What's Next in Downtown Arlington: July Monthly Update

Summer vibes are in full swing! Downtown Arlington is buzzing with live music, family fun and cultural happenings. Here’s your guide to beat the heat of July: 

Look Ahead 

July brings an international sports spectacle to our backyard, holiday traditions, live music, community gatherings and family fun. 

First Thursdays 

Kick off another month with local art and businesses, now aligning with Light Up Arlington! Galleries, pop-ups, live music, chalk art, family crafts and festive fun all begin at 6 p.m. and fireworks launch at about 9:50 p.m. Don't miss this incredible First Thursday celebration of community, art, and patriotic spirit!

July 4th Festivities 

Join us for one of the largest and most dazzling Independence Day celebrations in North Texas, right here in the heart of Downtown! Light Up Arlington’s free festivities kick off at 6 p.m. July 3. This year's celebration promises an evening packed with: 

Live Music: 

• Levitt Pavilion: 

• 7:00 PM - Chef Dee 

• 8:30 PM - Brad Thompson 

• DREAM Park Stage: 

• 6:00 PM - Young Stars and Guitars 

• 7:00 PM - Jimmy Pitstick 

Head over to City Center Plaza for face painting, the Bubble Bus, traveling magicians and a community chalk mural right next to the air-conditioned Downtown Library offering a rock painting craft activity indoors! 

Parking: 

Free public parking is available throughout Downtown. However, planned parking lot and street closures will occur around City Hall, 101 Center and the City Tower to accommodate the event festivities. Plan to arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy all that Downtown Arlington has to offer before the fireworks illuminate the sky! 

We’ll see you bright and early the next morning for the annual July 4 Firecracker 5K at 7 a.m. and the largest Independence Day Parade in Texas led by Grand Marshal Chris Cassidy at 9 a.m. Tighten your running shoes, secure the decor on your parade float or just sit back in your lawn chair and enjoy the largest Independence Day celebration in Texas! 

Volleyball Nations League 

Catch elite women’s volleyball during the Volleyball Nations League from July 9 through 13 at UTA’s College Park Center. Team USA will take on top teams including Germany, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, and Thailand during pool play in Round 3. Tickets start at just $27. 

Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney 

Join Tony Kishman (from Broadway’s Beatlemania) during Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney for a tribute and celebration of Paul McCartney’s legacy. The free iconic, lively show starts at 8 p.m. July 18 at Arlington Music Hall. 

Look Back 

June showcased why summer in Downtown Arlington is all about culture and community. The 4th Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show on June 7th lined Vandergriff Town Center with gleaming vintage rides, local vendors, live music and an excited crowd. Just a week apart, both Arlington Pride and the Juneteenth Celebration filled the Levitt lawn with thousands of visitors and residents for powerful nights of music, food and community.  

Every Saturday in June, the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market buzzed with fresh summer produce and new artisan vendors. With such a full month behind us, July is set to keep the momentum going. 

Events 

Downtown Farmers Market - Every Saturday 

First Thursdays + Light Up Arlington - July 3 

Firecracker 5K + Independence Day Parade - July 4 

Volleyball Nations League - July 9-13 

Live and Let Die: Music of Paul McCartney - July 13 

Downtown Arlington is the place to be this July—where local art, community spirit, and sometimes international athletics collide. Be sure to snag your VNL tickets early, and enjoy the July 4th festivities under the summer sky.