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, September 3rd from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!
Supported by
September Featured Attractions
Featured Attraction: City of Arlington’s 150th Birthday Commemorative Photo
Join the City of Arlington, Downtown Arlington, and the Levitt Pavilion for a historic community moment on the Levitt Lawn! Be part of a massive, drone-captured "150" formation made entirely of community members. To help us build the visual, swing by to grab a FREE exclusive commemorative 150th birthday t-shirt (available while supplies last). Restrooms at the Levitt, City Hall, and the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library will all be open for changing into your shirt before the shoot. The celebration will feature live performances by an AISD marching band and the Arlington Master Chorale!
📍 Location: Levitt Pavilion Lawn
🎟️ Cost: FREE!
Featured Attraction: Live Music, Open House & History Walking Tours at Knapp Heritage Park
Step back in time at Knapp Heritage Park for a special evening of local history! Explore original historic log cabin tours and relax under the shaded oak trees while enjoying live music. Plus, the Arlington Historical Society will be launching Arlington History Walking Tours that start and end right at Knapp Heritage Park. (Sign-up details and tour times coming soon!)
📍 Location: Knapp Heritage Park
🎟️ Cost: FREE!
Featured Attraction: Theatre Arlington’s “Stealing the Spotlight: 150 Years of Arlington” Cabaret
Theatre Arlington will join the celebration with “Stealing the Spotlight: 150 Years of Arlington,” an original cabaret featuring stories, anecdotes and music inspired by notable figures from Arlington’s history. Theatre BARlington and the lobby will open at 5:30 p.m., with performances scheduled for 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The show runs approximately 45 minutes. Ticket information to be released soon.
Featured Attraction: Arlington 150th Birthday Sticker Scavenger Hunt
Explore downtown and play along in the City of Arlington’s 150th Anniversary Sticker Scavenger Hunt! Visit 6 participating Downtown Arlington businesses throughout the night to collect their custom 150th birthday stickers. Once you’ve collected all six, bring your collection to the City of Arlington’s booth at Theatre Arlington to claim your Limited-Edition Golden Sticker to celebrate September First Thursday!
📍 Location: District-Wide (Final stop: City of Arlington Booth at Theatre Arlington)
🎟️ Cost: FREE!
Featured Attraction: Frost Bank Birthday Treats & Family Fun
Stop by the Downtown Arlington Frost Bank branch for some festive First Thursday fun hosted by our monthly sponsor! Bring the family by to enjoy free face painting, fresh popcorn, and cold sodas as we celebrate the city’s 150th birthday together.
📍 Location: Frost Bank (Downtown Arlington Branch)
🎟️ Cost: FREE!
Featured Attraction: City of Arlington 150th Birthday Photo Backdrop
Capture the milestone and make a memory! Stop by the City’s official 150th Birthday Photo Backdrop during September First Thursdays to snap a picture and celebrate 150 years of Arlington pride. Whether you're posing with family, friends, or fellow neighbors, come show off your downtown spirit, strike a pose, and tag us in your birthday photos as we celebrate this historic moment together!
📍 Location: Downtown Arlington
🎟️ Cost: FREE!
Arlington Amplified presents: Street Sounds
This First Thursday, Downtown Arlington comes alive with the sounds of local DFW musicians, thanks to our partnership with Arlington Amplified! From 5-8 PM, talented buskers will fill the streets with their music, creating a unique and engaging cultural experience. Join us in supporting the thriving arts community of North Texas and discover your new favorite artist!
Symphony on the Streets with Symphony Arlington
Catch the music of the city! This month, Symphony Arlington is bringing high-quality classical flair directly into the community.
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: September First Thursday Map
Be sure to come early to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our September First Thursday event:
- Coliseum Comics & Games: “Free Comic Book” - Stop by Coliseum Comics and Games to pick up a free comic book! Join us in celebrating Arlington’s strong focus on reading and family-friendly activities.
- The Mosaic Market: “TBA”
- Inclusion Coffee: “TBA”
- Kung Fu Tea: “TBA”
- Tokyo Station: “Killer Queen Arcade Tournament” - Join the Hive! Every first Thursday of the month, Tokyo Station hosts a Killer Queen Arcade tournament. Starting at 8pm, this tournament places players on a randomized team of five. Competitors must work together to ensure victory in the ultimate arcade action game. As an added bonus, all new players get FREE venue the next time they return to the arcade. Try something NEW this Thursday with Nippon NewBees at Tokyo Station!"
- Goldilinks: “TBA”
- 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 August’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 September First Thursdays for an evening of great tunes and free treats.
- 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 families and friends—enjoy some classic pub favorites and play for your chance to win a beautiful new plant to take home!
- Canvas & Co.: "Open House & Free Headshots” - Join Canvas & Co. Studio for an September First Thursday Open House! We’re inviting the Downtown Arlington community to tour our modern, creative production spaces. To celebrate, our team is offering two free professional headshots to guests during the event. Come take a look behind the scenes and update your professional profile for free.
- Space Monkey Tattoo: “Tarot, Tattoos & Prizes” - Discover what the future holds with a personalized reading from Tarot by Jeremy, or spin the shop’s prize wheel to win exclusive Space Monkey merch or gift certificates! Complete the vibe with fresh acai bowls, cold brews, and matcha lattes available from Johnny’s Bowls and Boba.
- 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”
- Wondrous Works Gift Shop: “Draw Yourself Community Art Piece” - We'll be completing our community art piece-Draw Yourself-and shoppers get a free Dream Sculpture Postcard with purchase to celebrate Arlington's 150th birthday!
- 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!
- 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!
- Mi Tesoro Thrift: “Chalk the Walk” - Stop by Mi Tesoro Thrift on Front Street to help decorate the walkway for our "Chalk the Sidewalk" event. Grab a piece of chalk, show off your artistic skills, and then head inside to check out our latest curated vintage and thrift finds!
- Donna’s Gift Closet: “TBA”
- 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.
- Hooligan’s: “Karaoke Night” - Stop by Downtown Arlington’s iconic Irish pub and sing your heart out with your friends during Karaoke Night on First Thursdays!
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:
SEPTEMBER: Arlington’s 150th Birthday Bash!
- 150th Birthday Cabaret: A free celebratory performance at Theatre Arlington (7:30 PM)
- Giant 150th Photo Op: Join your Arlington community in celebrating the City of Arlington’s birthday by creating a giant 150 on the lawn for a photo.
- Historic Knapp Heritage Park: Enjoy cabin tours & live music under the trees at Knapp
- Arlington Historical Society History Walk: A guided tour through Arlington’s landmarks, including Mineral Well and the Arlington Music Hall.
- Live Mural Celebration: Join us in celebrating the city’s birthday with a new public art piece
- 150 Passport Scavenger Hunt: Visitors will collect commemorative stickers from participating businesses to fill their 150 "passport." Those who collect all six stickers and bring their completed passport to Theatre Arlington before the performance will receive a special event-exclusive 150th anniversary sticker.
OCTOBER
- Fun Run with Run O Clock: Explore Downtown Arlington’s walking & running paths with our community partner, Run’O’Clock!
- Arlington Camera Photo Walk: Capture the colors of autumn with our local photography experts.
- Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration with Arlington Public Library: Enjoy live Ballet Folklorico in City Center Plaza from 6pm-7pm while families and friends alike can enjoy themed crafting in the Re-Brary room.
- Pop-Up Powwow with IndigiCommunity: More Info Coming Soon!
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