Spring's the Thing: Arts, Culture and Entertainment in Downtown Arlington

There’s so much to do in Downtown Arlington, the Arlington Cultural District, that one article can’t possibly cover everything. But we can give you a preview of some of the hottest tickets in town, plus tips for getting real-time updates so you don’t ever miss a thing.

Music

Arlington Music Hall (AMH) delights crowds with performances of every imaginable genre. In addition to the second annual jazz, blues and R&B-inspired Arlington Music Festival, where else can you see -- among others -- the Glenn Miller Orchestra, BJ Thomas, violinist Shoji Tabuchi, Chante Moore Live and Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Shootout?

AMH is also home to the celebrated Symphony Arlington, whose stirring 2017-18 season of classical music is inspired by Vienna, City of Music. Meanwhile, chamber music ensemble Timeless Concerts is hosting its popular annual Valentine’s Day performance on Feb. 10 and “An Evening in Italy” on April 2, both at the Arlington Museum of Art.

Also at the Arlington Museum of Art, Frame 4 Frame is hosting its first-ever spring event. Be sure to check out Music at the Museum on January 30.

The UT Arlington Department of Music boasts its own ambitious semester of classical, jazz, choir and contemporary music performances by its world-class faculty, guest musicians and talented students. Our top pick: the 44^th annual Jazz Festival on February 23.

Sometimes you can also catch UTA music professors gigging with the American Jazz Composers Orchestra at the Grease Monkey Burger Shop and Social Club. J. Gilligan’s, J.R. Bentley’s, Legal Draft, Division Brewing, Truth Vinyl, and other Downtown establishments host musical acts and open mic nights throughout the year, too.

Musical Theatre

Not to brag, but we think Downtown Arlington is the best place in DFW for unique musical theatre, particularly this upcoming season. Between Theatre Arlington‘s professional ensembles and UTA’s outstanding Maverick Theatre Company, you’ll be humming your favorite tunes from hits like Theatre Arlington’s DreamWorks Shrek Jr. The Musical and Footloose: The Musical and UTA’s performance of the operas Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi.

Theatre

Other performances by Theatre Arlington and UTA’s Maverick Theatre Company are also sure to delight, including Theatre Arlington’s Sylvia, Red, Stellaluna (youth production), and The Sweetest Swing in Baseball plus UTA’s Flight 12 Improv, The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket, Grace, and 100 Brains. Visit their websites for complete schedules.

Pop Up Events

Have you noticed a recent surge in pop-up events in Downtown? By nature, these kinds of events "pop up" overnight and only last a day or a few, utilize existing spaces in new ways, and often bring concepts, products or experiences to a place that are unique or new. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of the hosts and some behind-the-scenes assistance from DAMC, several pop-ups are taking place this Spring in our Cultural District:

• Christopher Hightower Gallery launches in Downtown Arlington with a pop-up exhibition on Feb. 3 featuring internationally renowned painter Donray. Click here for more information.
• Fort Worth's wildly popular Urban Traders Market is coming to Arlington, popping up on March 24, April 21, May 19 and June 16 at 400 E Division.
• Happy Goat Yoga with Arlington Yoga Center. The March 3 event at Legal Draft is sold out, but another one is in the works.

• Biergarten and PopUp Dog Park on April 7. Stay tuned for details!

Arts Exhibitions

In addition to the exceptional, on-going exhibits at UTA Special Collections, Studio 204 and Upstairs Gallery, three upcoming visual arts events have really caught our eye:

• UT Arlington’s MFA students are hosting an Open Studio Event on February 7. Click here to visit the Department of Art + Art History’s full calendar of exhibitions.
• The current exhibition at the Arlington Museum of Art (AMA) features local artists Steve Moya & Christie Neale now through February 25.
• The talent at Youth Art Month will blow you away, hosted by the AMA from March 7 - April 19.

Dance

Located in the heart of Downtown, Miss Persis Dance Studio has been providing a variety of dance classes and performances since 1954, while the UTA Maverick Dance Company presents VIA DANCE in May.

Lectures

A world-class research university, UT Arlington is a magnet for creative thinkers, inventors and change-makers. Throughout the academic year, the University presents a wide variety of thought-provoking lectures and public talks, including Maverick Speaker Series headliners. This Spring, the Series presents Michael Pollan and Gretchen Carlson. Visit the UTA calendar of events for the most up-to-date listing of public talks, demonstrations and other events.

Sports

While Downtown Arlington is one short park-and-ride from the homes of the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys, it’s also a shorter park-and-walk to the UTA College Park Center where it’s nothing but net for our hometown UTA Mavericks and the WNBA’s Dallas Wings. Maverick basketball is already in full swing, Maverick baseball begins at home on Feb. 16, and the Wings tip-off the 2018 season later this Spring. Get your single-game and season tickets today!

One-stop entertainment guide

Don’t miss out on anything that our cultural partners have to offer! Subscribe to our e-newsletter for the latest in events, performances and entertainment in Downtown Arlington. Planning ahead? Visit our online calendar of events and download our printable Downtown Destinations Guide.

Drive, Park, Walk and Bike

One of Downtown’s main thoroughfares is Abram Street, and due to major infrastructure and streetscaping improvements starting this Spring, you’ll likely encounter some detours. Be sure to consult the Downtown Arlington website and track #myAbram on social media for the latest traffic routing information.

About Downtown Arlington

An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate.