Community Photo, Sticker Scavenger Hunt, Live Music, Crafts and More Planned for Arlington 150th Anniversary-Themed First Thursdays Event

Downtown Arlington’s monthly First Thursdays event will take on a special theme this September joining the citywide celebration of Arlington’s 150th birthday.

The free event, held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 3, 2026, will feature live music, family-friendly activities and downtown experiences, all centered on commemorating the city’s sesquicentennial. Attractions and specials are available on the First Thursdays landing page, but several key birthday‑themed activities are already set.

One of the night’s largest moments is planned for the Levitt Pavilion lawn near City Hall, where community members will form a massive “150” for a drone‑captured commemorative photo. Participants can pick up a free Arlington 150th birthday T‑shirt, available while supplies last, at the site before the shoot. RSVP to reserve your spot for the historic photo. The Levitt Pavilion is located at 100 W. Abram St. Enjoy free limited quantity birthday cookies from Marquez Bakery. A special thanks to design firm MMA Texas, located at 519 E Border St., for assisting with the surveying, planning and mapping of the "150" outline for the photo.

Hurtado BBQ, located at 205 E. Front St., will host live music and a mural painting session from 5 to 8 p.m. to celebrate Arlington’s 150th birthday. Attendees can meet local artist Dylan Kennedy as he completes Downtown’s newest mural, snap photos with the artwork and enjoy music on the patio. The 150th Mural is supported by the North Texas Communities Foundation and the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.

Knapp Heritage Park will host an open house with historic log cabin tours, live music and the launch of Arlington History Walking Tours, which will begin and end at the park. Please register for the Guided Tours. Knapp Heritage Park is located at 201 W. Front St.

Visitors can explore Downtown through the Arlington 150th Birthday Sticker Scavenger Hunt, stopping at six participating businesses to collect custom stickers. After completing the set, participants can collect a limited‑edition sticker at the City of Arlington booth inside Theatre Arlington at 305 W. Main St. 

Sticker Stops (please note only 1 sticker will be handed out per participant):

1. Downtown Library: 150th Badge sticker

2. Big Brother, Big Sister of Tarrant County: Mineral Well sticker

3. Coliseum Comics: Sports sticker

4. Ann’s Natural Grocer: UTA sticker

5. Rocketbelly: Six Flags sticker

6. Donna’s Gift Closet: Railroad sticker

After you collect all 6, head to Theatre Arlington to receive the First Thursdays special edition sticker at the City of Arlington table. 

The George W. Hawkes Downtown Library will also host an interactive table with MIG, the planning and design firm working with the City of Arlington on its Comprehensive Plan. Visitors can stop by to learn more about the planning process, share their ideas for Downtown and help shape the future of Arlington.

Theatre Arlington will join the celebration with "Stealing the Spotlight: 150 Years of Arlington," an original cabaret featuring stories, anecdotes and music inspired by notable figures from Arlington’s history. Performances will take place at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with each show running approximately 30 minutes. Reserve your ticket in advance to secure your spot.

Before each performance of "Stealing the Spotlight," the Arlington Master Chorale will take the cabaret stage at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. for a special preview of its upcoming concert, "Treasures of the Heart," taking place Oct. 16–17, 2026. The concert will feature a commissioned work by local composer Laura Farnell, created in commemoration of Arlington’s 150th anniversary.

Frost Bank’s Downtown branch, located at 101 E. Abram St., Suite 160, will offer free face painting, popcorn and sodas. A City of Arlington 150th Birthday photo backdrop will also be available near the Levitt lawn for attendees to capture their own milestone snapshots.

Music will play a major role in the celebration. Through Arlington Amplified, local musicians will perform along Downtown sidewalks as part of its Street Sounds activation. Symphony Arlington will also bring classical selections to the area during the event.

For a full list of participating businesses, activities, live music and special activations happening throughout Downtown, visit the First Thursdays landing page. 

First Thursdays continues to serve as a monthly showcase for Downtown businesses, local artists and community organizations. With Arlington marking 150 years, September’s edition aims to blend celebration, history and entertainment in a single evening across the Downtown district.