Picture this: You wake up one morning to the sun beaming down on your face and your favorite song playing on the radio. The day’s weather is nothing but cool breeze, clear skies, and a beautiful 70-degree forecast.

What better way to take advantage of the best weather Texas has to offer than going out to local pop-up markets, enjoying a nice stroll around each booth, and going home with new handmade clothing, art, and food to commemorate your time here in Downtown.

However, the fun doesn’t stop there! Each week there’s plenty of other things to do in Downtown Arlington to make the most of your time here. You came for a market but might end up staying to watch the Wheel Wars 2023 competition, or you might come back the next day for any of the other events and programming in the city (more about that later).

Either way, once you get a taste for Downtown, you’ll be coming back for more. Feel free to bookmark this page as your guide to the best pop-up markets in Arlington and the things to do while you’re here!

First Friday Foodie Market

Start each month off right with your favorite burgers, beer, and produce! The First Friday Foodie Market, hosted by Arlington Foodies, is a pop-up market located in the courtyard of Binions Ice House. On the first Friday of every month, shop from 40 local vendors, get to know the faces behind many growing businesses, and choose from the best selection of food, snacks, crafts, and clothing. And once you’re done outside, head on inside for a delicious burger and a cold drink to end the day’s festivities.

Arlington Artisan Market

In the spirit of new beginnings and advancing the quality of life for the Downtown community, Division Brewing is hosting their very own artisan market! The Arlington Artisan Market will be held on March 25^th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside Division Brewing and will include food trucks, freshly brewed beer, and over 20 local vendors selling baked goods, woodworked décor, personal care items, clothing and accessories, and more.

Don’t spend all your money outdoors though because you’ll need to save some for Division’s handcrafted refreshments indoors. The crew over at Division Brewing dedicate plenty of time and energy to bringing Downtown Arlington a top-notch selection of flavors and unique combinations.

Produce and Pickle

Have you ever wanted to combine your support for small businesses and your love for pickleball in one event? Of course, you have! We heard your prayers, and for the first time in Downtown Arlington history we are hosting “Produce and Pickle,” an afternoon of shopping and balling with friends and family.

Each month Produce and Pickle will be held in the courtyard of Division Brewing, who will also be serving themed beer specially brewed for this special day. The first Produce and Pickle takes place during the Arlington Artisan Market on March 25^th and is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get active in a friendly competition and shop right outside a familiar favorite brewery.

Pickleball is $5 to participate, paddles and balls are provided. All pickleballers mark your calendars for April 23^rd, May 21^st, and June 18^th, and be sure to register today to reserve a timeslot!

It wouldn’t be Downtown Arlington if the entire week wasn’t filled with fun and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Whether you choose to visit the Arlington Artisan Market, Produce and Pickle, the First Friday Foodie Market, or all 3 (most likely), each market is surrounded by a week of art, theater, games, and community-building.

With so much to do and so much to experience, you’ll be inclined to return to Downtown week after week to try to catch them all! Here’s your list of events to look out for during your time in #DowntownArlington.

3 Things to Do in Downtown Arlington

1. Embrace the Arts

Downtown Arlington is a growing community of creatives who are keen on trying their hand or experiencing new avenues of the cultural arts. Whether it’s figure drawing at Create Arlington, pottery lessons at Catalyst Creative Arts, or Plein Air Painting during our Downtown Impressions series, we have no shortage of opportunities to get your feet wet in artistic expression. While you’re in the downtown area, be sure to check out Theatre Arlington for this year’s loaded season!

2. Squad Up in Trivia

Gather your family and collect your friends for trivia in Downtown at some of your favorite bars and restaurants! Nothing beats getting together with your loved ones with a cold beer, a tray of Irish Nachos, and going head to head with groups from all over the metroplex. Test your merit and see who the all-knowing champion of Downtown Arlington is at J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill on Tuesday nights or Division Brewing on Wednesday nights.

3. Celebrate the Culture of a Community

Downtown Arlington is an amalgamation of people of a diverse range of cultures, identities, and backgrounds. The Levitt Pavilion has partnered with the Mayor’s Asian Advisory Council to host a celebration of the Asian heritage that helps make up downtown right in the heart of Arlington. Previous events include an African American Juneteenth festival and a Muslim heritage celebration. These events include local food trucks, music, and culture-specific performances.