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

September First Thursdays

Featured Attractions

The Little Art Bus Pop-Up Painting: 

Join us during our September First Thursdays for The Little Art Bus, our featured attraction at City Center Plaza on September 4th from 5-8 PM!

Our featured attraction, The Little Art Bus, is rolling into Downtown Arlington to provide a free and fun painting experience for all ages. The Little Art Bus crew will be filling the air-conditioned bus with 8-10 artists at a time. As participants finish their masterpieces, they’ll reset the stations to welcome the next creative crew.

This special pop-up will run on a cycling basis until they run out of supplies, so come early to grab a brush, unleash your creativity and make your own unique art to take home!

Guided Walk with Walkable Arlington: 

Join Walkable Arlington this First Thursdays on September 4th at 5 PM for a special walk audit! We're inviting the community to help us identify issues and opportunities for pedestrian improvements in Downtown.

This is your chance to contribute to the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation's capital improvement recommendations. We'll meet outside the Downtown Public Library and walk a designated route, gathering feedback to make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone.

Come be a part of the conversation and help us make Downtown even more walkable!

Arlington Amplified presents: Street Sounds

Experience the vibrant sounds of Downtown Arlington this First Thursdays on September 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. You can find Mason Engler performing at Cheba Hut and Max & Landon playing at City Center Plaza 

Community Mosaic Chalk Mural: 

This First Thursday, join us for a vibrant community art experience! Help chalk artist Mary Dooley bring a stunning mosaic mural to life at City Center Plaza. 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

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

• Downtown Arlington Library: “Creative Corner x Button Art” -Get creative with colorful buttons at the Downtown Library!  Make a unique design to take home or give as a gift. All supplies provided--just bring your imagination. Fun for all ages. 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

• Amore Mio Trattoria: “Mystery Wine Night” - Join us from 4 PM - 8 PM for Mystery Wine Night!
  No menus. No choices. Just pure discovery. For one night only, let us surprise you with a hand-selected mystery pour from our curated collection. Every glass is chosen for you, and every sip tells a new story. $9 per glass. Come curious. Leave delighted. Bring your wine-loving crew for a night full of mystery.

• Mellow Mushroom Pizza: “Family Night at Mellow” - Bring the whole crew to Mellow Mushroom this First Thursdays on September 4th from 5-8 PM for a special Family Night! Enjoy a delicious Family Meal Deal and keep the kids entertained with fun activities designed just for them. It’s the perfect night out for the whole family!

• Inclusion Coffee: “Paint Your Date Art Night” -  Stop by Inclusion Coffee from 5-8 PM for "Paint Your Date" (or your mom, kid, BFF, or even your neighbor!). It's a low-pressure painting session focused on making memories and having fun, not on creating a perfect masterpiece.The event is $25 per duo. Grab your spot now! Register Here: Registration

• 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!

• 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 Keychains at Mosaic” - Get creative this First Thursdays at The Mosaic Market on September 4th from 5-8 PM! They'll have a fun, hands-on activity where you can create your very own custom keychain. It's the perfect way to get crafty and make something unique to take home!

• 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 with Don Pendley at 7:30pm

• 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” - 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: ”Game Night & Watch Party” - Stash VHS is turning First Thursdays into a party on September 4th from 5-8 PM! Join them inside the shop for a special Cowboys game watch party with complimentary drinks. Outside, you can enjoy some friendly competition with Corn Toss. While you're there, be sure to take advantage of their Thrifty Thursday deals!

• Goldilinks Jewelry & Hat Bar: “Goldilink’s x Rocketbelly Collab” - Join us for a special collaboration this First Thursdays on September 4th from 5-8 PM as Goldilinks hosts the Rocketbelly pop-up! Discover unique, handcrafted jewelry and accessories while enjoying delicious drinks from Rocketbelly, known for its creative and tasty menu. It's the perfect pairing of style and flavor!

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

• Deep Dive Vintage: ”Game Night at Deep Dive” - Join Deep Dive Vintage this First Thursdays on September 4th from 5-8 PM for a vintage-style game night! They'll have a variety of puzzles on hand for you to work on while you browse their unique finds. It's a fun and relaxed evening for all!

• Donna’s Gift Closet: “Donate & Save” - This First Thursdays on September 4th from 5-8 PM, Donna's Gift Closet is hosting a donation drive for Mission Arlington. Bring a donation of needed non-perishable food items—such as peanut butter, canned goods, canned vegetables, tuna fish, soups, or dry goods—and you'll receive a 20% discount on your purchase!

• 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.

• Wellspring on Main: “Be Well with Wellspring” - More info coming soon!

• Commodities: “A Sip of Culture - Free Soju Tasting” - This First Thursday, immerse yourself in a unique cultural fusion at Commodities! Discover the art of taste with complimentary samples of Jinro Soju while you explore your favorite sneakers and curated streetwear.

• Ann’s Natural Grocer: “Savor & Sample at Ann’s” - Reps from Lasting Touch, a local lotion brand, will be on hand for you to try their products. You can also sample delicious plant-based protein shakes from Pirq. It's the perfect opportunity to discover new wellness and self-care products while exploring Downtown.

• Kung Fu Tea: “Color with Barbie at Kung Fu” - Stop by Kung Fu Tea to enjoy free Barbie coloring sheets. It's the perfect activity for kids and Barbie fans of all ages to pair with their favorite bubble tea!

• Space Monkey Tattoo: ”Temporary Tattoo Art” - Get ready for some unique art! Space Monkey Tattoo is bringing the creativity to First Thursdays with one-of-a-kind temporary tattoos created by their talented artists. Stop by and get a special design.

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

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