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, June 4th from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!

Supported by

June Featured Attractions

Featured Event: Second-Line Sidewalk Parade

Experience the energy of New Orleans in Downtown Arlington with a Second-Line inspired performance by the Revelers Hall Brass Band.

The event begins at Rotary DREAM Park with a kickoff performance. From there, the band will lead a musical procession along the sidewalks of Downtown Arlington to celebrate the start of the summer season.

Attendees are encouraged to bring umbrellas, get ready to groove and join the parade as it moves through the district.

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Starting Location: Rotary DREAM Park

Featured Event: Downtown Lens Photo Walk with Arlington Camera

Join Arlington Camera for a "Downtown Lens" photowalk during June First Thursdays. Explore the district and capture the art, people, and unique details that make our community special. Whether you are using a professional DSLR or a smartphone, this event is open to all ages and skill levels.

Photo Contest: Share your best shots on Instagram by tagging @ArlingtonCamera and @dtarlington and using the hashtag #ArlingtonCameraFirstThursdays for a chance to win a prize. The winner will be announced on June 11.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Meeting Point: City Center Plaza (by the Downtown Library) at 5:00 PM
Registration: Free registration is required as spaces are limited.

Sign Up: Register via Eventbrite

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 June First Thursday event features Noah of Drum One, Drum All.

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 and Go: Stop in and try your hand at a bongo before exploring the rest of the Downtown Cultural District during our First Thursdays evening.

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: Strolling Magic with Kex Magic

Experience the artistry of close-up magic with Kex Magic! A veteran of the Chicago Magic Lounge and award-winning member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Kex brings world-class sleight-of-hand and engaging wit to the sidewalks of Downtown. Watch closely as he creates "miracles without the cheesy props" during our June First Thursday celebration.

Featured Attraction: Arlington Amplified presents: Street Sounds

Experience the vibrant sounds of Downtown Arlington this First Thursdays on June 4th 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: 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: June First Thursday Map

Be sure to come early to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our April 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.

Create Texas: “TBA”

Daydream Bookstore & Cafe: “Live Music on the Sidewalk” - Enjoy live music from an Arlington Amplified musician busking on the sidewalk in front of Daydream Bookstore. Stop inside, grab a drink and peruse their local author section during First Thursdays.

Rocketbelly: “TBA”

Kung Fu Tea: “TBA”

Cheba Hut: “Karaoke at the Hut” - Looking for the best spot to spend your Thursday night? Cheba Hut is hosting Open Mic Karaoke for June’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: “TBA”

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!

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.

Donna’s Gift Closet: “TBD”

Lacquer Box Nail Salon: “TBD”

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: “TBA”

Downtown Arlington Library: “Creative Corner ” - 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: “TBD”

The Mosaic Market: “TBA”

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”

Commodities: “Live Music on the Sidewalk” - Enjoy live music in front of Commodities while browsing their lineup of vintage, sneakers and more.

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” - 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!

Hooligan’s Pub: “TBA”

Mi Tesoro Thrift: “Chalk the Sidewalk” - Celebrate spring with Mi Tesoro Thrift! This June, we’re hosting an outdoor Sidewalk Chalk Art activation. Stop by to add your own colorful designs to the pavement, then step inside to explore our unique collection of boutique vintage clothing and home decor. It’s a perfect evening of community creativity and local shopping.

Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill: “TBA”

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.

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:

JUNE

Drum One, Drum All: An interactive drum-circle experience featuring TCA Artist: Drum One, Drum All
Second Line Sidewalk Sounds: High-energy jazz and brass beats with the Revelers Hall Brass Band
Arlington Camera Photo Walk: Bring your gear for a guided community photo walk (Free!)
Street Sounds: Local vibes and live music curated by Arlington Amplified.

JULY

Interactive Chalk Mural: Grab a snapshot with the incredible 3D visual chalk art mural by local artist Jan Riggins in celebration of the upcoming big games right here in Arlington!
Live “DREAM” Mural Unveiling: Watch art come to life with a soccer-themed mural with a featured UTA artist

AUGUST

Miss Persis Open House: An all-ages dance party starting at 6:30 PM.
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!

Rhythm Path Drum Circle: Join the beat with this community-wide TCA artist event.
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

Lion Dance Troupe: Experience the vibrant energy and tradition of a live Lion Dance performance and crowd interaction.

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