Attendees dance during Vegas Night on the 101 Strip on Aug. 24, 2023, in downtown Arlington.
Arlington residents can celebrate the city’s 150th birthday Thursday with a community photo, a live mural painting and other entertainment opportunities through Downtown Arlington Management Corp.’s First Thursday event.
The city turned 150 on July 19, but the celebration is not over. Residents and visitors can take part in activities from 5 to 8 p.m. downtown.
September’s First Thursday will include Arlington’s 150th Birthday Bash, with the main event being a drone photo from 5:45 to 6 p.m. on the Levitt Pavilion lawn, according to a Downtown Arlington Management Corp. press release. Registration is not required but is encouraged.
Participants will receive a commemorative shirt to wear during the photoshoot and fresh birthday cookies from Marquez Bakery on a first come, first served basis, according to the release.
After the photo, the celebration will continue across the downtown area. Residents and visitors can take part in a 150th birthday scavenger hunt by visiting six participating downtown businesses to collect custom historical stickers. Participants can bring their completed sets to Theatre Arlington to claim a limited-edition, golden First Thursday sticker.
Live performances from Theatre Arlington’s original cabaret, “Stealing the Spotlight: 150 Years of Arlington,” will take place at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Theatre Arlington. According to the city’s website, the performance will include stories, anecdotes and music from 150 years of Arlington historical notables. The lobby will open at 5:30 p.m., and the event is free, but registration is required.
Before each performance, the Arlington Master Chorale will take the stage for a preview of its upcoming concert, “Treasures of the Heart,” featuring commissioned work by local composer Laura Farnell.
Throughout the night, there will also be a live mural painting with artist Dylan Kennedy at Hurtado Barbecue and guided history walking tours and log cabin open houses at Knapp Heritage Park.
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