Support Local Without Spending a Dime

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to support local? Here’s how you can do it while also keeping your resolution to save money! You don’t have to spend a dime to make a big impact right here in Downtown Arlington. Supporting local businesses goes beyond purchases: it’s about showing up, sharing love and creating community. Here are practical (and free!) ways to lift up our small businesses in 2026:

1. Attend Downtown Events

Downtown Arlington offers a variety of free or low-cost community events that bring people together and spotlight local businesses without costing you anything.

• First Thursdays: On the first Thursday of each month, Downtown comes alive with free live music, art, cultural experiences and community fun throughout local businesses. It’s a great way to explore favorite spots and discover new ones while supporting local artists and merchants.

• Farmers Market Saturdays: From spring through fall, the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market showcases local farmers, artisans and creators every Saturday morning. Even if you don’t buy that week, just showing up builds awareness and supports the grassroots economy.

2. Boost Local Businesses on Social Media

A free like, follow, comment or share goes a long way. Small businesses thrive on community visibility, and one post from you could introduce a shop to a whole new audience!

• Follow local shops and eateries on Instagram and Facebook.

• Share your favorite downtown experiences, tag the business and add a personal recommendation.

• Interact with local business posts by:

• Commenting on new menus or sales

• Saving posts about events

Responding to polls or questions

• Tagging friends who might be interested

This kind of engagement helps them reach more customers without any cost to you, and is one of the easiest- and best- ways you can help support our small businesses here in Downtown Arlington.

3. Leave Online Reviews

Positive reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook and other sites help local businesses stand out, especially to visitors searching for great places to eat, shop or explore. Writing a quick 5-star review takes just a few minutes but can make a huge difference in someone’s day (and their business).

4. Tell Your Friends

Word-of-mouth is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of support.

• Send someone a post about First Thursdays, the Farmers Market or a specific business.

• Invite a friend to join you for a downtown event.

• Recommend a shop or restaurant in your group chat or social media group.

5. Just Show Up

Supporting local doesn’t always mean buying something.

• Take a walk - stroll downtown on a Saturday morning, or make it a date night. Visit our Paths to find safe, walkable, instagrammable trails to wonder as you explore downtown. 

• Stop by a local business and say hi.

• Chat with the owners or staff about what they offer.

Friendly faces and regulars add life to our streets, help build repeat visitors and encour-age businesses to continue investing in Downtown Arlington.

Supporting local is about connection as much as commerce. By showing up, spreading the word and celebrating the creativity in Downtown Arlington, you’re keeping our vibrant small business scene thriving while staying true to your New Year’s goals.