. Use preprinted templates, stencil, or design your own pattern. 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: “Easter Egg Hunt” - Step into a one-night Easter celebration at Amore Mio, where elegance meets a touch of surprise. Throughout the evening, beautifully hidden eggs will be waiting to be discovered around the restaurant—each one holding a special reward, from complimentary desserts to exclusive dining experiences and candy. Indulge in our signature Italian dishes, sip on Prosecco, and enjoy a lively, spring-inspired atmosphere while taking part in this unique tradition.
- The Mosaic Market: “DIY Clay Flowers” - Stop by Mosaic Market for some DIY clay work for free! Craft your own flower out of air-dry clay to take home in celebration of the Spring season.
- Wondrous Works Gift Shop: “Pop-Up Art Gallery” - Stop by Wondrous Works during First Thursdays to support local Arlington Artisans as they showcase their work inside the shop.
- Goldilink’s: “TBA”
- Inclusion Coffee: “TBA”
- Odyssey Barbers Barbershop: “Sidewalk Karaoke” - Take the mic at Odyssey Barbershop for a night of sidewalk karaoke! Whether you’re a local legend or a first-timer, stop by to sing your favorite hits and enjoy the First Thursdays atmosphere while exploring the shop.
- 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!
- Arlington Music Hall ($): ”Movie Music Night with Symphony Arlington” - Looking for a unique way to support local arts and culture? Join Symphony Arlington at the Arlington Music Hall on Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 PM for our 17th Annual Great Movie Scores Quiz!Experience the thrill of a live orchestra performing iconic film scores alongside classical masterpieces by Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, and Tchaikovsky—featuring guest violinist Shannon Lee.The best part? You get to play along! Test your film knowledge in our interactive audience quiz for a chance to win prizes. It’s high-energy fun for the whole family at an unbeatable price. Ticket starting as low as $5! Get your tickets now: Click Here
- Chosen One Tattoo: “Gallery Night & Tours” - Step inside for a tour of rare global art led by the studio’s owner and immerse yourself in the creative side of Downtown. Guests can grab a free goodie bag and enter an exclusive free tattoo raffle for a chance to take home some permanent art!
- Mi Tesoro Thrift: “Community Window Art Display” - Paint a flower and help us decorate our window for spring! We will have cutouts of flowers that will be added to our storefront window, to create a spring garden display.
- Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill (Formerly Los Molcas): “Free Salsa Night” - Spice up your First Thursday with the rhythmic energy of Free Salsa Night! Formerly known as Los Molcas, the newly reimagined Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill invites you to experience their fresh ownership and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, come for the dancing and stay for the authentic tacos and drinks in the heart of the district.
Coming Soon…
Interested in volunteering for First Thursdays? Fill out our form here