What's Next in Downtown Arlington: October Monthly Update

October is a month full of live music, community fun, spooky surprises and creative energy. From unforgettable concerts to Halloween celebrations for both humans and pups, here’s what's happening in your Downtown. 

 

What’s Coming Up 

First Thursday – Oct. 2 

Our favorite monthly tradition returns Thursday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. with an evening of art, culture, shopping and entertainment. This month brings some especially creative and seasonal activations you won’t want to miss: 

• Live Glass Blowing with The Grey Area Studio at Division Brewing 
  Prepare to be mesmerized as skilled artists from The Grey Area Studio transform molten glass into stunning works of art before your eyes. This live demonstration is a rare chance to experience the artistry and craft of glass blowing up close, while enjoying your favorite local brews. 

• Downtown Lens: A Guided Photo Walk with Arlington Camera 
  Grab your camera – whether it’s your phone or a DSLR – and join Arlington Camera for a guided photo walk through the vibrant scenes of First Thursday. At 5 p.m., meet the crew at City Center Plaza for expert tips on capturing street scenes, art and people. Afterward, participate in a friendly online contest for a chance to win a gift card! Registration is required and space is limited. Register Here. 

• Spooky Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course 
  City Center Plaza will be buzzing with Halloween vibes as families and friends tackle a festive chalk-drawn obstacle course. Don’t forget to add your own artistic touch in the Open Chalk Drawing Area, where everyone is invited to contribute to a massive community masterpiece. 

 

Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest — Oct. 11 

Calling all pups and pet parents! Next Saturday, Oct. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Doggie Depot will host a Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest with prizes for the winners. Dress your dog (and yourself!) in your spookiest, silliest or most creative costume and join the fun. 

Dogs can compete to be the best in one of these fun categories: 

• Best Overall Costume 

• Funniest Costume 

• Most Creative/DIY Costume 

• Best Owner/Dog Duo Costume 

 

Levitt Pavilion Season Finale – Do Good Fest – Oct. 18 

Levitt Pavilion’s fall concert season will wrap in style with a ‘90s throwback benefit concert, the National Life Group Do Good Fest®, Saturday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 10 p.m. The show will feature Collective Soul, along with Tonic and Fastball live.  

Advance tickets are required, starting at a minimum donation of $10, with all proceeds benefiting the Tarrant Area Food Bank to help end childhood hunger, one of National Life’s core causes. Donations beyond $10 are encouraged to help kids in North Texas.  

The family-friendly event will also include a “Beats for Good” high school music competition, with public voting, cash prizes, and school program support. 

It’s your last chance this season to catch live music at our favorite outdoor music venue, the Levitt Pavilion in Downtown Arlington. Don’t miss it! 

Remaining Schedule:

Oct. 3 - FREE CONCERT: Hard Nights Day feat. Paul Renna 

Oct. 4 - Hispanic Heritage Celebration with Little Joe y La Familia feat. Latin Express 

Oct. 10 - FREE CONCERT: Dalton Domino feat. Brock Roggow 

Oct. 11 - 4th Annual Asian Heritage Celebration 

Oct. 17 - FREE CONCERT: Micky and The Motorcars feat. Homebody 

Oct. 18 - National Life Group Presents: Do Good Fest Texas! 

 

Halloween Costume Bar Crawl — Oct. 25 

Get dressed up — in your Halloween best — and hit the bars! The Halloween Costume Bar Crawl on Friday, Oct. 25 starts at 7 p.m. at J. Gilligan’s, and ends the night back at Gilligan's for a final round of drinks. This crawl is your chance to roam downtown, discover new places, enjoy themed drinks/ambience, make new friends and show off your costume. 

Chosen One Ink Tattoo Shop Haunted House — Fridays & Saturdays in October 

Downtown’s tattoo folks are getting in on the spirit. Chosen One Ink Tattoo Shop presents its third annual In & Out the Tattoo Shop Haunted House, running every Friday and Saturday in October. (Yes — right in the tattoo shop.) 

Expect spooky setups, piercing discounts, music, candy and immersive frights to get in that Halloween spirit!

 

More Events 

Downtown Farmers Market - Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Elmo & Friends Say Hello! - Oct. 4 

Shirley Carter's Royal Women of Country Tribute – Oct. 4 

4th Annual Asian Heritage Celebration - Oct. 11 

MavMarket - Fall 2025 – Oct. 23 

 

We’ll see you around Downtown this October!