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

October First Thursdays

Featured Attractions

Live Glass Blowing with The Grey Area Studio

Prepare to be mesmerized as our featured attraction brings The Grey Area Studio to Division Brewing for a captivating live glass blowing demonstration. Witness skilled artists transform molten glass into stunning works of art right before your eyes. This event is a unique opportunity to see this remarkable craft in action and celebrate the incredible talent within our community's arts and culture scene. Don't miss this truly artistic and mesmerizing experience!

Downtown Lens: A Guided Photo Walk with Arlington Camera: Grab your camera – whether it's your phone or a DSLR – and join Arlington Camera for a fun and social photo walk through the vibrant scene of Downtown Arlington's First Thursdays! 

From 5-8 PM, meet the Arlington Camera crew at City Center Plaza and embark on a guided exploration to capture the unique energy, art, people, and details that make this event special. Get tips on capturing dynamic street scenes and participate in a friendly online photo contest the following week for a chance to win a gift card! Registration is limited and required. 

Register Here

Let's see First Thursdays through your lens! All camera types welcome!

Guided Walk with Walkable Arlington: 

Join Walkable Arlington this First Thursdays on October 2nd 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 October 2nd 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.

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

• 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. 

• 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: “Live Music & Sip” - Stop by for a relaxing "Live Music & Sip" experience, featuring a talented local musician providing the perfect soundtrack for your night.

• Mellow Mushroom Pizza: “Halloween Costume Contest” - Get spooky this First Thursdays on October 2nd from 5-8 PM and join Mellow Mushroom for a Halloween Costume Contest! The contest will start at ​7pm and the winner will receive a $25 gift card.While you're here, treat the whole family to our special $30 family meal deal - plus the adults can get a $7 Shroom Tea while the kids can grab some free candy. It's a night of costumes, great food and festive good times. 

• Inclusion Coffee: “TBA” - 

• 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: “Dot Art Demonstration” - Witness a mesmerizing Dot Art demonstration, where a talented artist will showcase their technique and intricate designs. It's a great opportunity to see the creative process in action!

• 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: ”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!

• Goldilinks Jewelry & Hat Bar: “Sip & Sparkle” - Join us this First Thursdays 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 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: ”TBA” - 

• Donna’s Gift Closet: “TBA” - 

• 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: “TBA” -

• Commodities: “TBA” - 

• Ann’s Natural Grocer: “TBA” - 

• Kung Fu Tea: “TBA” - 

• Space Monkey Tattoo: ”Temporary Tattoo Pop-Up” -  Come out and visit Space Monkey Tattoo, who will be doing a pop-up temporary tattoo parlor with designs in various sizes for all ages to enjoy. It's the perfect way to get a one-of-a-kind piece of art for the evening!

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

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