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, May 7th from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!
Supported by
May Featured Attractions
Featured Attraction: The Art of Letterpress with 4 Acre Press
Join us at Rotary Dream Park on May 7th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a hands-on journey into the history of printing. Modern letterpress has roots dating back to the late 1300s, and while the world has gone digital, the captivating process of locking individual type and image "cuts" into a press remains unchanged.
In this live demo, you can feel the mechanical history for yourself as you ink and pull your very own custom Downtown Arlington postcard. These unique, tactile prints are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to create a handcrafted souvenir that connects the traditions of the past with the vibrant spirit of Downtown today!
Featured Attraction: The Little Art Bus Mobile Art Studio sponsored by Frost Bank
Get ready for a creative explosion this May! We are thrilled to announce Frost Bank as our May Monthly Sponsor, bringing the fan-favorite The Little Art Bus back to Downtown Arlington. Parked right in front of Frost Bank starting at 5pm, this mobile art studio offers a unique, hands-on experience where all ages can hop on board to create, explore, and let their inner artist run wild. Art kits available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last!
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 May 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: Rotary Dream Park
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Featured Attraction: UTA Fine & Performing Arts Takeover at City Center Plaza
Get ready for an infusion of creative energy as UTA Fine and Performing Arts takes over City Center Plaza for May’s First Thursday!
From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, experience the very best of Maverick talent with an evening packed with live music, dynamic dance performances, and live art-making. This isn't just a show—it’s an invitation to create. Immerse yourself in the fun ambience and join in on free art-making activities led by UTA students and faculty.
Whether you’re here to enjoy live music, watch a masterpiece come to life, or find your own rhythm on the plaza, this celebration of music and movement is the perfect way to kick off your May. Don't miss this vibrant showcase of the arts right in the heart of Downtown Arlington!
Featured Attraction: Arlington Amplified presents: Street Sounds
Experience the vibrant sounds of Downtown Arlington this First Thursdays on May 7th 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: The Rite of Spring with Symphony Arlington ($)
Looking for a world-class cultural experience right in your backyard? Join Symphony Arlington at the Arlington Music Hall on Thursday, May 7, at 7:30 PM for a powerful evening of orchestral masterworks titled The Rite of Spring.
Prepare to be moved by a program that spans the dramatic and the sublime, featuring guest pianist Stefano Brizziperforming Beethoven’s moody and magnificent Piano Concerto No. 3. The evening kicks off with the exotic energy of Saint-Saëns’ Bacchanale and concludes with Stravinsky’s revolutionary and pulse-pounding masterpiece, The Rite of Spring.
Whether you are a lifelong classical fan or looking for the perfect "off-campus" date night, this performance offers high-caliber artistry at an unbeatable price. Come witness the raw power of a live orchestra in the heart of Downtown!
- When: May 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM
- Where: Arlington Music Hall
- Tickets: Starting as low as $5!
Get your tickets now: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/symphonyarlington/3315/event/1434874
Featured Attraction: Murder on the Orient Express with Theatre Arlington ($)
Get ready for a night of high-stakes mystery and timeless glamour! On Thursday, May 7th, cap off your First Thursday celebrations with a journey aboard the world’s most famous train.
We invite you to spend your evening in Downtown Arlington from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM enjoying the live music, art, and community vibes of First Thursday. Then, walk over to Theatre Arlington for their 7:30 PM showing of Agatha Christie’s masterpiece, Murder on the Orient Express.
The plot thickens just after midnight when a snowdrift stops the luxury train in its tracks. By morning, an American tycoon is found dead in his locked compartment, stabbed eight times. With a killer hiding in plain sight among the passengers, it’s up to the legendary detective Hercule Poirot to solve the case before the murderer strikes again. Adapted for the stage with thrilling suspense and sharp wit, this production is a must-see for mystery lovers.
Please note: This is a ticketed event with an associated fee.
- When: May 7, 2026 | Show starts at 7:30 PM
- Where: Theatre Arlington
- Tickets: Adults $40 | Seniors/Students $35 | Student Rush: $5 tickets may be available 15 minutes before curtain with a valid ID!
Book your passage here: https://theatrearlington.org/production/agatha-christies-murder-on-the-orient-express/
Featured Attraction: Downtown Sounds
Downtown Sounds brings curated live music to the sidewalks of Downtown, hosted by Downtown Arlington!
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: May 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”
- Mama Cuca’s: “Loteria Night” - Join us at Mama Cuca’s for our very first First Thursday activation! We’re taking over the patio for a night of Loteria, cold drinks, and great company. Whether you’re a Loteria pro or a first-timer, come grab a seat, win some prizes, and enjoy the Downtown Arlington vibes.
- Rocketbelly: “TBA”
- Kung Fu Tea: “TBA”
- Ann’s Natural Grocer: “Grocery Store Concert” - Stop by Ann’s for a refreshed First Thursday experience! Enjoy the smooth sounds of in-store musician Larry LaDale while you sip on complimentary mocktail samples and power up with protein samples from Steve Carrera of Pirq Protein.
- J. Gilligan’s: “Live Music” - Enjoy live tunes from a local Arlington artist while noshing on your favorite Irish Nachos during April First Thursdays.
- Camia Rhea: “Personal Scent Matching” - Discover your signature scent during April First Thursday! Stop by for a personal scent matching session to find the perfect fragrance for your home and explore our collection of hand-blended candles and local gifts.
- GROWL: “TBA”
- 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.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters: “TBA”
- Donna’s Gift Closet: “TBA”
- Lacquer Box Nail Salon: “TBA”
- 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: “TBA”
- 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!
- Mi Tesoro Thrift: “TBA”
- Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill (Formerly Los Molcas): “Free Salsa Night” - Spice up your First Thursday with the rhythmic energy of Free Salsa Night! Formerly known as Los Molcas, the newly reimagined Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill invites you to experience their fresh ownership and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, come for the dancing and stay for the authentic tacos and drinks in the heart of the district.
Interested in volunteering for First Thursdays? Fill out our form here