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

Supported by

July Featured Attractions

Featured Attraction: Miss Persis Studio of Dance Open House & Free Dance Party!

Get moving and groove into summer at one of our July Featured Attractions! Miss Persis Studio of Dance is hosting a completely free Open House Dance Party for all experience levels. It’s the perfect opportunity to tour the studio, meet the instructors, and dance your heart out.

Party Schedule by Age Group:

5:30 PM: Ages 3–6
6:00 PM: Ages 7–12
6:30 PM: Ages 13 to Adult
Where: Miss Persis Studio of Dance
Cost: FREE!

No registration required—just pick your time slot, show up, and get ready to dance!

Featured Attraction: Foam Party Bus at City Center Plaza!

Get ready to cool off with the ultimate summer bash! For our July First Thursday, the Foam Party Bus is rolling into City Center Plaza in front of the Downtown Library to blast a mountain of sudsy, bubbly fun. Bring the whole family out to dance, play and dive through the foam!

Where: City Center Plaza: 100 S Center St Arlington, TX 76010
When: Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: FREE

⚠️ Important Parent Tip: It is highly suggested that parents bring a beach towel and an extra pair of dry clothes for each child to change into after the foam party.

Featured Attraction: Live “DREAM” Mural Unveiling!

Celebrate Arlington’s incredible 150th anniversary with the historic unveiling of a brand-new community masterpiece! Painted by a talented local DFW artist, this stunning project honors our city's rich history and diverse future by beautifully displaying the word “Dream” in 150 different languages.

Each language woven into the design represents the vibrant voices, cultures, and residents that make our community so unique. Come watch the final touches, meet the artist, and celebrate this beautiful new visual tapestry in the heart of the district!

Where: West side exterior of 320 E. Front St., Arlington, TX (The Rambler Inn)
When: Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 5:30pm
Cost: FREE

🎨 Don't miss this special 150th-anniversary celebration of art, culture, and community in Downtown Arlington!

Featured Attraction: Interactive Chalk Mural at Rotary Dream Park!

Step into the art and become part of a masterpiece! For July’s First Thursday, bring your friends and family down to Rotary Dream Park to experience an incredible, interactive floor-art piece created by renowned local artist Jan Riggins.

Designed to celebrate the spirit of the World’s Games coming to Arlington, this massive 3D chalk mural is crafted to trick the eye. Stand in the designated spot, strike a pose, and snap a spectacular photo that looks like you're stepping right into a vibrant, larger-than-life scene!

Where: Rotary Dream Park
When: Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 5pm-8pm
Cost: FREE

📸 Limited-Time Attraction: This spectacular community installation is completely temporary! If you can't make it out on First Thursday, don't worry—visitors can enjoy and take photos with this unique piece through mid-July before it washes away.

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: July First Thursday Map

Be sure to come early to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our July 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. Enjoy 50% during First Thursdays.

Create Texas: “TBA”

Daydream Bookstore & Cafe: “TBA”

Rocketbelly: “TBA”

Kung Fu Tea: “DIY Soccer Ball Keychain” - Join us at Kung Fu Tea Arlington for a special, family-friendly event where you can sip your favorite boba and get creative. We are hosting a DIY Soccer Bead Keychain workshop! Come craft your own custom soccer-themed keychain to show off your team spirit, deck out your backpack, or hold your keys while you cheer on your favorite players this summer.Bring your friends, bring the family, and grab a delicious Kung Fu Tea drink while you create a one-of-a-kind World Cup souvenir.

Cheba Hut: “Karaoke at the Hut” - Looking for the best spot to spend your Thursday night? Starting at 7pm, Cheba Hut is hosting Open Mic Karaoke for July’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: “Live Concert in the Grocery Store” - Stop by Ann’s during July First Thursdays for an evening of great tunes and treats. Enjoy a live performance by local musician Katy Day while you browse the store and enjoy complimentary samples throughout the night.

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.

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: “Tarot & Prizes” - Kick off your June with mystery and free prizes! Stop by Space Monkey Tattoo for our First Thursday activationfeaturing a brand-new tarot card reader and our client prize wheel. Spin to win exclusive Space Monkey merch, tattoo discounts, or FREE passes to the massive Tattoo Collector’s Expo at the Esports Stadium Arlington (July 31 – Aug 2)!

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 ($): “Decorate Your Own Cannoli Night” - Join us for a fun and delicious evening at Amore Mio Trattoria! For just $2 per cannoli, create your own sweet masterpiece with a variety of toppings, drizzles, and decorations. Perfect for families, date nights, friends, and anyone with a sweet tooth!

The Mosaic Market: “TBA”

Wondrous Works Gift Shop: “World’s Games Community Art Piece” - Soccer fans, stop by Wondrous Works to enjoy a community art piece at the front of the building celebrating the World's Games in Arlington this summer season!

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” - Free walk in art gallery & free arcade night! Join us as we showcase our rare art gallery from around the world! Tattoo specials, free arcade night and refreshments for our guest!

Hooligan’s Pub: “Live Music at Hooligan’s” - Enjoy live music during the summer season at Downtown Arlington’s iconic Irish Bar, Hooligan’s

Mi Tesoro Thrift: “DIY Soccer Painting Craft” - Bring the family by Mi Tesoro Thrift during June First Thursdays for a fun, creative kickoff to the summer soccer season. They will be hosting a kid-friendly activation featuring soccer-themed art and craft kits for children to paint and personalize.

Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill: “Free Salsa Lessons & Dance” - From 6pm-10pm, head on over to Taqueria Acapulquito for their viral salsa night with dance company, Salsa in the Gardens.

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.

Division Brewing: “Rock the Growl Open Mic Night” - Join us at Division Brewing for Rock the Growl Open Mic Night, where you can take the stage or cheer on local performers. While you're here, browse the vinyl pop-up shop, grab a fresh pizza from the kitchen, and be sure to try the official City of Arlington’s 150th Commemorative Beer on tap.

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:

JULY

Foam Bus at City Center Plaza: More info coming soon!
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
Miss Persis Dance Studio Open House: An open house free dance party!
- 5:30pm Ages 3-6
- 6:00pm Ages 7-12
- 6:30pm Ages 13 to Adult

AUGUST

Miss Persis Dance Studio Open House: An open house free dance party!
- 5:30pm Ages 3-6
- 6:00pm Ages 7-12
- 6:30pm Ages 13 to Adult
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

Pumpkin Art Build at City Hall: Join us for our 3rd year in bringing the art of Fall pumpkin design to the steps of City Hall!
Radiant Solz Fire Performance: Welcoming back a First Thursdyas favorite, Radiant Solz, for live fire performance, juggling and more to Rotary DREAM Park.

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