Mayor Proclaims June 2023 as Downtown Arlington Month

This week Mayor Jim Ross proclaimed June 2023 as Downtown Arlington Month due to Downtown’s nature as a developing hub for the cultural arts and our ability to bring high-quality event activations that honor the City’s history and community. Concerts, art exhibits, cultural celebrations, and more just in time for Summer Vacation. June is less than 2 weeks away and it’s time to get ready for an action-packed summer that will keep you coming back week after week! Here’s everything you need to add to your calendar this upcoming month.

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Collection- June 3rd

We’re starting the month off strong with the opening of the Arlington Museum of Art’s latest exhibit, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Collection,” a deep dive into the iconic popstar’s award-winning career. The exhibition will run from June 3^rd to September 24^th and features never-before-seen photographs and video footage, audio, and costumes from the various creative periods of her life, known as “eras.”

Costumes include eight outfits worn by Swift during her record-breaking albums Fearless, Red, Folklore, and Midnights. As Swift continues to rock the world with sold-out concerts, this exhibit is the perfect way to start the summer and strengthen your connection to your favorite artist.

The Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show, Presented by Chevrolet- June 10th

The Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show, which is presented by Chevrolet, will be on June 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the historic Vandergriff Town Center. The show will feature over 150 classic and antique vehicles manufactured prior to 1978 and a special designated area for the presenting sponsor Chevrolet to showcase some of their best automobiles, including a 70^th Anniversary edition of the Corvette. Along with all the hot rods, there will be food trucks, live music, family fun, and a ceremony awarding the best vehicles of the show.

The event was created to honor the longstanding history between Downtown Arlington, General Motors, and Chevrolet and to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of Chevrolet’s Corvette. If you own a classic car or if you're a fan of Corvettes and old school vehicles, be sure to mark your calendars for June 10th! There will also be a Preview Event on May 26th at 7:00 p.m. in front of the Arlington Music Hall where attendees have the opportunity to get a special photo op with a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette and hear from Mayor Jim Ross as he officially declares June 2023 as Downtown Arlington Month. You don't want to miss this special presentation before the big event in June!

Rotary Dream Park Dedication- June 10th

On the morning of June 10th, starting at 9:00 a.m., is the Rotary Dream Park Dedication where the Rotary Club of Arlington will be donating an interactive public art piece by Jen Lewin Studio to the City of Arlington in celebration of The Rotary Club's 100th anniversary in Arlington. This new installation in conjunction with the DREAM Sculpture will serve as integral parts of the Rotary Dream Park currently under construction.

The .619-acre park is envisioned as a welcoming space for people all over the city to gather, connect, and relax in the Downtown atmosphere. The DREAM sculpture, created by Jeff Schomberg and Laura Kimpton, will be moving from its temporary location on Abram Street to a permanent home at The Rotary Dream Park, located on E. Front Street between N. Center and N. Mesquite Streets. 

2023 Arlington Pride Celebration, presented by the HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness- June 10th

After the classic car show, be sure to stick around in the downtown area for the 2023 Frank Kent Cadillac Arlington Pride Celebration, presented by the HELP Center for LGBT Heath and Wellness. The Arlington Pride Celebration is free to attend and will take place on June 10^th from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion Arlington.

This event promises to be an unforgettable night full of glam, gowns, music, and dance with performances from RuPaul's Drag Race Queens Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Symone, and Kennedy Davenport. In addition to the performances from these talented, show-winning queens, there will be a host of other entertainment on stage, including DJ Al Farb, and vendors lining the street.

2023 Juneteenth Celebration- June 17th

The Levitt Pavilion Arlington continues their commitment to showcasing and representing the variety of cultures and communities that make up the historical heart of the city with this year’s Juneteenth Celebration on June 17^th, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The day will be a soulful festival of jazz, blues, and R&B and will feature musical performances from bands such as New Breed Brass Band and Frank Sutton Fusion Project.

Accompanying the rhythm and dance will be food trucks, vendors, and fun for the entire family to enjoy. Previous cultural celebrations brought together people from all over the metroplex as they connected over the rich history and expressive arts of a community.

2023 Paint Wars- June 17th

If you’re a fan of Wheel Wars, you’re in luck because Wheel Wars now has a sister! Taking place on June 17^th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Paint Wars, brought to you by Catalyst Creative Arts, is a fast-paced painting competition where eight local artists compete in three-round eliminations to see who can complete the best painting within a 20-minute period.

After each round, the audience will decide the winner(s) with the victor earning a Paint Wars 2023 trophy designed and produced by Catalyst Creative. The event is free to attend and will be hosted by Growl Records and Division Brewing. Competitors and visitors are encouraged to bring their friends and families out for a night of beer, music, and colorful art.

Much, Much More!

Sprinkled in between these major events is a ton of fun and entertainment for people with all hobbies and interests to find a home in Downtown Arlington. There are free concerts at the Levitt Pavilion every weekend, monthly plein air outdoor painting sessions, live music at the Arlington Music Hall, photo walks, and Produce & Pickle, a perfect opportunity to shop for fresh produce from local vendors, such as Bonton Farms and Greens Produce and Ann’s Natural Grocery, while playing an exciting game of pickleball.

And if that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, Theatre Arlington’s latest show “Fly by Night” opens on June 16^th and runs through the beginning of July. Summer in Downtown Arlington is full of activities and events for everybody to have fun, develop new skills, meet new people, and gain a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural heart of the city. It’s no surprise that the mayor chose June as the official Downtown Arlington Month, for that is the month that kickstarts it all! Join us in celebrating Downtown Arlington Month by choosing Downtown as your one-stop destination for this summer’s best entertainment.