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, March 5th from 5-8pm. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!
Supported by
March Featured Attractions
Featured Attraction: Musical Instrument Petting Zoo with Coyote Music Studio
When: Thursday, March 5 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: City Center Plaza, Downtown Arlington
Classes: 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, & 7:00 PM
Downtown Arlington is thrilled to host Coyote Music Studio for a hands-on musical experience at City Center Plaza! The Instrument Petting Zoo is a 10x10 playground of sound where kids can get "up close and personal" with drums, keyboards, guitars, ukuleles, xylophones, and more.
Join a Family Music Class: On the hour, join a short class led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Specifically designed for ages 3–6, these sessions blend interactive songs with "Musical Storytime" to bring books to life through sound.
Come explore, play, and find your rhythm in the heart of the city!
Featured Attraction: Live Corndog & Hotdog Portrait Art
March First Thursdays is officially going to the dogs! Have you ever wondered what you’d look like as a hot dog or a corn dog? Get those burning questions answered this month as we head over to Division Brewing for a night of quirky art and specialty eats.
The patio is 100% dog-friendly, so bring your pups along for the fun:
- Live Portraits: Get a free custom hot dog or corn dog portrait of yourself (or your pup!) by artist Becca Waugh.
- The Gallery: Peruse Becca’s specialized gallery of corn and hot dog-themed art.
- The Kitchen: Grab specialty hot dogs straight from the Division Brewing menu.
When: March 5th | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Division Brewing
Come for the art, stay for the local brew!
Featured Attraction: School of Rock Busker Showcase
School of Rock Busker Showcase
When: Thursday, March 5th | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Rotary DREAM Park
Join School of Rock Arlington for a live Busker Showcase at Rotary DREAM Park. This high-energy performance features a rotating lineup of students and instructors performing rock, pop, and soul hits in a stripped-back, outdoor setting.
Experience the "School of Rock Method" in action as musicians from the Rock 101 and Performance Programs take the stage. Grab a seat near the DREAM sculpture and enjoy a night of local talent and live music in the heart of Downtown.
Featured Attraction: Face Paint Party
Center & Abram St. (Sidewalk Corner) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Add a splash of color to your evening with free face painting right in the heart of Downtown! Whether you're a kid wanting to transform into a superhero or an adult looking for some festival-ready flair, bring the whole family to the corner of Center and Abram. It’s the perfect way to wear your Downtown spirit while you explore the shops and live music!
Featured Attraction: Arlington Amplified presents: Street Sounds
Experience the vibrant sounds of Downtown Arlington this First Thursdays on March 5th 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 artist Victor Torino on the sidewalk corner next to Amore Mio & enjoy the sounds of Ian Gillies at the Wellspring fountain across from Worthington Bank.
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:
- Patrick Pombuena: Performing live on the sidewalk at Deep Dive Vintage.
- Symphony Arlington: Catch a world-class musician busking along Front Street through our special community partnership.
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: March First Thursday Map
Be sure to come early to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our March First Thursday event:
- Create Wellspring: “The Dinosaur Exhibit Closing Reception” - Join Create Texas @ Wellspring on Main for the grand finale of their latest exhibition featuring artists Noin Rivera and Marilyn Lopez. This is your final opportunity to experience an immersive showcase that brings imagination and texture to life through playful storytelling and unique artistic vision.Spend your March First Thursday evening celebrating the artists during this closing ceremony while exploring the gallery. This event is free, open to the public, and the perfect final look for art lovers of all ages before the prehistoric magic disappears!
- Rocketbelly: “Boba & Birdhouses” - Step into a little creative orbit with us! Paint a complimentary mini birdhouse (while supplies last) and sip on your favorite bubble tea.
- Namoo: “K-Trivia Night with UTA Korean Culture Association” - Test your knowledge at the UTA Korean Culture Association (KCA) K-Trivia Night! Join us at Namoo during March First Thursdays for a fun, interactive evening featuring pop culture, history, and community. Whether you’re a Hallyu expert or just want to enjoy delicious food in a great atmosphere, come compete for bragging rights and build new friendships. It’s the perfect way to gather with the Maverick community and experience the energy of Downtown!
- Kung Fu Tea: “Luck & Boba” - Get into the St. Paddy’s spirit with a creative twist! Stop by Kung Fu Tea to craft your own DIY Gold Pot Shamrock Ornament while you enjoy your favorite boba. This festive maker station is the perfect way to add a touch of handmade luck to your First Thursday celebration.
- Ann’s Natural Grocer: "Wellness Bar” - Fuel your first Thursday with a visit to the Wellness Bar! Ann’s Natural Grocer invites you to a guided tasting of functional flavors, featuring plant-powered Pirq Protein shakes and the nightshade-free Tomano "no tomato" sauce. Complete your refresh with a curated flight of adaptogen and non-alcoholic drink samples, designed to help you find balance and vitality while you explore the downtown festivities.
- J. Gilligan’s: “Movie Trivia & 2k16 Throwback Party” - Pick your vibe at Gilligan’s for a night of dual entertainment! Test your cinema knowledge with Movie Trivia on the dining side, or head to the bar for a 2k16 Throwback Party hosted by Snapchat. Whether you’re competing for prizes or dancing to 2016’s best hits, it’s the ultimate destination for nostalgia and fun.
- Camia Rhea: “Personal Scent Matching” - Discover your signature scent during March First Thursday! Stop by for a personal scent matching session to find the perfect fragrance for your home and explore our collection of hand-blended candles and local gifts.
- 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.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters: “DIY Cardboard Racing Car Station” - Rev your engines with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tarrant County! Join us for a high-speed maker station where you can engineer your own cardboard roll race cars. It’s the perfect way to gear up for the upcoming IndyCar race while learning about the power of mentorship in our community.
- Donna’s Gift Closet: “Clover Coloring Party” - Feeling lucky? Come and decorate a clover for St. Patrick’s Day! We will be offering 10% off for any customer who mentions lucky clover!
- Lacquer Box Nail Salon: “Lucky Face Painting & Nail Art” - Join the fun with complimentary face painting from 6:30–7:30 PM — available for everyone — and get into the lucky spirit with shamrocks, sparkle, and festive flair.We’re extending salon hours until 8 PM, so book your nail appointment and rock your best green glam. Emerald hues, gold accents, and all the glossy vibes await.
- 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: “Spring Bloom Bookmarks & Tattoos” - This First Thursday, Space Monkey Tattoo is celebrating the arrival of spring with a floral-focused evening. Choose from a curated selection of exclusive flower flash designs to wear forever, or stop by our free pressed flower bookmark station to create a little piece of nature you can take home. Whether it’s fresh ink or a fresh craft, come grow with us!
- Los Molcas: ”TBA”
- Downtown Arlington Library: “Creative Corner x DIY Puzzle” - Join our complimentary maker station to illustrate your very own Custom Jigsaw Puzzle using a vibrant palette of markers and crayons. This hands-on activation highlights the art of "functional play," allowing you to transform a blank canvas into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that you can assemble again and again. 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: “Serenades on the Sidewalk” - Enjoy the perfect Italian evening with live music on the sidewalk featuring the sounds of Victor Toruno. Hosted by Arlington Amplified, this outdoor performance pairs beautifully with an authentic meal and the vibrant energy of Downtown.
- The Mosaic Market: “The Art of the Layer” - Discover the tactile beauty of mixed media this First Thursday! The Mosaic Market invites you to explore the craft of decoupage. Join our complimentary maker station to design a unique Decoupage Art Block using a curated selection of decorative papers and stickers. This hands-on activation highlights the art of "assemblage," allowing you to transform simple materials into a layered, personal masterpiece to take home.
- Wondrous Works Gift Shop: “Pop-Up Art Show” - Experience a Pop-Up Art Show featuring the unique ceramic creations of Arlington artist CiCi House of Clay. Browse a beautiful collection of handmade pottery and durable stonework while exploring the shop’s eclectic mix of vintage and local gifts.
- Goldilink’s: “Luster Lab” - Rediscover the brilliance of your favorite pieces this First Thursday! Goldilink invites you to explore the specialized craft of jewelry maintenance with a complimentary cleaning and inspection station. This activation highlights the technical artistry and care behind jewelry design, ensuring your wearable art shines as you explore the rest of downtown.
- Inclusion Coffee: “Coffee & Crepes” - Join us during March First Thursday for an exclusive tasting experience! We’re hosting a free coffee and crepe tasting event, featuring a curated selection of our signature brews and handcrafted sweet treats. Stop by to enjoy the community atmosphere and discover your new favorite flavors in the heart of Downtown.
- 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!
- Arlington Music Hall ($): ”Ambrosia Live!” - Kick off the March First Thursday and the Downtown Pit Stop campaign with a night of classic rock and smooth soul at the historic Arlington Music Hall. Experience 5-time Grammy nominees Ambrosia—the legendary band behind hits like "Biggest Part of Me" and "How Much I Feel"—joined by renowned singer-songwriter John Ford Coley.Whether you're a long-time fan or looking for the perfect "Arts Pit Stop" before race weekend, this is the ultimate destination for incredible musicianship and timeless melodies in the heart of Downtown. Doors open at 5:30 PM | Show starts at 7:30 PM.
- 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!
Coming Soon…
Interested in volunteering for First Thursdays? Fill out our form here