Our next installation of this event will be Thursday, May 1st from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event! 

May First Thursday Featured Attractions

First Thursdays: UTA Takeover!

This May, Downtown Arlington is thrilled to showcase the incredible talent of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in a dynamic "UTA Takeover" event! Experience an evening of diverse performances and artistic expression, featuring:

• Block 1 (5:00-5:45PM): Kick off the evening with the smooth sounds of the UTA Jazz Combo
• Block 2 (6:00-7:00 PM): Immerse yourself in the energy of African dance with Professor Laurie Taylor, accompanied by live percussion with professor Chris Nadeau, and witness the creation of a responsive painting. The community is invited to join in the dance and contribute to the painting!
• Block 3 (7:00-8:00 PM): Conclude the night with the rich harmonies of a UTA Saxophone Ensemble. During this time, attendees can mingle and view the completed responsive painting.

Join us for this exciting showcase of UTA's vibrant arts community, right here in the heart of Downtown Arlington!

Meet the Author - Brandon Hurtado at SFC!

Join SFC this First Thursday for a special book signing with Brandon Hurtado, author of the acclaimed book, Barbacoa: The Heart of Texas-Mex BBQ, that has now sold over 10,000 copies! Meet the author, get your book signed, and celebrate local literary success. This event will take place from 5-8 PM in the lobby of the SFC building, across from the new Rotary Dream Park.

Downtown Arlington presents Kid Cabaret Marionette Show with Le Theatre de Marionette: This First Thursday, thanks to a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, Downtown Arlington presents a captivating kid-friendly cabaret marionette show at the historic Arlington Music Hall!

Le Theatre De Marionette, a DFW-based company with roots in Arlington since 1987, brings its artistry to the stage with a delightful performance perfect for the whole family. Prepare to be enchanted by these masterfully crafted puppets as they bring stories and music to life.

Event Details:

• Time: 5:00 PM (45-minute performance)
• Location: Arlington Music Hall
• Recommended Min. Ages: 3-5 years
• Target Age Range: 5-12 years (but enjoyable for all ages)
• Admission: Free!

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of marionettes with Le Theatre De Marionette!

”Paw-trait Studio” at the Doggie Depot: This First Thursday, unleash your pup's inner star at our "Paw-trait Studio" at the Doggie Depot! From 5-8 PM, capture a memorable and artistic moment with your furry friend at our train cutout photo booth. Share your creative snapshots with us by tagging @dtarlington & @doggiedepottx! And if you bring your pup to First Thursdays, be sure to explore our many dog-friendly patios in Downtown Arlington, celebrating the vibrant culture of our community

”Chalk-By-Number” Community Chalk Mural: This First Thursday, join us for a vibrant community art experience! Help chalk artist Mary Dooley bring a stunning mural to life at Rotary Dream Park. Add your own colorful touch and be part of creating a unique piece of public art. It's a fun, interactive way to connect with your community and celebrate creativity in Downtown Arlington

Explore Downtown with Veo: Veo is popping up this First Thursday at City Center Plaza to hear from you! Share your thoughts and grab some free swag as we discuss how to enhance your Downtown Arlington experience. Explore the city's vibrant arts and culture scene with Veo!

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

• Cafe Americana: “Live Music on the Patio” - 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.

• Amore Mio Trattoria: “An Evening of Jazz with Roger Williams” - Experience the artistry of jazz this First Thursday at Amore Mio Trattoria! We're thrilled to present a live performance by the talented Roger Williams. This free event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of jazz music and the culture of live performance in Downtown Arlington.

• Mellow Mushroom Pizza: “Live Music on the Patio” - Enjoy live tunes by Chaser Crouch on the patio while the kids (and the young at heart) get into the spirit with fun temporary tattoos. It's a perfect blend of live performance and playful expression for everyone 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 Watercolor Art” -   Join us for a relaxing evening of watercolor painting where you can explore your creativity with floral stencils, or design your own masterpiece from scratch. 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 - “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: “Mosaic Community Mural” - Let's paint the town (literally!) this First Thursday! Join Mosaic Market for a fun and interactive community mural project. Add your own splash of color and creativity to our small mural and help us bring our vision to life. It's a fantastic way to connect with your neighbors and contribute to a vibrant piece of public art in Downtown Arlington.

• Grease Monkey: ”Sip & Sketch hosted by Draw Together DFW” - Join us for a fun and creative evening at Grease Monkey! Bring your sketchbook, tablet, or "portable craft" (like knitting or crocheting) and come hang out with other creatives. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for everyone. Don't miss out on this opportunity to relax, socialize, and get creative. See you there!

• 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 & 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. Want some live tunes? Head to the bar side for live music with Don Pendley starting at 7pm. It's the perfect way to enjoy a fun and competitive night out in Downtown Arlington! 

• Sugar Shack Salon: “Pop-Up Photoshoot at Sugar Shack Salon” - From 5-8pm, bring the family or friends to grab a free photo with professional photographer Roderick Cordova Photography. Choose your photo background with a green-screen background and receive you photo through text within minutes! 

• 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: “Celebrate AAPI at Kung Fu Tea” - Join Kung Fu Tea this First Thursday for a special AAPI Heritage Month Market! Explore a curated selection of booths featuring AAPI artists, crafters, and entrepreneurs. Experience the rich tapestry of AAPI culture through handcrafted goods, artwork, and other unique cultural expressions. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and celebrate AAPI heritage in Downtown Arlington.

• Cheba Hut: “Speakeasy Soirée” - Immerse yourself in the Roaring Twenties with classic cocktails like Martinis and Old Fashioneds, try your hand at card games, and enjoy the vintage ambiance with flapper-inspired servers and bartenders. It's a night of retro revelry, celebrating the art of mixology and the culture of a bygone era.

• 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. 

• Arlington Music Hall: “Free Kid-Friendly Marionette Show” - Don't miss the FREE kid-friendly marionette show at the Arlington Music Hall this First Thursday! Le Theatre De Marionette takes the stage at 5:00 PM (45 minutes), thanks to support from the Texas Commission on the Arts.

• STASH VHS: ”Live DJ Thrift & Tunes” - Groove to a live DJ spinning tunes while you score 20% off vintage finds during Thrifty Thursday. Challenge your friends to classic games for a fun break from the music and shopping. It's the perfect blend of music, retro vibes, and thrifty scores 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.

• Truth Serum: “Karoke Night At Truth Serum” - check out Downtown’s newest craft cocktail bar with karaoke starting at 7pm going through 10pm.

• Deep Dive Vintage: “Mend & Make” -Join us for a creative evening celebrating circular fashion during First Thursday from 5-8 pm! Bring your beloved clothing & vintage pieces in need of a little TLC for our small repairs night. This is a self-led, collaborative “sit and sew” session where you can work on your projects alongside others. An employee will be available to offer guidance and assistance if needed. We’ll have supplies on hand (needles, threads, buttons, etc) and you can even snag a unique vintage patch from our collection to add some extra flair to your project. Let’s embrace the art of repair and keep fashion sustainable – mend, don’t replace!

• Donna’s Gift Closet: “Make It For Mom” - This First Thursday, create a one-of-a-kind Mother's Day gift at Donna's Gift Closet! Design and personalize unique presents like wooden flowers and other creative items with coloring and custom name writing. It's a fun and artistic way to celebrate the mothers in your life.

• Wondrous Works Gift Shop: “Lip Service: The Art of Lipsology” - Discover the secrets hidden in your smile this First Thursday at Wondrous Works Gift Shop! We're hosting renowned Lipsologist Laura West (@fortuneswest) for an exclusive event featuring live lip print readings. From 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, learn what your unique lip print reveals about your personality from one of only eight Lipsologists in the world! Join us for a fun and fascinating evening of self-discovery.

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

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