Our next installation of this event will be Thursday, July 3rd from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event! 

Light Up Arlington - A July First Thursdays Grand Finale!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening in Downtown Arlington this First Thursday, July 3rd! Downtown Arlington is thrilled to feature the spectacular Light Up Arlington celebration as the breathtaking climax to your First Thursdays experience.

Event Details

Join us for one of the largest and most dazzling Independence Day celebrations in North Texas, right here in the heart of Downtown! Festivities, which are free and open to the public, kick off at 6:00 PM on July 3, 2025. This year's celebration promises an evening packed with:

Live Music:

• Levitt Pavilion:
  • 7:00 PM - Chef Dee
  • 8:30 PM - Brad Thompson
• DREAM Park Stage:
  • 6:00 PM - Young Stars and Guitars
  • 7:00 PM - Jimmy Pitstick

Kid-Friendly Fun & More!

Head over to City Center Plaza for Face Painting, the Bubble Bus, Traveling Magicians, and a Community Chalk Mural right next to the air-conditioned Downtown Library offering a rock painting craft activity indoors!

Parking:

Free public parking is available throughout Downtown. However, please be aware of planned parking lot closures and street closures specifically around City Hall, 101 Center, and the City Tower to accommodate the event festivities. Plan to arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy all that Downtown Arlington has to offer before the fireworks illuminate the sky! Pro Tip: It's easiest to park adjacent to Abram street to the east of East St. and to the west of West St, or on Front Street to the east of Mesquite St. and to the west of Center St.  

Don't miss this incredible First Thursday celebration of community, art, and patriotic spirit!

For More Information, head to the City of Arlington website here

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

• 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

• Grease Monkey: “Fireworks & Fun” - This July 3rd, join Grease Monkey Burgers for a prime fireworks viewing party! We're setting up a special area in our parking lot for you to bring your own chairs and pop-up tents to enjoy the spectacular display. Grab delicious food and drinks from the patio, and enjoy some music to set the festive mood. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed and fun Light Up Arlington celebration!

• Amore Mio Trattoria: “Glow Sticks & Go-Snacks” - This July 3rd, make Amore Mio Trattoria your festive stop for First Thursday and Light Up Arlington! We'll be handing out free glow sticks to families, and offering quick, delicious snacks for purchase, perfect for grabbing on your way to enjoy the fireworks. Get ready to glow and go!

• Mellow Mushroom Pizza: “Coloring Family Fun” - Mellow Mushroom celebrates First Thursday and Light Up Arlington with a focus on family creativity! Kids can enjoy coloring sheets, temporary tattoos and a $9.95 small cheese pizza with soda. 

• 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 Rock Painting ” - Starting at 5pm, drop by the library and treat yourself to a fun, creative, and relaxing craft of rock painting. 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 - “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: “First Birthday Bash!!” - Join Mosaic Market for an all-day extravaganza this First Thursday, July 3rd, as we celebrate our 1st birthday and gear up for Light Up Arlington! Immerse yourself in a day filled with art and culture: enjoy captivating live artist demos throughout the day, participate in our fun "Sing & Shop," and discover unique treasures with special sales. As evening approaches, savor delicious samples from Pixie Pop Gourmet Popcorn. With sips, snacks, and more, it's the perfect way to celebrate community, creativity, and kick off the Light Up Arlington festivities!

• Gilligan’s: “Live DJ” - Enjoy live music from a local DJ bar-side while enjoying a cold beer and some Irish Nachos to prepare for the evening’s festivities. Once the fireworks start, head to the Gilligan’s Parking lot for your very own private viewing space with purchase of food or drink. 

• Division Brewing: “Fireworks & Brews” -  Enjoy prime views of the spectacular display launching just a block away, all while savoring delicious pizza, cold craft beer, and great company. It's the perfect spot to celebrate and light up your night in Downtown Arlington!

• Cheba Hut: "Sip & Glow” - Get ready to light up the night at Cheba Hut this First Thursday! Step onto our patio for an electrifying "Sip & Glow Party" featuring glow-in-the-dark games under black lights. Sip on drinks shimmering with neon glitters, and express your creative side with body paints (while supplies last!). It's a vibrant, interactive, and glowing experience in Downtown Arlington you won't want to miss!

• 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: ”Pizza & Game Night” - Challenge your friends to classic video games while enjoying delicious pizza (first-come, first-serve). It's the perfect way to get energized before the fireworks begin, blending community fun with the excitement of Light Up Arlington and First Thursdays!

• Goldilinks Jewelry & Hat Bar: “Bubbles & Brights” - This First Thursday, Goldilinks Jewelry & Hat Bar sparkles brighter for Light Up Arlington! Join us for "Bubbles & Brights" where you can enjoy complimentary champagne toasts and get festive with free glow sticks. It's the perfect way to add some shimmer and shine to your celebration before the fireworks light up Downtown Arlington!

• 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: “Sip & Shop” - This First Thursday, dive into unique style at Deep Dive Vintage's Sip & Shop! Enjoy refreshing sips while you browse our curated collection of one-of-a-kind vintage clothing and accessories. It's the perfect opportunity to uncover hidden gems and elevate your look in Downtown Arlington!

• Donna’s Gift Closet: “Bubbles & Bracelets” - This July 3rd, Donna's Gift Closet invites families to celebrate First Thursday and Light Up Arlington with festive fun! Kids can enjoy playing with bubbles and lighting up the evening with free glow bracelets. Plus, in honor of the 4th of July, take advantage of our special "Buy 3 Items, Get the 4th Free" offer (equal or lesser value) on your favorite finds!

• 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: “Family Fun at the Wellspring” - Discover the joy of performance at Wellspring on Main's First Thursday! Head to The Mineral Well (June 5th, 5:30-7:30 PM) for a fun evening of karaoke, where everyone's invited to share their musical talent. Create Wellspring offers patriotic fun for families with free face painting and balloon twisting, plus live painting by Create artists on the patios! Step inside for the soft opening of a new Latin Art Exhibit in the Main Gallery, celebrating community and culture in Downtown Arlington.

• Commodities: “Sip & Shop” - This July 3rd, join Culture Commodities for a vibrant First Thursday and Light Up Arlington celebration! We'll have a few local vendors set up outside, offering unique finds, and we'll be handing out complimentary samples of Jinro Soju. It's the perfect blend of local business, cultural sips, and festive energy as Downtown Arlington lights up the night!

• Ann’s Natural Grocer: “Cool Down & Fuel Up” - Beat the heat this First Thursday at Ann's Natural Grocer! We'll have a refreshing cooling/misting tent outside, along with delicious smoothies, plenty of cold drinks, and bagged ice available for purchase. Explore our food and beverage vendors and stay cool while enjoying all the July 3rd festivities in Downtown Arlington!

• Kung Fu Tea: “Sand Art Sips" - Create your own colorful sand art bottle, free with any purchase (while supplies last!), while enjoying your favorite drinks. It's a delightful blend of artistic fun and refreshment in Downtown Arlington!

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

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