ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

For dates, times and locations on events in Arlington, visit the City Calendar web page.

JANUARY

The City's Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration is held each year. The City hosts this celebration that typically includes three days of activities, including musical performances and special guest speakers, focusing on the life and message of Dr. King. An essay and artwork contest for students is held in conjunction with the celebration.  To learn about the volunteer opportunities available and about the schedule of events for the upcoming celebration, call the Public information Office at 817-459-6402.

FEBRUARY

The free Boat-Building School for the Cardboard Boat Regatta (see April) is typically held in February. Learn how to make a cardboard boat float and make a great entry for the Regatta!  For more information on how to build a cardboard boat and enter it in the Regatta, call the River Legacy Living Science Center at 817-860-6752.

APRIL

Spring Cleanup Day! Residents can dispose of trash, brush, tires, and lead acid batteries free of charge. This is a great opportunity for you to clean up around your home and garage. For more information, please contact Neighborhood Services at 817-459-6777.

International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journeys of migratory birds between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central and South America. The event held at the River Legacy Living Science Center encourages bird conservation and increases awareness of birds through hikes, bird watching, information about birds and migration and a variety of other educational programs for children and adults. For more information, call 817.860.6752 or visit www.riverlegacy.org. Free.

MAY

The Cardboard Boat Regatta is sponsored by River Legacy Parks. Teams explore the inherent characteristics of cardboard while being creative in meeting the challenges of staying afloat. The major objective is to have fun! For  info on how to get involved, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 817-459-5474.
Not all cardboard boats float... Rescue teams pull ex-contestants from the water. 

Drinking Water Week - Each year the City celebrates the importance of our drinking water and its conservation with family fun and activities, including an artwork contest for students. For more information, call the Water Utilities Department at 817-459-6284.

City Council elections are held the first Saturday of May each year. For information about the City's election process, call the City Secretary's Office at 817-459-6186.

JULY

The City of Arlington celebrates Independence Day every year.  Festivities include a Fourth of July parade and other activities. For more information about planned activities or volunteer opportunities, contact the City Manager's Office at 817-459-6100.

AUGUST

National Night Out is celebrated each fall by the Arlington Police Department with block parties and other events. Neighbors are encouraged to get together for activities and to get to know each other better. For information on how to organize a block party or join in other events, call the department's Crime Prevention division at 817-459-5725.

SEPTEMBER

Trinity River Awareness Day - In the fall, volunteers walk along the banks of the Trinity River at River Legacy Park and pick up trash and debris. The event is frequently attended by young people, parents, and civic groups. For more information, call 817-459-5474.

The Fall Book Sale is held by Friends of the Library. Thousands of books, records, and tapes are sold each year. Contact the library for more information at 817-548-9768.

Make A SPLASH at River Legacy Living Science Center during this interactive hands-on water festival in association with Project WET (Water Education for Teachers). The event includes a variety of activities, such as water play, water wizardry, pond sampling and water color painting. Call 817.860.6752 or visit www.riverlegacy.org for more info. Free.

OCTOBER

Fall Cleanup Day is held each October and allows residents the opportunity to dispose of trash, old tires, car batteries, brush and other large items. For more information, please contact Neighborhood Services at 817-459-6777.

Check out the night life at River Legacy Parks during After Dark in the Park, a four-day family friendly fall festival for ages 2 to 12. The event offers a glimpse of River Legacy Living Science Center's educational programs and features unique activities such as a children's craft area, storytelling under the stars, pumpkin patch, night hikes and hayrides. For more information, call 817.860.6752 or visit www.riverlegacy.org.

DECEMBER

Don't miss the annual Parade of Lights! The City lights its Christmas tree and family activities and entertainment are provided free of charge. Entertainment in years past has included live band music, strolling minstrels, free carriage rides, free pictures with Santa, face-painting and more! For more information, visit www.arlingtonparadeoflights.com.

Interlochen - The holiday lights in the Arlington neighborhood of Interlochen are known throughout the Metroplex as a stunning display.  The light competition usually begins in mid-December.  The route to view the lights traditionally begins at Randol Mill at Westwood, west of Cooper Street.