Our next installation of this event will be Thursday, April 3rd from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event! 

April First Thursday Featured Attractions

Downtown Arlington presents Live Drum Circle with Rhythm Path Interactive Drumming: Join UTA Alum David Cox of Rhythm Path at Rotary Dream Park for an interactive drum circle! Drums provided, all levels welcome. Discover your rhythm and connect through music. "If you can say it, you can play it!" Family-friendly, come make some noise!

Shakespeare Live! at Levitt Pavilion: Shakespeare takes Downtown! This First Thursday, April 3rd, experience the magic of Shakespeare Live! on the Levitt stage! At 7:30 PM, enjoy a free, community-driven performance of "As You Like It," bringing the timeless works of Shakespeare to life. Shakespeare Live! is a volunteer-driven, grassroots initiative, bringing Shakespeare to the people of Arlington. Performances will run from April 3rd to April 5th at the Levitt Pavilion Arlington. Join us and celebrate the power of live performance in the heart of Arlington's art and culture scene. Learn more about Shakespeare Live! at shakespearelive.org.

Live Glass Blowing with Grey Area Studio: Fire Up Your First Thursday with Live Glassblowing! Head to Grease Monkey this First Thursday for live glassblowing demos by Grey Area Studio! Watch molten glass become art while you enjoy a craft brew & burgers on the patio. 

”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. 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

Live Mini Portraits with Artist Haley Walton : This First Thursday, capture a unique memory with a free mini portrait by artist Haley Walton! From 5:30-7:30 PM, watch as Haley brings your likeness to life in a charming, miniature work of art. It's a fun and interactive way to experience live art and take home a special keepsake, all for free! Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the artistic magic in Downtown Arlington. 

Walkable Arlington Downtown Walk: Join Walkable Arlington for a First Thursday Art Walk! Meet at 5:00 PM outside the Downtown Arlington Central Library for a guided stroll through downtown, exploring public art along the way. RSVP here to let us know you’re coming!! Connect with the community and discover hidden gems. Find us on Instagram (@walkablearlington) and Linktree (click here) for more info

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

• Deep Dive Vintage: “TBA”

• Sugar Shack Salon: “Smooth Sounds at Sugar Shack” - Experience an evening of soulful music at Sugar Shack Salon this First Thursday! Enjoy a FREE live saxophone performance, adding a touch of smooth, artistic flair to your night in Downtown Arlington. It's the perfect way to unwind and soak up the local culture

• Amore Mio Trattoria: “Italian Film & Feast” - Enjoy a classic silent Italian film screening while indulging in our delicious pizza and beer specials. It's a perfect blend of cinematic art and culinary delights in a cozy Downtown Arlington atmosphere

• Hooligan’s Pub: “TBA”

• Mellow Mushroom Pizza: “Live Music on the Patio” - Enjoy a perfect patio evening at Mellow Mushroom this First Thursday! Live music sets the mood while you indulge in $3 SweetWater $4.20 drafts, $10 Sunset in Paradise cocktails, and delicious bites like $5 cheese bread and $5 half-order pretzels. It's the ideal way to unwind and enjoy the night

• Ann’s Natural Grocer: “TBA”

• 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 Shakespearean Crafting” -  Get ready for Shakespeare Live! at Levitt Pavilion with a creative First Thursday at the Downtown Library! Step into the Bard's world and craft your very own puppet or mask inspired by iconic plays. It's a fun, hands-on activity for all ages, perfect for getting into the spirit of Shakespeare Live! happening at the Levitt stage that evening and throughout the weekend. 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: “DIY Beaded Earrings” - This First Thursday, unleash your inner jewelry designer at Mosaic Market! Join us for a fun and creative DIY bead earring workshop. Design and create your own unique pair of earrings to add a touch of handmade flair to your look. It's the perfect way to express your personal style and connect with fellow creatives in Downtown Arlington

• Grease Monkey: ”Live Glass Blowing” - Fire Up Your First Thursday with Live Glassblowing! Head to Grease Monkey this First Thursday for live glassblowing demos by Grey Area Studio! Watch molten glass become art while you enjoy a craft brew & burgers on the patio.

• 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” - Join us for "Murf's Music Mania Trivia," 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. It's the perfect way to enjoy a fun and competitive night out in Downtown Arlington! 

• Commodities: “DIY Easter Cookie Decorating” - This First Thursday, Culture Commodities is serving up a delicious dose of creativity! Join us for an Easter Cookie Decorating event, where you can transform sweet treats into edible masterpieces. Unleash your inner artist and design your own unique cookie creations. Supplies are limited, so it's first come, first served! Come celebrate art, culture, and a little bit of sugary fun in Downtown Arlington

• The Sanford House Inn & Spa: “Yoga in the Courtyard with Arlington Yoga Center” - Come unwind for the evening with a donation-based, all-levels yoga class while enjoying the views of the Sanford House's Grand Courtyard garden. Come enjoy some yoga then go visit other participating Downtown businesses for their First Thursday community activation! In order for our instructor to know how many participants to expect, you MUST register for class to attend. Register Here

• 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: “DIY Easter Egg Decorating” -  Join us for an Easter egg decorating event, where you can design your own unique eggs while enjoying your favorite Kung Fu Tea drinks. It's a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate spring and the arts in Downtown Arlington

• Cheba Hut: “Mural Madness & Mario Kart” - Unleash your inner artist AND gamer this First Thursday! Color our mural with your own artistic flair using our coloring sheets and provided supplies, then race your friends in Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. It's a creative and competitive night out at Cheba Hut in Downtown Arlington!

• Los Molcas: ”Margarita Melodies: Karaoke Night at Los Molcas” - Belt out your favorite tunes with karaoke from 7pm-10:30pm while enjoying margarita specials. It's the perfect way to celebrate self-expression and connect with the community in the heart of Downtown Arlington's Cultural District

• Arlington Music Hall: “Live Music in the Small Hall” -  Enjoy live music in the Small Hall from 5:45pm-6:45pm

• STASH VHS: ”Sip’N’Shop + Thrifty Thursday” -  Enjoy a unique evening of thrifting and fun. Score 20% off vintage finds while you shop and enjoy free drinks. It's the perfect way to spend your First Thursday 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.

• Create Texas: “Pop-Up Market” - This First Thursday, discover unique treasures and support local artisans at Create Wellspring's "Spring into Creativity" Pop-Up Market! Explore a curated selection of handcrafted goods, art, and more. It's the perfect opportunity to find something special and celebrate the vibrant creative community in Downtown Arlington

• Catalyst Creative Arts: “Live Pottery Wheel Demo” - This First Thursday, immerse yourself in the art of pottery at Catalyst Creative Arts! Enjoy a captivating live pottery wheel demonstration, meet the artist, tour the studio, and explore a curated pottery sale. It's a unique opportunity to witness the creative process and experience the vibrant arts community in Downtown Arlington

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

• Space Monkey Tattoo: “Chalk the Courtyard + College Night” - This First Thursday, Space Monkey Tattoo transforms its courtyard into a vibrant canvas! Join our "Chalk the Courtyard" event and unleash your inner artist with chalk art, creating a collaborative masterpiece. Simultaneously, college students with valid IDs can enjoy exclusive $60-$100 flash tattoo specials, $10 off all piercings, and a raffle entry for a free tattoo or piercing! It's an evening of artistic expression and student-friendly deals in Downtown Arlington.

Live Entertainment 

• Live Chalk Art with artist Mary Dooley

• Live Music in the Small Hall at Arlington Music Hall

• Walkable Arlington Downtown Walk: Join Walkable Arlington for a First Thursday Art Walk! Meet at 5:00 PM outside the Downtown Arlington Central Library for a guided stroll through downtown, exploring public art along the way. RSVP here to let us know you’re coming!! Connect with the community and discover hidden gems. Find us on Instagram (@walkablearlington) and Linktree (click here) for more info

• Live Mini Portraits with artist Haley Walton

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

 View on Facebook