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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: August First Thursday Map


Upcoming First Thursdays Dates

Plan ahead and mark every First Thursday on your calendar!

August 7, 2025

September 4, 2025

Our next installation of this event will be Thursday, August 7th from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event! 

August First Thursdays

Arlington Amplified presents: Street Sounds

Experience the vibrant sounds of Downtown Arlington this First Thursdays on August 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. You can find Ian Gillies performing at Ann's Grocery Store and Max Segura playing at Cheba Hut.

Walk Audit with Walkable Arlington: 

Join Walkable Arlington this First Thursdays on August 7th at 6 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!

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

  • Downtown Arlington LibraryCreative Corner x Beaded Bracelets” -   Visit the library for a fun craft where you'll create and design your own bracelets using beads. Whether you're a complete beginner or seasoned crafter, this activity is perfect for all ages and skill levels. All materials will be provided. 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. 
    • 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: “Cannoli Art Bar” - Decorate your own cannolis at Amore Mio this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5-8 PM! Unleash your creativity and personalize your sweet treat for just $2 per cannoli.
    • Mellow Mushroom Pizza: “80s Theme Night” - Travel back in time this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5-8 PM at Mellow Mushroom's 80's Theme Night! Enjoy a radical Family Meal Package (4 soft drinks, pretzel bites, and a large 2-topping pizza for just $30) and an Extended Happy Hour. Get ready for a totally tubular time!
    • Inclusion Coffee: “Art & Coffee” - Join us this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5-8 PM for a special pop-up art gallery featuring the captivating works of Antonio Duque Art! Known for his powerful figurative paintings that explore themes of humanity and belonging, Antonio's art often beautifully depicts everyday people and tells their unique stories. Enjoy a delicious coffee while immersing yourself in his expressive and thought-provoking pieces.
    • 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” - **UPDATE: Face painter ill, so no face painting unfortunately but please stop by and enjoy their free kids meal with adult meal purchase!!** 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 MarketDIY Graffiti Wall” - Join us at The Mosaic Market this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5-8 PM for a unique blend of art and flavor! Create your own 4x4" paper masterpiece for our "bathroom graffiti" wall, and ignite your taste buds with a pop-up spice sampling from Mid Life Crysis Spices. It's the perfect evening to explore your artistic side and savor unique tastes!
    • 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 from Marissa Chibli
    • Division BrewingRock 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: "Plant Swap” - Bring your healthy plant cuttings, seedlings, or full plants to trade with fellow plant enthusiasts. It's a great way to expand your green collection 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 at STASH VHS” - Get your game on this First Thursdays at Stash VHS on August 7th from 5-8 PM! Head inside for a classic video game night and challenge friends to cornhole fun outside.
    • Goldilinks Jewelry & Hat Bar“Sip & Sparkle” - Join us this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5-8 PM for a "Sip & Sparkle" shopping experience at Goldilink's Jewelry! Enjoy complimentary champagne toasts while you browse our beautiful collections.
    • Truth SerumKaroke Night At Truth Serum” - check out Downtown’s newest craft cocktail bar with karaoke starting at 7pm going through 10pm.
    • Deep Dive VintageSip & Shop - Join us for "Sip & Shop" at Deep Dive Vintage this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5-8 PM! Browse unique vintage finds with a refreshing drink in hand and discover your next favorite piece.
    • Donna’s Gift Closet: “Decorate Your Own Tote” - Come design your own canvas bag! We will have a variety of designs for you to choose from to design your own bag! Customers will also enjoy 20% off everything in store!
    • 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: “Art, Tunes & Treats” - Join Wellspring on Main indoors this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5:30-7:30 PM for a refreshing escape! Enjoy free snow cones and healthy snacks while experiencing captivating art and delightful music in a cool, welcoming atmosphere.
    • 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” - Join Ann's Natural Health this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5-8 PM for a delightful evening! Enjoy complimentary lotion sampling and be among the first to taste delicious new items from their café.
    • Kung Fu Tea: “ATINY Hangout” - Calling all ATINY! Join us this First Thursdays on August 7th from 5-8 PM for an exclusive Ateez Kpop Hangout! Get creative with top loader decorating and expand your collection with photocard trading. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow fans and enjoy some great boba!
    • Arlington Music Hall: “Mo Pitney Live at the AMH”  - Experience an unforgettable night of pure country music with Mo Pitney at the Arlington Music Hall on Thursday, August 7th! Doors open at 5:30 PM, show starts at 7:30 PM. This is an all-ages event. Tickets are required and selling fast! Secure your seats now at https://arlingtonmusichall.net/events/ to ensure you don't miss this incredible live performance.

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

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