Abram Street / DAMC / Entertainment / Events / Food / Kids / MyAbram
Jun 28, 2019
We’re Saving You a Seat: Downtown Arlington Businesses Roll Out the Red, White and Blue Carpet
Two of the American Dream City’s most popular annual events – Light Up Arlington and the Arlington Independence Day Parade – take place right here in heart of the city. This year, a number of Downtown destinations are partnering with the City to host fireworks watch parties on July 3, creating even more opportunities for families and friends to celebrate their favorite hometown traditions.
Wednesday, July 3
throughout Downtown Arlington
Starting at 6:00 p.m.
#LUA2019 is a star-spangled event filled with entertainment, live music, food, plenty of kid-friendly activities and, of course, the big fireworks show. No matter where you chose to as your home base for the night, be sure to bring your own chairs or blankets.
The fun starts at several outdoor locations including Boomtown (southeast corner of Center St. and Front St.), Firecracker Alley (northwest corner of Abram St. and Pecan St.), the City’s Municipal Office Tower (northeast corner of Abram St. and Mesquite St.), and the Downtown Library (southwest corner of Main St. and Center St.). Each location offers a different combination of activities including food trucks, vendors, a trackless train, live music, petting zoo, pony ride, bubble bus, story time, face painting, and more, plus necessities like information booths, restrooms and first aid stations. Activities continue until the fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.
100 W. Abram Street
Starting at 7:00 p.m.
This year’s headliners for Light Up Arlington are Donovan Keith and Hannah Kirby. Donovan Keith embodies the ideals of both stunning vocal ability and infectiously frenetic showmanship. Hannah Kirby mixes classic rock, early soul and blues with a powerful voice that melts you like honey on a hot biscuit.
506 E. Division Street, Suite 150
Opens at 11:00 a.m.
Urban Union’s resident taco and tequila masters are firing up the outdoor bar and patio with great specials on house margaritas, Dos Equis, and Michelob Ultra Tallboys plus Tex-Mex beef or chicken fajita tacos.
506 E. Division Street, Suite 130
Opens at 11:00 a.m.
Inspirations Catering offers two carry out dinner options with a tropical touch: chicken and pineapple rice bowls and a custom Charcuterie Board special that serves 2-4 people.
406 W. Abram Street
Opens at 11:00 a.m.
Watching the fireworks from J.R. Bentley’s patio has been a favorite tradition for years! Bring your lawn chairs, and Bentley’s will help you celebrate Independence Day with premium draft and bottled domestic beer specials.
500 E. Division Street
Starting at 3:00 p.m.
SmokingQue will be firing up their barbecue smokers at 3:00 p.m. just outside Legal Draft to kick off their #LUA2019 activities. Then from 5:00-8:00 p.m., kick back and enjoy the Tamara King Band with adult-friendly Beer Floats, kid-friendly Root Beer Floats, or any of Legal Draft’s tap room selections.
506 E. Division Street, Suite 120
Opens at noon
Lone Star Axe Throwing is offering special #LUA2019 Watch Party pricing on 30 minutes of axe-throwing for groups of four or more. Urban Union’s newest venue will also offer special pricing on domestic and local drafts.
301 E. Front Street
Opens at 11:00 a.m.
In addition to delicious food and drink specials, Tipsy Oak’s hang-worthy patio will be filled with the sounds of ‘60s, ‘70s, and doo-wop music by Johnny D and the Doo Wops starting at 10:00 p.m. Click here for more information.
Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar
403 E. Main Street
Opens at 7:00 a.m.
Urban Alchemy will be blocking off their parking lot at 6:00 p.m., so bring your lawn chairs and set up your home base for the fireworks show. They’re also offering specials on glasses of their excellent house red, white and rose wines.
Thursday, July 4
The Arlington 4th of July Association proudly proclaims the Arlington Independence Day Parade, “the biggest, best Independence Day Parade in the State of Texas,” and with good reason. The parade features well over 100 volunteer- and professionally-built floats plus entries sponsored by local organizations, institutions, businesses and youth.
The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. on July 4, but any local will tell you to arrive early to claim your favorite viewing location. For a map of the parade route, restrooms, shuttle bus information, and a thorough FAQ, visit arlington4th.org.
After the parade, head over to Knapp Heritage Park for annual Awards Ceremony, which begins at 1:00 p.m.
Please note that some businesses in Downtown are closed on July 4. However, the UTA Planetarium is offering two afternoon shows and the Arlington Museum of Art will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., the perfect time see Keith Haring: Against All Odds which the Star-Telegram called "one of the best exhibits of the year."
Getting Around Downtown
Don’t let the construction work on Abram St. get you down. There’s plenty of free street parking and the garage at 101 Center. Download Waze for free and see real-time traffic, find optimal routes, and avoid road closures. Or skip parking altogether and hail Via Arlington ride share for only $3, Uber, or Lyft.
About Downtown Arlington
Designated by the State of Texas as the Arlington 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. Keep up with Downtown news and events by subscribing to our weekly e-newsletter and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.