The first-ever First Thursday was a hit!

First Thursdays is a celebration of Downtown Arlington culture where businesses partner with artists to show their creative spirit. Over 17 businesses were a part of the first-ever “First Thursdays,” which ranged from J. Gilligan’s Bar hosting Halloween Face Painting, to F6 Art Gallery & Lounge hosting an Artist & Music Showcase, with art and activities in between! 

Salsa at the Garden hosted Salsa Classes outside of George W. Hawkes Library during First Thursdays on October 3rd. Instructors led an energetic crowd in lively salsa dancing. This was sponsored by Levitt Pavilion ahead of their Hispanic Heritage Festival. 

Attendees cheer during the open mic night at The Fool’s Kava House while enjoying games and puzzles. 

Patrick Pombuena plays a mixture of pop and jazz music while busking on East Abram St. Pombuena is a skilled guitar and saxophone player and a talented singer. 

F6 Art Gallery & Lounge hosts an Artist and Music Showcase where attendees join in and have an opportunity to showcase their musical talent.

Artists showed off their work on the gallery side, sharing the inspiration behind their work.

The Chosen One Ink Tattoo artist Jayson Pilkinton paints a pumpkin. The Chosen One Ink Tattoo hosted an open gallery where anyone could walk in and see their sculptures, paintings, and tangible art.

J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill hosted face painting during First Thursdays on October 3rd at J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill. Parents and their kids joined in the fun, getting cute animals and characters painted on their faces free of charge. 

The Sanford House hosted Sunset Yoga in the Courtyard during First Thursdays at The Sanford House. “It went really well, and I’m excited to come out and do it again. And I think everybody really enjoyed themselves” - Sarah Campbell, The Sanford House Yoga Instructor.

Downtown Arlington Library hosted a Creative Corner where anyone could go in and paint their own sugar skull. Participants created vibrant, hand-painted skulls celebrating the season.

The Mosaic Market hosted Coffee & Zentangle for First Thursdays. Zentangle involves drawing intricate patterns and is used as a meditative art form.  

Chy Tea sings and plays guitar outside of Kung Fue Tea.

Owners of Union Worx Coworking Luke and Lauren Brewer showed off their e-bikes at Mosaic. 

Join us on November 7th for the next First Thursdays event, and check in on the event webpage for the lineup, which will be announced two weeks before the event. Be sure to invite a friend on the Facebook event!