Published on July 08, 2026
By Office of Communication
Enjoy these free and fun events scheduled across The American Dream City from July 9-15, 2026. Check back each week for a new list of family-friendly activities!
Wildlife on the Move “Cool, Cold-Blooded Critters” Animal Show
Slither, crawl, and explore the world of reptiles at Wildlife on the Move’s “Cool, Cold-Blooded Critters” Animal Show on Thursday, July 9 with shows at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Arlington City Council Chambers. Get up close with snakes, lizards, turtles, and other fascinating animals while learning about these amazing creatures in an interactive, educational show. Designed for ages 5 and up, no registration is required, but seating is limited.
Paws to Read
Young readers can build confidence one page at a time during Paws to Read on Thursday, July 9 from 3–4 p.m. at the Southwest Branch Library and Friday, July 10 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Northeast Branch Library. Children ages 5–12 can read aloud to friendly therapy dogs from Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs in a fun, low-pressure environment. In-person sign-ups begin before the program, with each family receiving a 10-minute reading session while space is available.
150 Year of Arlington Recipes
Help preserve Arlington’s history one recipe at a time during 150 Years of Arlington Recipes on Friday, July 10 from 4–5 p.m. at George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. Community members are invited to contribute a favorite family recipe to a special cookbook celebrating Arlington’s 150th anniversary. Staff and volunteers will be available to help transcribe recipes and scan photos of handwritten recipe cards for inclusion in the collection.
Arlington Culture & Arts Discovery Day
Experience Arlington’s creative side at Arlington Culture & Arts Discovery Day on Saturday, July 11 from noon–4 p.m. This free, self-guided event invites visitors to explore galleries, studios, museums, and other cultural spaces throughout the city while meeting the artists and organizations that make Arlington’s arts scene thrive. Spend the afternoon discovering local creativity, then make a day of it by enjoying lunch or dinner at one of Arlington’s nearby restaurants.
Cosplay Workshop & Runway
Whether you’re new to cosplay or ready to show off your latest creation, the Cosplay Workshop & Runway on Sunday, July 12 at George W. Hawkes Downtown Library has something for you. Create your own character ears during the Cosplay Novice Workshop from 2:30–4:30 p.m., then step into the spotlight during the Cosplay Runway from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Registration is required for the workshop, and both events are open to ages 13 and up.