Seven Ways to Celebrate Dads and Grads in Downtown

June is the month to say “Hip, hip, hooray!” and hats off to two of our favorite kinds of people: dads and grads. We know you’re looking for a special place to spend Father’s Day and toast the Class of 2021 – and, for that matter, the Class of 2020, because their celebration is long overdue. What better place to gather with the family than in Downtown Arlington?

Grads, dads and their fams are invited to enjoy our great local cuisine and sunny patios. We’ve also got all kinds of unique murals and other public art installations which provide colorful backdrops for family selfies. Parking is easy and free, and if you’re in town for a graduation ceremony at either AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field, Downtown Arlington is literally minutes away. We also have some pretty unique destinations that are perfect for pampering and spending time with your special dad or grad (or both).

You bring the cause for celebration and we’ll take care of the rest. Here are seven of our favorite ways to celebrate together in Downtown Arlington:

Music to your ears. What better accompaniment to your June celebration than live music? Arlington Music Hall has been one of DFW’s gems for live entertainment for decades. Just up the street is the Levitt Pavilion, which offers over fifty free outdoor concerts a year. Downtown Arlington also has over ten small live music venues within the two-mile radius of our Cultural District.

Play like a kid. Sometimes reaching a big milestone – like graduation or a special Father’s Day – makes you feel a little nostalgic. Instead of just talking about times gone by, relive old glories at Free Play Arcade, Wild West Comics and Growl.

Right on target. Looking for a little adrenaline rush? Take your grad or dad indoor rock-climbing at Dyno-Rock, get a crazy-good workout at the newly opened Camp Tuf, try your hand at indoor axe-throwing at Lone Star Axe Throwing, or splurge on courtside seats for next Dallas Wings home game at College Park Center.

Art and soul. The powerful and inspiring exhibition “30 Americans” has recently opened at the Arlington Museum of Art. The collection includes works by contemporary African American artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mickalene Thomas, Kara Walker, Carrie Mae Weems, and Kehinde Wiley.

Head of the class. If you have a beloved dad or grad in your family, then there’s pampering to be done! He’ll love his new look courtesy of Legendz Classic Barbershop, Old Tyme Barbershop, or 817 Barbershop, and she’ll give nothing but rave reviews for Braids by Ivory, Darrah's Salon, and Maren Karsen Salon & Store. Oh, and how about a spa day? Look no further than Downtown Arlington, home of Sienna Salon & Spa, Burt Grant SalonSpa and Spa at the Sanford House.

Cup runneth over. We know you’re proud. Show her or him how much! But don’t just buy your grad or dad the perfect cup of joe; linger over it together in a unique, local coffee shop. Check out our Downtown coffee shop and roastery guide.    

Cheers! Time for a toast? We thought so. From a wine bar to a tiki lounge, from craft beer to expertly crafted cocktails, Downtown Arlington has a wide variety of totally local establishments that can’t wait to welcome you in.