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, July 2nd from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!

Supported by

July Featured Attractions

Featured Attraction: Miss Persis Studio of Dance Open House & Free Dance Party!

Get moving and groove into summer at one of our July Featured Attractions! Miss Persis Studio of Dance is hosting a completely free Open House Dance Party for all experience levels. It’s the perfect opportunity to tour the studio, meet the instructors, and dance your heart out.

Party Schedule by Age Group:

5:30 PM: Ages 3–6
6:00 PM: Ages 7–12
6:30 PM: Ages 13 to Adult
Where: Miss Persis Studio of Dance
Cost: FREE!

No registration required—just pick your time slot, show up, and get ready to dance!

Featured Attraction: Foam Party Bus at City Center Plaza!

Get ready to cool off with the ultimate summer bash! For our July First Thursday, the Foam Party Bus is rolling into City Center Plaza in front of the Downtown Library to blast a mountain of sudsy, bubbly fun. Bring the whole family out to dance, play and dive through the foam!

Where: City Center Plaza: 100 S Center St Arlington, TX 76010
When: Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: FREE

⚠️ Important Parent Tip: It is highly suggested that parents bring a beach towel and an extra pair of dry clothes for each child to change into after the foam party.

Featured Attraction: UTA Drumline Pop-Up Performances

The powerhouse UTA Drumline is taking over the streets of Downtown Arlington this First Thursday to bring high-octane rhythms and university spirit directly to the district.

The collegiate percussion group will be making surprise pop-up appearances throughout downtown.

Stay tuned for more info!

Where: Various pop-up locations across Downtown Arlington
When: Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 5pm-8pm
Cost: FREE

Featured Attraction: Live “DREAM” Mural Unveiling!

Celebrate Arlington’s incredible 150th anniversary with the historic unveiling of a brand-new community masterpiece! Painted by a talented local DFW artist, this stunning project honors our city's rich history and diverse future by beautifully displaying the word “Dream” in 150 different languages.

Each language woven into the design represents the vibrant voices, cultures, and residents that make our community so unique. Come watch the final touches, meet the artist, and celebrate this beautiful new visual tapestry in the heart of the district!

Where: West side exterior of 320 E. Front St., Arlington, TX (The Rambler Inn)
When: Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 5:30pm
Cost: FREE

🎨 Don't miss this special 150th-anniversary celebration of art, culture, and community in Downtown Arlington!

Featured Attraction: Interactive Chalk Mural at Rotary Dream Park!

Step into the art and become part of a masterpiece! For July’s First Thursday, bring your friends and family down to Rotary Dream Park to experience an incredible, interactive floor-art piece created by renowned local artist Jan Riggins.

Designed to celebrate the spirit of the World’s Games coming to Arlington, this massive 3D chalk mural is crafted to trick the eye. Stand in the designated spot, strike a pose, and snap a spectacular photo that looks like you're stepping right into a vibrant, larger-than-life scene!

Where: Rotary Dream Park
When: Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 5pm-8pm
Cost: FREE

📸 Limited-Time Attraction: This spectacular community installation is completely temporary! If you can't make it out on First Thursday, don't worry—visitors can enjoy and take photos with this unique piece through mid-July before it washes away.

Featured Attraction: Art on the Pitch — A New Paws-and-Play Public Art Installation

Get ready to kick off July’s First Thursdays with a brand-new addition to the Cultural District! We’re celebrating a beautiful new public art piece installed right at the Downtown Arlington Doggie Depot (105 N. Mesquite St.), created by UTA Art and Art History professor, Fernando Johnson. With the World Cup in full swing, it’s the perfect time to grab your favorite furry teammate, have a ball, and check out a stunning new installation that humans and doggies alike can enjoy together!

Symphony on the Streets with Symphony Arlington

Catch the music of the city! This month, Symphony Arlington is bringing high-quality classical flair directly into the community. Join us for a special pop-up performance by acclaimed local clarinetist Chastine Hofmeister. Whether you are strolling the event or grabbing a bite nearby, her live set will weave a beautiful, welcoming, and high-energy atmosphere throughout the district. Come experience the arts beyond the concert hall!

Featured Attraction: Downtown Arlington Buskers

Downtown Arlington brings curated live music to the sidewalks of Downtown.

Keep an ear out for this month’s featured performers:

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: July First Thursday Map

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

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. Enjoy 50% during First Thursdays.

Kung Fu Tea: “DIY Soccer Ball Keychain” - Join us at Kung Fu Tea Arlington for a special, family-friendly event where you can sip your favorite boba and get creative. We are hosting a DIY Soccer Bead Keychain workshop! Come craft your own custom soccer-themed keychain to show off your team spirit, deck out your backpack, or hold your keys while you cheer on your favorite players this summer.Bring your friends, bring the family, and grab a delicious Kung Fu Tea drink while you create a one-of-a-kind World Cup souvenir.

Cheba Hut: “Karaoke at the Hut” - Looking for the best spot to spend your Thursday night? Starting at 7pm, Cheba Hut is hosting Open Mic Karaoke for July’s First Thursday! Grab your favorite toasted sub and join us for a night of music, drinks, and community fun. Everyone is welcome to sign up and sing!

Ann’s Natural Grocer: “Live Concert in the Grocery Store” - Stop by Ann’s during July First Thursdays for an evening of great tunes and treats. Enjoy a live performance by local DJ, IAMKRT, Richi Taylor. while you browse the store and enjoy complimentary samples throughout the night.

J. Gilligan’s: “Plant Bingo” - Join us on the restaurant side from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a special edition of Plant Bingo. It’s the perfect outing for moms and daughters—enjoy some classic pub favorites and play for your chance to win a beautiful new plant to take home!

Canvas & Co.: "Kickin Memories: Free Soccer-Themed Photos” - We’ll be hosting soccer-themed photos and inviting fellow fans to come together to trade FIFA stickers with other soccer enthusiasts. It's a great opportunity to show off your team pride, connect with other fans, grow your collection, and capture some fun soccer-inspired photos along the way!

Space Monkey Tattoo: “Tarot, Tattoos & Prizes” - Discover what the future holds with a personalized reading from Tarot by Jeremy, or spin the shop’s prize wheel to win exclusive Space Monkey merch, gift certificates, and 3-day passes to the upcoming Tattoo Collectors Expo at the Esports Stadium (July 31–Aug 2)! Complete the vibe with fresh acai bowls, cold brews, and matcha lattes available from Johnny’s Bowls and Boba.

Downtown Arlington Library: “Creative Corner”- Celebrate Texas creativity at First Thursday in July! Stop by the downtown library and decorate your own wooden Texas-shaped keepsake using paints, markers, and other craft supplies. No experience needed, just your imagination! All skills levels welcomed. 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 ($): “Decorate Your Own Cannoli Night” - Join us for a fun and delicious evening at Amore Mio Trattoria! For just $2 per cannoli, create your own sweet masterpiece with a variety of toppings, drizzles, and decorations. Perfect for families, date nights, friends, and anyone with a sweet tooth!

The Mosaic Market: “4th of July Crafting” - Create your very own 4th of July Clothespin Magnet for free while shopping and supporting local DFW artists at this eclectic shop.

Wondrous Works Gift Shop: “Community Art Piece & Soccer Ball Photo Op” - We'll be hosting a "We are Downtown Arlington" draw yourself event inside the shop! Soccer fans, stop by Wondrous Works to enjoy a community art piece at the front of the building celebrating the World's Games in Arlington this summer season!

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!

Chosen One Tattoo: “Gallery Night & Tours” - Free walk in art gallery & free arcade night! Join us as we showcase our rare art gallery from around the world! Tattoo specials, free arcade night and refreshments for our guest!

Mi Tesoro Thrift: “Chalk the Walk” - Stop by Mi Tesoro Thrift on Front Street to help decorate the walkway for our "Chalk the Sidewalk" event. Grab a piece of chalk, show off your artistic skills, and then head inside to check out our latest curated vintage and thrift finds!

Donna’s Gift Closet: “Crafts & Expansion Party” - We will be doing a fun 4th of July craft for kids and families! Come and celebrate America’s 250th birthday with us!!! We will also be celebrating our new expansion with more gifts, souvenirs, and other fun items to shop in store!

Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill: “Free Salsa Lessons & Dance” - From 6pm-10pm, head on over to Taqueria Acapulquito for their viral salsa night with dance company, Salsa in the Gardens.

Cafe Americana: “Live Music” - Transport yourself this First Thursday at Cafe Americana. Enjoy an evening of soulful live music paired with our signature tapas and cocktails. Whether you’re winding down or starting your night, the rhythm of Downtown is best felt right here.

Division Brewing: “Rock the Growl Open Mic Night” - Join us at Division Brewing for Rock the Growl Open Mic Night, where you can take the stage or cheer on local performers. While you're here, browse the vinyl pop-up shop, grab a fresh pizza from the kitchen, and be sure to try the official City of Arlington’s 150th Commemorative Beer on tap.

Hooligan’s: “Karaoke Night” - Stop by Downtown Arlington’s iconic Irish pub and sing your heart out with your friends during Karaoke Night on First Thursdays!

Create Texas: “TBA”

Rocketbelly: “DIY Slime Bar” - Rocketbelly is bringing the ultimate sensory fun to July's First Thursdays! Swing by to mix up your own custom, DIY slime themed around the 4th of July and the World Cup. Whether you want to rep Team USA or match the colors of your favorite global soccer team, you can customize your creation with festive colors and glitter. Grab a boba, get creative, and kick off the holiday weekend with us!

First Thursdays: Coming Soon!

Wondering what’s in the cards for the upcoming 2026 First Thursdays season? Get ready for an incredible lineup of community, culture and creativity. Join us in Downtown Arlington for these upcoming highlights:

AUGUST

Miss Persis Dance Studio Open House: An open house free dance party!
- 5:30pm Ages 3-6
- 6:00pm Ages 7-12
- 6:30pm Ages 13 to Adult
Theatre Arlington Showcase: A special preview of the 2027 performance season.
Downtown Library Activities: Themed family programming and indoor fun.

SEPTEMBER: Arlington’s 150th Birthday Bash!

150th Birthday Cabaret: A free celebratory performance at Theatre Arlington (7:30 PM).
Historic Knapp Heritage Park: Live music under the trees at Knapp
History Walk: A guided tour through Arlington’s landmarks, including Mineral Well and the Arlington Music Hall.

OCTOBER

Walktober: Join the City of Arlington for themed walking groups, including art and candy walks.
Arlington Camera Photo Walk: Capture the colors of autumn with our local photography experts.
Community Paint-By-Numbers: Help us create a massive, collaborative art piece with Lucas Dooley.

NOVEMBER

Pumpkin Art Build at City Hall: Join us for our 3rd year in bringing the art of Fall pumpkin design to the steps of City Hall!
Radiant Solz Fire Performance: Welcoming back a First Thursdyas favorite, Radiant Solz, for live fire performance, juggling and more to Rotary DREAM Park.

DECEMBER

Elves in the Window: A whimsical holiday performance by Miss Persis Dance.
Raku Fire Pottery: Live demos at Division Brewing with artist Landon Palmer.
Letters to Santa: A dedicated station for holiday wishes and community cheer.

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