Arlington Turns 150 With a Big First Thursday Celebration Downtown

Arlington is turning 150, and the city is celebrating in a big way.

Downtown Arlington’s next First Thursday will become a special 150th birthday bash on Thursday, September 3, with live music, family activities, local businesses, history, art and several one-night-only anniversary events spread across downtown. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and is free to attend.

Be Part of a Giant 150th Birthday Photo

One of the biggest moments of the night will happen on the lawn at Levitt Pavilion, where Arlington residents and visitors will form a giant “150” for a drone-captured commemorative photo.

Free 150th birthday T-shirts will also be handed out while supplies last.

Arlington 150th Birthday First Thursday Details

Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Location: Downtown Arlington
Admission: Free

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A Downtown Sticker Scavenger Hunt

You can also explore downtown through a special 150th Birthday Sticker Scavenger Hunt.

Participants will visit six businesses across Downtown Arlington, collecting a different anniversary-themed sticker at each stop. Once all six are collected, the final stop is Theatre Arlington, where participants can pick up a limited-edition First Thursdays sticker.

Live Music, Art and More Around Downtown

The celebration goes beyond the big anniversary events.

Local DFW musicians will perform throughout downtown as part of Arlington Amplified: Street Sounds, while Hurtado BBQ will host live music and a live mural-painting session with artist Dylan Kennedy.

There will also be interactive chalk art at City Center Plaza, a 150th birthday photo backdrop at Levitt Pavilion and special activities at businesses across downtown.

Step Back Into Arlington History

If you want the history side of the celebration, Knapp Heritage Park will be open for tours and activities tied to Arlington’s past.

The city is also highlighting historic downtown landmarks and will present Stealing the Spotlight: 150 Years of Arlington at Theatre Arlington during the evening.

Local Businesses Are Joining the Party

Several downtown businesses are planning their own activities for the night, including live music, karaoke, art events, giveaways, arcade games, food and drink specials and more.

Among the participating locations are Hurtado BBQ, Create Arlington, Coliseum Comics & Games, Cheba Hut, Ann’s Natural Grocer, J. Gilligan’s and several others.

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If you live in Arlington — or just want an excuse to spend a Thursday night downtown — this is probably one of the better nights this year to do it.

Between the giant community photo, live music, art, local businesses and the city’s 150th birthday celebration, there’s a lot happening in one place.