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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!

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

Supported by

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May Featured Attractions

Featured Attraction: The Little Art Bus Mobile Art Studio sponsored by Frost Bank 

Get ready for a creative explosion this May! We are thrilled to announce Frost Bank as our May Monthly Sponsor, bringing the fan-favorite The Little Art Bus back to Downtown Arlington. Parked right in front of Frost Bank starting at 5pm,  this mobile art studio offers a unique, hands-on experience where all ages can hop on board to create, explore, and let their inner artist run wild. Art kits available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last!

Featured Attraction: The Art of Letterpress with 4 Acre Press

Join us at Rotary Dream Park on May 7th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a hands-on journey into the history of printing. Modern letterpress has roots dating back to the late 1300s, and while the world has gone digital, the captivating process of locking individual type and image "cuts" into a press remains unchanged.

In this live demo, you can feel the mechanical history for yourself as you ink and pull your very own custom Downtown Arlington postcard. These unique, tactile prints are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to create a handcrafted souvenir that connects the traditions of the past with the vibrant spirit of Downtown today!

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 May 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: Rotary Dream Park 

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Featured Attraction: UTA Fine & Performing Arts Takeover at City Center Plaza

Get ready for an infusion of creative energy as UTA Fine and Performing Arts takes over City Center Plaza for May’s First Thursday!

From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, experience the very best of Maverick talent with an evening packed with live music, dynamic dance performances, and live art-making. This isn't just a show—it’s an invitation to create. Immerse yourself in the fun ambience and join in on free art-making activities led by UTA students and faculty. Enjoy 2 live performances of selections from the Theatre Arts department’s recent production of Hair. Enjoy iconic songs like Easy to Be Hard and Let the Sunshine In performed live at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. 

Whether you’re here to enjoy live music, watch a masterpiece come to life, or find your own rhythm on the plaza, this celebration of music and movement is the perfect way to kick off your May. Don't miss this vibrant showcase of the arts right in the heart of Downtown Arlington!

Featured Attraction: Ballet Folklorico Pop-Up

Experience the vibrant colors and rhythmic energy of Mexico! Join us as Arlington High School’s Ballet Folklórico, Colts Herencia, takes the stage for a celebration of traditional dance and heritage. Don’t miss this high-energy performance in the heart of downtown at Mineral Well Public Plaza, hosted by Wellspring Arlington. 

  • Location: In front of the Mineral Well - South Pecan Street, 76010
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Date: Thursday, May 7th

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 May First Thursday celebration.

Featured Attraction: Arlington Amplified presents: Street Sounds 

Experience the vibrant sounds of Downtown Arlington this First Thursdays on May 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. Enjoy live music at Abram Alley and in Front Street in front of Daydream Book Store and Cafe. 

Featured Attraction: The Rite of Spring with Symphony Arlington ($)

Looking for a world-class cultural experience right in your backyard? Join Symphony Arlington at the Arlington Music Hall on Thursday, May 7, at 7:30 PM for a powerful evening of orchestral masterworks titled The Rite of Spring.

Prepare to be moved by a program that spans the dramatic and the sublime, featuring guest pianist Stefano Brizziperforming Beethoven’s moody and magnificent Piano Concerto No. 3. The evening kicks off with the exotic energy of Saint-Saëns’ Bacchanale and concludes with Stravinsky’s revolutionary and pulse-pounding masterpiece, The Rite of Spring.

Whether you are a lifelong classical fan or looking for the perfect "off-campus" date night, this performance offers high-caliber artistry at an unbeatable price. Come witness the raw power of a live orchestra in the heart of Downtown!

  • When: May 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM
  • Where: Arlington Music Hall
  • Tickets: Starting as low as $5!

Get your tickets now: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/symphonyarlington/3315/event/1434874

Featured Attraction: Murder on the Orient Express with Theatre Arlington ($)

Get ready for a night of high-stakes mystery and timeless glamour! On Thursday, May 7th, cap off your First Thursday celebrations with a journey aboard the world’s most famous train.

We invite you to spend your evening in Downtown Arlington from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM enjoying the live music, art, and community vibes of First Thursday. Then, walk over to Theatre Arlington for their 7:30 PM showing of Agatha Christie’s masterpiece, Murder on the Orient Express.

The plot thickens just after midnight when a snowdrift stops the luxury train in its tracks. By morning, an American tycoon is found dead in his locked compartment, stabbed eight times. With a killer hiding in plain sight among the passengers, it’s up to the legendary detective Hercule Poirot to solve the case before the murderer strikes again. Adapted for the stage with thrilling suspense and sharp wit, this production is a must-see for mystery lovers.

Please note: This is a ticketed event with an associated fee.

  • When: May 7, 2026 | Show starts at 7:30 PM
  • Where: Theatre Arlington
  • Tickets: Adults $40 | Seniors/Students $35 | Student Rush: $5 tickets may be available 15 minutes before curtain with a valid ID!

Book your passage here: https://theatrearlington.org/production/agatha-christies-murder-on-the-orient-express/

Featured Attraction: Downtown Sounds 

Downtown Sounds brings curated live music to the sidewalks of Downtown, hosted by Downtown Arlington!

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: May First Thursday Map

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

  • Inclusion Coffee: “Sip & Doodle” - Inclusion Coffee is thrilled to host the return of Ella Doodles for another evening of creativity! Join us for Sip & Doodle, where you can enjoy handcrafted coffee while participating in a community-wide sketching session. It’s a great way to unwind, meet fellow neighbors, and find your inner artist. Supplies and inspiration are provided—just bring yourself!
  • 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.
  • Create Texas: “ART AS RESISTANCE Opening Reception” - Stop by Create Texas at Wellspring for their opening reception of ART AS RESISTANCE, an immersive exhibition exploring the intersection of creativity and activism. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Jacob Lawrence, Kara Walker, and Keith Haring, the exhibition showcases artists who use their craft to speak truth to power and imagine a more just future. Attendees will experience a multi-sensory evening featuring a curated gallery of visual works, alongside live poetry and music that explore themes of social struggle, cultural identity, and the healing power of hope.The reception will be held in the Underground Gallery @ Create Wellspring from 5 PM to 8 PM. Guests will enjoy complimentary appetizers and wine while engaging with local artists and activists. Admission is free and open to the community.
  • Mama Cuca’s: “Loteria Night” - Join us at Mama Cuca’s for our very first First Thursday activation! We’re taking over the patio for a night of Loteria, cold drinks, and great company. Whether you’re a Loteria pro or a first-timer, come grab a seat, win some prizes, and enjoy the Downtown Arlington vibes.
  • Daydream Bookstore & Cafe: “Live Music on the Sidewalk” - Enjoy live music from an Arlington Amplified musician busking on the sidewalk in front of Daydream Bookstore. Stop inside, grab a drink and peruse their local author section during First Thursdays. 
  • Rocketbelly: “Cosmic Charm Bracelet & Earring Bar” - Get creative at Rocketbelly this First Thursday! Our Sip and Create station features DIY jewelry making for bracelets and earrings. Enjoy a Mother’s Day bonus (while supplies last) or upgrade your piece with premium charms and bindings. Perfect for a handmade gift or a sweet treat for yourself!
  • Kung Fu Tea: “Mother’s Day DIY Photo Frame” - Looking for a personalized gift for Mom? Stop by Kung Fu Tea on May 7th from 5 PM – 8 PM! We invite guests of all ages to color their own Mother’s Day wood picture frame. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a refreshing boba while creating a one-of-a-kind handmade gift.
  • Cheba Hut: “Karaoke at the Hut” - Looking for the best spot to spend your Thursday night? Cheba Hut is hosting Open Mic Karaoke for May’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: “Grocery Store Concert” - Stop by Ann’s for a refreshed First Thursday experience! Enjoy the smooth sounds of in-store musician IAMKRT. This month we will have free samples: Steve with Pirq Protein & Lorna with TomaNO No tomato pasta sauce.
  • J. Gilligan’s: “Live Music” - Enjoy live tunes from a local Arlington artist while noshing on your favorite Irish Nachos during April First Thursdays. 
  • Division Brewing: “Music, Brews & Vinyl” - Join us for a night of live music, craft beer, and vinyl at our Division Brewing Block. For First Thursday, we’ll have an open mic night at Growl Records while serving up delicious pizzas from Division Pizza. Grab a cold beer, browse through record collection, and enjoy the sounds of the night. See you there!
  • 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. 
  • Donna’s Gift Closet: “Live Music & Local Shopping” -  We are proud to host the Handbell Choir from Immaculate Conception School!Enjoy their wonderful performance while you shop our unique collection of gifts. Support local youth and find something special for yourself—see you there!
  • Lacquer Box Nail Salon: “Mother’s Day Bouquets” - Stop by Lacquer Box Nail Salon - we’ll have a flower bouquet gift station outside our windows for moms and visitors to enjoy. Use First Thursday to preview our Mother's Day weekend event: on May 9th and 10th, clients can enjoy a Build-Your-Own Bouquet pop-up to complement their nail services. Come grab a gift and book your appointment for a weekend of pampering!
  • 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: “Bloom & Bookmarks” - Celebrate First Thursday by creating your own piece of spring! Stop by between 5 PM and 8 PM to design a FREE pressed flower bookmark—the perfect way to lean into the "May Flowers" vibe.While you’re crafting, check out our exclusive Floral Flash Tattoo specials! We’ll have a fresh sheet of botanical designs ready to go starting at just $80. Come for the flowers, stay for the ink.
  • Downtown Arlington Library: “Creative Corner x AAPI Heritage Celebration” - Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with an evening of art and movement! Enjoy a special performance by hula dancers and learn to make your own paper flowers. This family-friendly event is free and open to everyone. 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: “Color & Cravings Family Night” -  We’re turning the street into a mini piazza: Free chalk for the kids. Bites & drinks outside.  Full dining experience inside! Come draw, snack, and stay for dinner.
  • The Mosaic Market: “Find the Artist Scavenger Hunt” - Get ready for our "Find the Artist" Scavenger Hunt this First Thursday! Explore the market and check off your list as you go. It’s the perfect way to discover new art and win some local bragging rights.
  • Wondrous Works Gift Shop: “Pop-Up Art Gallery” - Stop by Wondrous Works during First Thursdays to support local Arlington Artisans as they showcase their work inside the shop. We will be featuring photography by Abby Pfaff for the month of May. 
  • Goldilink’s: “Metal Match” - Metal Match: Color Analysis; A quick, personalized color analysis to discover whether gold or silver suits you best.
  • Commodities: “Live Music on the Sidewalk” - Enjoy live music in front of Commodities while browsing their lineup of vintage, sneakers and more. 
  • 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” - Step inside for a tour of rare global art led by the studio’s owner and immerse yourself in the creative side of Downtown. Guests can grab a free goodie bag and enter an exclusive free tattoo raffle for a chance to take home some permanent art!
  • Hooligan’s Pub: “Spin to Win” - Hooligan’s is keeping the Cinco de Mayo spirit alive for May's First Thursday. Stop by the bar to take a turn on our Fiesta Prize Wheel. It’s completely free to spin, and every winner walks away with a themed deal or discount. Grab a drink, take a spin, and celebrate with us!
  • Mi Tesoro Thrift: “Chalk the Sidewalk” - Celebrate spring with Mi Tesoro Thrift! This May, we’re hosting an outdoor Sidewalk Chalk Art activation. Stop by to add your own colorful designs to the pavement, then step inside to explore our unique collection of boutique vintage clothing and home decor. It’s a perfect evening of community creativity and local shopping.
  • Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill (Formerly Los Molcas): “Free Salsa Night” - From 6pm-9pm, spice up your First Thursday with the rhythmic energy of Free Salsa Night! Formerly known as Los Molcas, the newly reimagined Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill invites you to experience their fresh ownership and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, come for the dancing and stay for the authentic tacos and drinks in the heart of the district.
  • 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.

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