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, June 4th from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!

Supported by

June Featured Attractions

Featured Event: Sidewalk Musical Procession

Experience the energy of New Orleans in Downtown Arlington with a Second-Line inspired performance by the Revelers Hall Brass Band.

The event begins at Rotary DREAM Park with a kickoff performance. From there, the band will lead a musical procession along the sidewalks of Downtown Arlington to celebrate the start of the summer season.

Attendees are encouraged to bring umbrellas, get ready to groove and join the music as it moves through the district.

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Starting Location: Rotary DREAM Park

Featured Event: Lion Dance Performances with Jiu Long Lion Dance Troupe

Get ready for an unforgettable, high-energy cultural experience! On June First Thursday, the nationally recognized Jiu Long Lion Dance Troupe is taking over Rotary Dream Park for two spectacular, family-friendly performances at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Witness an incredible blend of ancient traditions and modern flair as these interactive lions perform dynamic choreography to the powerful rhythm of live drums and cymbals. Known for bringing good luck and fortune, their playful lions will be jumping into the crowd for interactive moments, followed by an exclusive photo opportunity at the end of each set!

Learn more about the troupe here: jllion.com

Featured Event: Downtown Lens Photo Walk with Arlington Camera

Join Arlington Camera for a "Downtown Lens" photowalk during June First Thursdays. Explore the district and capture the art, people, and unique details that make our community special. Whether you are using a professional DSLR or a smartphone, this event is open to all ages and skill levels.

Photo Contest: Share your best shots on Instagram by tagging @ArlingtonCamera and @dtarlington and using the hashtag #ArlingtonCameraFirstThursdays for a chance to win a prize. The winner will be announced on June 11.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Meeting Point: City Center Plaza (by the Downtown Library) at 5:00 PM
Registration: Free registration is required as spaces are limited.

Sign Up: Register via Eventbrite

Featured Attraction: Interactive Community Drum Circle

Join Downtown Arlington for a high-energy Live Drum Circle! Supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts, this June First Thursday event features Noah of Drum One, Drum All.

Experience the Beat:

Interactive Fun: Hands-on drumming sessions designed for all skill levels and ages.
Instruments Provided: No experience or gear necessary—we provide the drums!
Family-Friendly: A perfect outdoor activity for kids and adults to connect through music.
Come and Go: Stop in and try your hand at a bongo before exploring the rest of the Downtown Cultural District during our First Thursdays evening.

Come make some joyful noise and celebrate the local arts scene in the heart of the city!

Location: City Center Plaza

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Featured Attraction: Strolling Magic with Kex Magic

Experience the artistry of close-up magic with Kex Magic! A veteran of the Chicago Magic Lounge and award-winning member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Kex brings world-class sleight-of-hand and engaging wit to the sidewalks of Downtown. Watch closely as he creates "miracles without the cheesy props" during our June First Thursday celebration.

Featured Attraction: Arlington Amplified presents: Street Sounds

Experience the vibrant sounds of Downtown Arlington this First Thursdays on June 4th 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. Enjoy live music at Mineral Well Plaza and on the 101 corner by Amore Mio.

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: June First Thursday Map

Be sure to come early to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our April 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.

Arlington Music Hall: “Symphony Arlington Busking” - Experience the magic of live music right on the sidewalk! As part of June’s First Thursday, Symphony Arlington will feature a talented local flute player busking live outside the historic Arlington Music Hall. Stop by to enjoy the beautiful melodies, meet the symphony team, and soak in the downtown arts scene.

Create Texas: “Soccer Airbrushing & Karaoke” - Bring the ultimate game-day energy to Create Texas at Wellspring! Get hyped for the World Cup with custom soccer face and stencil airbrushing, then step up to the mic for live karaoke. Bring your friends, rep your team colors, and sing your heart out!

Daydream Bookstore & Cafe ($): “DIY Terrarium Bar” - We will be hosting a walk-in and walk-up Mini (Build Your Own) Terrarium Bar from 5-7 starting at $20

Rocketbelly: “Paint Your Own Totebag” - Unwind and get creative at Rocketbelly in Downtown Arlington for a special First Thursdays Paint & Sip. While supplies last, grab a brush and design your very own custom tote bag while enjoying a refreshing, cold tea. It is the perfect way to kick off a fun and relaxing summer evening downtown.

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? Cheba Hut is hosting Open Mic Karaoke for June’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 June 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 x DIY Banners ” - Get creative with Arlington Public Library for First Thursday! Design your own custom banner inspired by the city's 150th birthday or your favorite soccer / futbol team. All supplies provided and all skills levels welcomed. This event will be held at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library in the [re]Brary A&B room starting at 5PM and will end at 8PM. 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 ($): “Mystery Wine Night” - Guests can enjoy a mystery glass of wine for just $9 — each pour is served in a mystery wine glass, and the selection remains a surprise until the first sip. From smooth reds to crisp whites and refreshing rosés, every glass offers a fun and unique tasting experience. Perfect for wine lovers, adventurous sippers, and anyone looking to try something new while enjoying the energy of First Thursdays.Guests are encouraged to come with friends, compare their mystery pours, and see who gets their favorite wine of the night!

The Mosaic Market: “Beaded Morse Code Bracelet Demos” - Discover the art of hidden messages at The Mosaic Market during June First Thursdays. Drop in for a live demonstration by one of our featured local makers and learn how to design a personalized bracelet using beads to spell out words in Morse code.Whether you want to create a subtle piece of jewelry with a hidden meaning or just want to pick up a new crafting technique, this interactive showcase is open to all visitors.

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