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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!

Use our Google Map to plan your First Thursday: February First Thursday Map

Upcoming First Thursdays Dates

Plan ahead and mark every First Thursday on your calendar!

October 3, 2024

November 7, 2024

December 5, 2024

February 6, 2025

March 6, 2025

April 3, 2025

May 1, 2025

June 5, 2025

July 3, 2025

August 7, 2025

September 4, 2025

Our next installation of this event will be Thursday, Feb. 6th from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event! 

February First Thursday Featured Attractions

Live Ice Sculpting at Rotary Dream ParkWitness in real time the art of ice sculpting with sculpture artists from Stellar Ice at the new Rotary Dream Park in Downtown Arlington. 

Rotary Dream Park Photography Exhibit & Open House at SFCExplore the new Sutton Frost Cary space with an open house and photography exhibit displaying the winning pieces from our Rotary Dream Park Photo Contest. For a full list of contest rules to enter, click here

Guided Drum Circle with Drum One, Drum AllJoin us on Feb 6th at Inclusion Coffee for an interactive drum circle experience led by Noah from Drum One, Drum All. This activity was funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts

DODA will have drums on hand, but feel free to bring anything that makes a beat

No experience needed! Noah will guide, creating a fun & inclusive atmosphere for everyone

Drop in, drop out! The event is open-ended, so come for a few minutes or stay the whole night

No matter your skill level, come ready to connect with the community through the power of rhythm!

Guided Tours of Kirk Franklin Studio: Registration is limited and required to enter. Explore Grammy-winning artist Kirk Franklin’s state-of-the-art studio with a 45 minute guided tour during Downtown Arlington’s First Thursdays. Tours will take place at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm with a maximum of 12 participants for each. You must register to enter, free registration can be found by clicking this link.

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

  • Deep Dive Vintage: “Threads & Tattoos at Deep Dive” - Dive headfirst into art and fashion at Deep Dive Vintage this First Thursday! We're thrilled to host Confetti Jess Tattoos, a talented local artist, for a pop-up tattoo event. Explore our curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories while watching the creation of unique, expressive designs by Confetti Jess Tattoos. This is your chance to add a one-of-a-kind piece of art to your personal collection – both wearable and on your body!
  • Hooligan’s Pub: “Lover’s Flights at Hooligan’s Pub” - This First Thursday, celebrate love & friendship at Hooligan's Pub! Try the Lover's Flight, featuring love-themed drinks perfect for toasting to connection in the heart of Downtown Arlington's Cultural District
  • Mellow Mushroom Pizza: “The Art of Hot Chocolate: Hot Chocolate Bar” - First Thursday calls for a cozy treat! Head to Mellow Mushroom and create your own delicious hot chocolate masterpiece for friends and family. Want to make it an adult hot chocolate? Head to the bar and ask for it spiked. Enjoy it on their patio while watching the live ice sculpting at Rotary Dream Park. Perfect for a fun night out with friends, dates, and family.
    • Ann’s Natural Grocer: “Natural Vibes” - Enjoy live music by DJ Tone Hunts while you shop. Sample delicious Two Niles Elderberry Tonic and Resist Functional Protein Bars.
    • Wondrous Works Gift Shop”Sip & Shop” - Stop in at Wondrous Works Gift Shop for a Valentine’s-themed Sip and Shop event with a 15% discount in store if you provide a donation item of paper products such as paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, paper plates for the Arlington Life Shelter
      • 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 Friendship Bracelets” - Celebrate friendship this month! Join us for a fun craft session where we'll make friendship bracelets in colors that celebrate Black History Month (red, yellow, green) and Valentine's Day (red & pink). All ages welcome! 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 - “Nepalese Nights” - Browse and purchase beautiful handcrafted art & goods made by local artisans in Nepal while listening to live music and enjoying Nepali-inspired food and drinks.
      • Mosaic Market“Love at First Pop” - Mosaic Market is excited to welcome Pixie Pop for a gourmet popcorn pop-up. Sample their amazing flavors and find the perfect treat for yourself or a loved one!
      • Grease Monkey“Live Music on the Patio” - Join us on First Thursday from 5-8pm for a night of live music and delicious food on the patio at Grease Monkey Burgers! We'll have the games on inside and a variety of drink specials. 
      • Inclusion Coffee“Live Drum Circle with Drum One, Drum All” - Join us for an interactive drum circle experience let by Noah from Drum One, Drum All. No matter your skill level, come ready to connect with the community through the power of rhythm. Drums will be available for use, but feel free to bring your own if you’d like. No experience needed - Noah will guide, creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. Drop in and out - the event is open-ended so come for a few minutes or stay the whole night. This activity was funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts
      • Gilligan’s: “ Paint & Sip” - Gilligan's invites you to unleash your inner artist! Join is for a self-guided mini canvas painting session. We'll provide all the materials, including a mini canvas, paint, and brushes. Enjoy free chips and salsa while sipping on your favorite drink from the bar. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just looking for a fun and relaxing evening, this event is perfect for everyone. So come out and let your creativity flow, open to families, friends and all!
      • Commodities: “Express Yourself - Sneaker Coloring Contest” - Unleash your inner artist at Commodities this First Thursday for a sneaker-themed coloring event! Choose from unique sneaker design coloring pages, add your own colors, and enter our Instagram contest for a chance to win a $25 store credit. It's a fun way to celebrate creativity and support local arts & culture
      • Division Brewing“Rock the Growl - Open Mic Night” - Stop by and enjoy an open mic night showcasing local talent. Join us at GROWL this First Thursday for a night of live music, craft beer & delicious pizza from Division Brewing, and great company. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding artist, come out and rock the night away
      • Kung Fu Tea: “Crafting the Lunar New Year” - Join us for a special Lunar New Year celebration! We'll be hosting a traditional Chinese red paper cutting craft event where you can create your own beautiful artwork to take home. All materials will be supplied.
      • Fuzzy’s Taco / Cheba Hut: “Live Music on the Patio” - Check out the newly opened Cheba Hut or grab some classic Fuzzy’s Tacos while enjoying live music on the patio. 
      • Arlington Music Hall: “Live Music in the Small Hall”  Enjoy live music from Neil Schnell in the Small Hall from 5:45pm-6:45pm
      • STASH VHS”Vintage Vibes & Vinyl Beats” - We'll have a live DJ spinning while you browse our unique selection of vintage clothing and rare sneakers. Plus, enjoy special discounts throughout the evening. Don't miss out on Arlington's newest vintage and sneaker destination!
      • Goldilinks Jewelry & Hat Bar“Sip & Shop” - Enjoy complimentary champagne while you explore our charming new studio space. Browse our stunning collection of handcrafted jewelry and personalized accessories – you're sure to find something special to treat yourself or someone you love.

      Live Entertainment 

      • Ice Sculpting at Rotary Dream Park 
      • Drum Circle at Inclusion Coffee
      • Live Chalk Art with artist Mary Dooley
      • Live Musical Stylings from Neil Schnell at Arlington Music Hall from 5:45-6:45pm.
      • Downtown Arlington Fun Run with Cowboy Run Club: Full Event Info here
      • Walkable Arlington Downtown Walk: more info coming soon

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

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