As 2025 comes to a close, Downtown Arlington is celebrating one of its most transformative years yet. From major developments to new businesses and from signature events and new programming, the district saw increased vitality and activity around at every corner. Here’s a look back at the people, projects and milestones that shaped Downtown Arlington this year — and a preview of the exciting year ahead.

Celebrating One Year of First Thursdays

In October, Downtown Arlington celebrated one full year of First Thursdays, our monthly arts, culture and small-business showcase that has quickly become a community favorite. What started as a pilot activation has grown into a signature tradition — bringing families, students and visitors together for live music, crafts, gallery nights, restaurant specials, and activities each month.

With an average of 4,895 visitors each month, First Thursdays has become an anchor for Downtown foot traffic, a catalyst for several businesses to expand evening hours, and a major contributor to the district’s growing sense of place. We can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve in 2026.

The Doggie Depot Opens

Another highlight of 2025 was the opening of the Downtown Arlington Doggie Depot, an exciting new community space dedicated to our four-legged residents. The Depot quickly became home to new events including Canines & Coffee and, this winter, the holiday edition: Canines & Coco.

With shaded seating, open space and puppy-friendly amenities, the Doggie Depot added a fresh layer of vibrancy to Downtown’s public space.

Farmers Market Milestones

The Downtown Arlington Farmers Market opened, drawing record-breaking attendance and expanded vendor participation throughout 2025. With local growers, bakers, makers and small businesses at the heart of the experience, the market added weekly energy to Front Street and strengthened Downtown’s identity as a hub for local entrepreneurship and community connection.

Attendance ranged from 207–540 visitors per month, with 31% of attendees visiting a Downtown business before attending the Farmers Market.

The highlight of the year: the Farmers Market officially expanded recently to a year-round operation, ensuring this beloved community staple continues in every season.

A Big Year for Development: Mixed-Use Momentum & Housing Growth

This year was a major development movement, setting the stage for a more walkable, livable Downtown.

Caravan Court Breaks Ground

Prepare for a new era of hospitality in Downtown Arlington as Caravan Court transforms the historic site of the former Caravan Motel and Dollar Car Sales into a 145-room modern boutique hotel with 7 suites. The redevelopment includes a stylish, mid-century bar and nods to Arlington’s colorful past as a gambling hotspot in the 1950s and ’60s, when the city attracted some of the biggest stars of the era (see also Top O’ Hill Terrace). Blending mid-century motor court aesthetics with contemporary luxury, Caravan Court is set to become a cornerstone of Downtown Arlington’s revitalization.

Adding to the excitement, Preston Nguyen, a Martin High School graduate and two-time World Chef Champion, will serve as executive chef. From his early culinary foundation at Arlington ISD’s Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center to national appearances on Next Level Chef, Nguyen brings world-class talent and a deep connection to Arlington. His restaurant at Caravan Court promises a uniquely Arlington dining experience, celebrating the city that shaped his career.

Balfour Lofts Sets Vision

The City also approved Balfour Lofts, a 65-unit residential redevelopment at the former Johnny Balfour Electronics building, adding modern housing options to Downtown’s evolving residential landscape.

This project represents a major step toward building a full mixed-use neighborhood, offering a variety of housing types and options, all in a walkable environment.

Division Street Mixed-Use Project Approved

This fall, the City of Arlington approved a major mixed-use project along Division Street, supported by a city grant to help assemble key parcels. The vision includes new restaurant and retail space including a food hall, a hotel, residential units, structured parking, and a walkable, connected streetscape linking Downtown and the Entertainment District.

A Strong Year for New Businesses

This year brought a wave of entrepreneurial spirit as 21 new businesses opened their doors in Downtown Arlington.

1. Deep Dive Vintage —Adding to Downtown’s vintage scene with curated finds.
2. Taste Community Restaurant — A pay-what-you-can dining experience advancing food security anddonn hospitality with heart.
3. Rodeo Goat — A popular burger spot bringing energy to Abram Street.
4. Royal Nepal Grill — Expanding Downtown’s global dining options.
5. LacquerBox Nail Salon — Offering wellness and beauty services.
6. Donna’s Gift Closet — A boutique offering gifts, décor, and seasonal items.
7. Breakfast Brothers — A soulful all-day breakfast and brunch spot.
8. Mi Tesoro Thrift — A curated thrift shop with unique secondhand treasures.
9. Camia Rhea — Home fragrance brand offering health-conscious candles and linen sprays.
10. Arlington Coffee Roasters — Rebrand of Salter Bros., coffeehouse and roastery roasting its beans on-site.
11. Goldilink’s — Hand-crafted permanent jewelry shop with a DIY hat bar.
12. Stash VHS — A vintage and streetwear shop featuring sneakers and hype clothing.
13. Ch_Studio — An architecture and design practice exploring authenticity through collaboration.
14. Heavy Metal Hall of Fame — Museum and live music venue celebrating heavy metal.
15. Space Monkey Tattoo — Artist-owned studio focused on creativity, craftsmanship, and connection.
16. Cheba Hut — Laid-back sandwich shop serving creative toasted subs, snacks, and desserts.
17. Tokyo Station — Industrial-style hangout with retro arcade games, pinball, pub grub, and craft beer.
18. Huckleberry’s — Southern-inspired breakfast and lunch spot with a bayou-themed atmosphere.
19. Truth — Record store and live music venue.
20. Artworks Embroidery & Design Studio — Custom branding hub specializing in embroidery and silk-screening.

These businesses — alongside many others — contributed to an exciting year of growth, diversity and local creativity.

With momentum high, 2026 is already shaping up to be a landmark year.

New Restaurants & Retail Arriving Soon

A fresh wave of businesses will debut in 2026, including Blue Mint Thai, a locally owned Thai restaurant, and Rocketbelly, a boba shop serving refreshing drinks and sweet treats.

Keeping Downtown Arlington Clean and Safe

Our Arlington ambassadors have been busy keeping Downtown Arlington safe, clean, and welcoming in 2025. Serving as the eyes and ears of the district, three ambassadors monitor the area, while two focus specifically on homeless outreach, a new initiative launched this year. Their work also includes trash and graffiti removal, power washing sidewalks, biohazard cleanups, and leaf blowing to keep public spaces looking their best. This year alone, they collected approximately 48,000 lbs of trash, removed 430 graffiti marks and handbills, power washed 95 block faces, performed 420 biohazard cleanups, made 1,050 hospitality contacts, and spent 125 hours leaf blowing, demonstrating their dedication to maintaining a safe and inviting Downtown.

Thank You, Downtown Arlington

From community volunteers to small-business owners, residents, UTA students, local artists, neighbors and partners — you are the energy behind Downtown’s success.

2025 was a year of momentum, growth, creativity and collaboration. And it’s only the beginning.

Here’s to the people and the places that make Downtown Arlington shine and to an even brighter 2026.