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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!

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

December First Thursdays

Featured Attractions

Letters to Santa at the Downtown Library

Join us for a truly magical event as Letters to Santa returns to Downtown Arlington! On Thursday, December 4th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, children are invited to the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library to write a letter to Santa and hand-deliver it directly to the man in red. A stamp is required to mail your letter, but elves will have a limited quantity on hand for those in need!

This event takes place during December First Thursdays, so you can enjoy free artistic experiences and support local businesses afterward. Even if you miss Santa, letters dropped off at the Library's Operation Santa mailbox will be forwarded to the North Pole and eligible for the USPS Operation Santa campaign until December 6th.

Let us know you're coming: RSVP here.

Holiday Jazz in the Plaza

Celebrate the sounds of the season this First Thursdays with a live performance by the UTA Jazz Quartet!

Join us on Thursday, December 4th from 5-8 PM at City Center Plaza for an evening of Holiday hits and classic jazz tunes. We’ll be handing out complimentary hot cocoa to keep you warm!

Bring a chair and a cozy blanket, grab a cup of cocoa, and settle in for a relaxing and festive concert right in the heart of Downtown Arlington.

Elves in the Window

Get into the holiday spirit with the annual Elves in the Window event, hosted by Dance Theater Arlington at Miss Persis Studio of Dance!

On Thursday, December 4th, starting at 6:30 PM, step outside during First Thursdays to witness a magical performance. Watch as talented dancers perform festive holiday routines right inside the studio windows, creating a charming and unique spectacle for the whole community to enjoy from the sidewalk! Pro-tip: bring a chair, blanket and warm beverage to support your local arts community. 

Live Raku Fire Pottery Demos at Division Brewing

Our featured attraction brings artist Landon Palmer to Division Brewing for a captivating live Raku Fire pottery demonstration. Witness the drama as he uses fire to transform freshly thrown pieces into striking, finished ceramics. Don't miss this unique opportunity to see this intense and beautiful artistic process in action!

Interactive Holiday Chalk Obstacle Course 

Head over to City Center Plaza for our exciting, holiday-themed Chalk Obstacle Course. Test your skills as you hop, skip, and navigate a colorful, festive route drawn right on the sidewalk. Plus, all ages are invited to contribute to our Open Chalk Drawing Area, helping to create a giant, temporary holiday masterpiece! It’s the perfect, free way to kick off the festive season.

Downtown Sounds with Downtown Arlington 

Enjoy live music from Downtown buskers during our December First Thursdays event from 5-8pm.

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

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

  • 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. 
  • 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!
  • 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 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. 
  • Cheba Hut: "Paint Your Pot & Plant Swap” - Bring your healthy plant cuttings, seedlings, or full plants to trade with fellow plant enthusiasts. Enjoy creating your own art on small plant pots to take home. It's a great way to expand your green collection, get creative and connect with the local plant community.
  • Los Molcas: ”Dance the Night Away - Free Salsa Lessons” - Start time 7pm. 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.
  • STASH VHS: ”Thrifty Thursdays & Game Night” - Head inside the shop for free themed-coloring sheets plus 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!
  • Goldilinks Jewelry & Hat Bar: “Mini & Me Sparkle Soirée” - Some creativity for the littles, a sip of champagne for mom! Enjoy a fun mom-and-mini experience where kids can make their own necklace, bracelet, or keychain while moms toast with a bubbly sip and a little sparkle.
  • Truth Serum: “Vinyl, Whiskey & Karaoke” - Join Truth Vinyl / Truth Serum Showroom this First Thursdays on November 6th from 5-8 PM for an evening of music and spirits!They'll be hosting a special tasting of four different Japanese whiskeys for a cost of $30. Stick around for their popular karaoke session running from 7-10 PM. It's the perfect night to sample, sing, and socialize!
  • Deep Dive Vintage: ”Sip & Shop” - Join Deep Dive Vintage this First Thursdays on December 4th from 5-8 PM for their relaxing "Sip & Shop" event! Browse their curated collection of unique vintage apparel and finds with a refreshing beverage in hand. It’s the perfect, laid-back way to hunt for treasures in Downtown Arlington!

  • 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.

  • Space Monkey Tattoo: “Holiday Ornament Decorating” - Get hands-on and create your own custom Holiday Ornament Art. It's the perfect chance to unleash your creativity and make a one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home for the season!

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