Know Before You Go: Downtown Arlington’s First Thursday 150th Birthday

Historic photo of Main Street in Downtown Arlington with the City of Arlington's sesquicentennial logo in the top left hand corner and the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation's First Thursday logo in the top right hand corner.

Downtown Arlington will celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary during the next First Thursdays event from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 3, 2026. The free celebration will feature live music, family activities and themed experiences throughout the district.

A drone‑captured community photo will take place on the Levitt Pavilion lawn where attendees will form a giant “150” with assistance from design firm MMA Texas. Starting at 5 p.m., visitors may check in on the Levitt lawn, pick up a free Arlington 150th T‑shirt while supplies last, enjoy live music and grab limited birthday cookies provided by Marquez Bakery. Restrooms at the Levitt Pavilion, City Hall and the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library will be open for anyone wanting to change into their shirts. At 5:30 p.m., event staff will begin staging attendees on the lawn. The drone photo shoot will run from 5:45 to 6 p.m. RSVP is recommended. After the photo, guests are encouraged to stay and enjoy the rest of September First Thursdays.

Hurtado BBQ will host patio music and a mural painting session, and Knapp Heritage Park will offer cabin tours and Arlington History Walking Tours.

The Arlington 150th Sticker Scavenger Hunt will lead visitors to six Downtown stops before collecting a limited-edition sticker at Theatre Arlington.

Collect stickers at these locations:

  • Downtown Library (100 S. Center St.): 150th Badge Sticker
  • Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Tarrant County (205 W. Main St.): Mineral Well Sticker
  • Coliseum Comics (400 E. Division St.): Sports Sticker
  • Ann’s Natural Grocer (101 E. Abram St.): UTA Sticker
  • Rocketbelly (300 E. Abram St.): Six Flags Over Texas Sticker
  • Donna’s Gift Closet (300 E. Front St., Suite 140): Railroad Sticker

 

Theatre Arlington will present a short cabaret at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., and before each performance, the Arlington Master Chorale will preview its fall concert at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. Frost Bank will offer free face painting, popcorn and sodas. Music will fill the streets through Arlington Amplified performers and Symphony Arlington’s classical selections.

Important Notes for Attendees

  • Abram Street will be closed between S. Pecan Street and S. Center Street from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Arrive early for the drone photo, cabaret shows and mural celebration.
  • Most activities are outdoors, so check the weather and dress accordingly.
  • Arlington Water Utilities will set up a free water station on Abram Street between City Hall and the Levitt Pavilion.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to multiple activity locations.
  • Free T‑shirts and cookies are limited and available first come, first served.
  • The event is family friendly with activities suited for children.
  • Bring a phone for photos, scavenger hunt stickers and QR‑based information.

Parking Information

Free parking is available at the following locations:

  • Back‑in street parking along Abram Street between South West Street and Weeks Avenue and along Main Street between South West Street and South Pecan Street.
  • Lot at 200 W. Front St.
  • Lot at 201 W. Abram St.
  • First Baptist Church lots at 200 W. South St., 301 S. Center and 401 S. Center St.
  • Street parking along West and East Front Street.
  • Street parking along South Street between South West Street and East South Street.

 

Details on participating businesses and special offers are available on the First Thursdays webpage.