Stories
Mar 3, 2026
Downtown Arlington Partners with Medical City Arlington for First Thursdays
(ARLINGTON, Texas – March 3, 2026) — The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation (DAMC) is proud to announce a new partnership with Medical City Arlington as the official community partner for the March 5 First Thursdays annual event series in Downtown Arlington.
Medical City Arlington is celebrating its 50th anniversary and deepening its commitment to the community by supporting Downtown’s most beloved monthly tradition — First Thursdays.
First Thursdays has become a cornerstone event for Downtown Arlington, drawing residents and visitors into the district for an evening of live music, local art, dining and community connection. What began as an arts-focused initiative has grown into a highly anticipated monthly occurrence that businesses eagerly participate in and families mark on their calendars.
“First Thursdays represents everything we love about Downtown Arlington: creativity, collaboration and community,” said Maggie Campbell, DA’s President and CEO. “As Medical City Arlington celebrates 50 years of caring for our community, we are honored to partner with an organization that has been such an impactful presence in Arlington’s health and wellness.”
Founded in 1976, Medical City Arlington has grown alongside the city, expanding services, technology and facilities to meet the evolving needs of the region. From where it started to where it stands today as a full-service hospital and healthcare leader, its 50-year legacy reflects a history of service, innovation and care.
LaSharndra “Sharn” Barbarin, MHA, FACHE, chief executive officer of Medical City Arlington, said the partnership is a natural extension of the hospital’s mission.
“For 50 years, Medical City Arlington has been committed to truly supporting this community by honoring where we started, celebrating where we are today and investing in the people and organizations doing meaningful work,” Barbarin said. “Supporting First Thursdays allows us to extend our impact beyond our hospital walls and support the vibrant arts and small business community that makes Downtown Arlington so special.”
March First Thursdays Highlights
The March 5 First Thursdays event will feature an evening of live entertainment, interactive art experiences and special promotions from Downtown Arlington businesses.
- Musical Instrument Petting Zoo – Coyote Music Studio will host a hands-on musical experience at City Center Plaza.
- Live Corndog & Hotdog Portrait Art – Division Brewing will host playful portraits ofguests and pups as hot dogs or corndogs, specialty hot dogs and local brews.
- School of Rock Busker Showcase – School of Rock Arlington will perform a live Busker Showcase at Rotary DREAM Park.
- Business Activations & Specials – Trivia, vinyl listening sessions, art showcases, open jam sessions, family activities and exclusive promotions from local businesses.
As a community partner, Medical City Arlington will be onsite connecting with attendees and highlighting resources that promote health and wellness for Arlington residents.
First Thursdays takes place on the first Thursday of every month in Downtown Arlington. The event continues to grow as a signature experience that strengthens local businesses, supports the arts and creates a welcoming space for neighbors to gather.
For more First Thursdays information, visit downtownarlington.org/events/firstthursdays.
About Downtown Arlington Downtown Arlington is a 501-c3 non-profit organization that forges alliances between property owners, businesses, residents and the City to improve, enhance and promote Downtown Arlington. Downtown Arlington is also the steward of the Arlington Cultural District.
Medical City Arlington is a full-service hospital serving Arlington and surrounding communities. Celebrating 50 years of service in 2026, the hospital remains committed to advancing healthcare, investing in innovation and supporting the health and well-being of the community it calls home.