Weekend Buzz: Sept. 5-7, 2025
Published on September 04, 2025
By Office of Communication
Here are a few ways you can enjoy your weekend in The American Dream City.
Help Shape the City's Future by Playing Arlington's Board Game
As part of the Innovate Arlington Comprehensive Plan, residents are invited to play Growing a Better Arlington, a new interactive board game that puts you in charge of the city’s future. In this fun and strategic game, players decide where people should live, work, learn, and play in The American Dream City.
Designed for 2 to 6 players, the game challenges teams to balance growth, resources, and quality of life while building a city together. Players will use “Dream Coins” to fund projects like housing, parks, and infrastructure, all while responding to surprise events and community needs. The goal is to meet Arlington’s future growth trajectories without compromising the character that makes the city unique.
The game is available at all Arlington Public Library locations. Each location will have three copies: two available for cardholder checkout and one for in-library play.
You can reserve the game to play.
The Smurf Experience
This 13,000-square-foot, fully immersive attraction will transport families into the heart of Smurf Village. The experience will be held at the Arlington Museum of Art. The 75-minute experience will feature nine mission-based zones filled with interactive scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, virtual reality adventures, meet-and-greets with beloved Smurf characters and more. It's hands-on, high-energy and full of Smurftastic fun for kids and parents alike. The Smurf Experience is not to be missed and is only in Texas until the end of the Summer. Tickets are now available at www.SmurfExperienceUSA.com.
Little Explorers – Downtown Library
Stop by The Children’s Play Room at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library on 10 a.m. Fridays for a morning of play-based learning. This come-and-go program will vary week-to-week as librarians explore art, math, science, engineering, and fine motor skills. Join the Arlington Public Library for a playfully discover the world around us! Designed for ages 1-4. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the APL at (817) 459-6900 or by email at LIBYouthServices@arlingtontx.gov.
Family Storytime – Southeast Branch Library
Join the Arlington Public Library’s fabulous library staff to sing, read and wiggle during storytime at the Southeast Branch Library 10:30 a.m. Fridays. This storytime is geared for ages 2-5. They will read books, sing songs, and have an activity after the program each week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (817) 459-6900 or by email at LIBYouthServices@arlingtontx.gov.
130th Birthday Bash
The highlight of the University of Texas at Arlington's yearlong 130th celebration, the Birthday Bash at Brazos, will be a party to remember! The event will be open to the campus, alumni, and the larger community. It takes starting 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.
CS4Kids
CS stands for Computer Science! This is hands- introduction to computer science is for kids ages 9-12. Come join friends from Frontier STEM Academy as they teach an eight-week course with hands-on sessions where students are able to get inside the desktop and learn components like CPU, GPU, and RAM. Work with your classmates to build a computer at the end of the course. It takes place 4:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 through Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. This eight-week course is cumulative so please try to attend each class. This program is designed for tweens and registration is required. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (817) 459-6900 or by email at LIBYouthServices@arlingtontx.gov.
Summer Music Series
Join Arlington Parks & Recreation for acoustic music and wine, whiskey and food specials each Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. from now through Sept. 12. Home Plate Restaurant is located inside the Texas Rangers Golf Club at 701 Brown Blvd. in north Arlington. While entry is free, guests are encouraged to RSVP.
Levitt Pavilion Spring Concert Series
Levitt Pavilion Arlington’s Summer Concert Series continues 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 as Praise & Worship Night feat. Caleb & John with Odell Bunton Jr. takes the stage, and then 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, it’s Strangelove (Depeche Mode Tribute) feat. Almost Jaded. These concerts are free. Open seating is available on the lawn. Please bring blankets and lawn chairs. You also can bring your own food and coolers with beverages, including alcohol, but no glass containers, please. Parking is free. For directions to the Levitt, please see Directions & Parking.
Texas Rangers host the Houston Astros
Your hometown Rangers host the Houston Astros for a three-game weekend set at Globe Life Field. First pitches are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and 1:35 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. View ticket information on the Rangers’ website.
Freedom Friday
Join Texas Live! at PBR Texas 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, 2025, to honor all military personnel, first responders, and public service members. Show your badge or military ID at the door for a complimentary VIP table and drink specials all night. Reserve to book your table or email bnavarro@pbrtx.com.
Downtown Arlington Farmers Market
The Downtown Arlington Farmers Market runs every Saturday through November from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at the corner of Front and Center Streets. The market will feature fresh, locally-source produce, unique artisan goods and community connection.
Doggie Dip at Howard Moore Play Pool
Howard Moore Play Pool will be open for dogs to roam and play in the fountains 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Small dogs (25 lbs. and under) will be from 9 - 10 a.m. and large dogs (26 lbs. and over) will be from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Gardening in the Shade
Do you have a shady yard or balcony and wonder what you can grow there? Attend an informative and inspiring class all about shade gardening 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the Southeast Branch Library. Learn how to select the right plants, improve soil conditions, and design beautiful, low-light garden spaces that thrive without full sun.
This class will cover:
- Best plants for partial to full shade (including flowers, ferns, and groundcovers)
- Design tips for creating visually appealing shade gardens
Whether you’re a beginner gardener or looking to expand your planting options, this session will help you make the most of your shady spots!
Welcome Back to Hogwarts
The Downtown Library has been transformed into the world of Harry Potter 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Put on your wizard robes and join us for this come-and-go family event. Families can make magical crafts, go through a Hogwarts Houses scavenger hunt, play a mini Quidditch game, create a wand, and more on the 1st floor children’s department and 2nd floor teen area. This event is free and open to the public. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (817) 459-6900 or by email at LIBYouthServices@arlingtontx.gov.
Touchdowns & Tailgates
Grab your crew and join us on The Lawn for Touchdowns & Tailgates 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Arlington Highlands! Catch the college games on our giant LED screen, enjoy drumline performances, games, crafts, photo ops, and giveaways from your favorite Arlington Highlands spots. It’s a Saturday you won’t want to miss!
KUTUB: Arabic Book Club
The Arabic Book Club “Kutub” meets on the first Saturday of the month from 1-3 p.m., at the at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library’s Resilience Room. Members will discuss novels, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, music, feature films or documentaries that explore Arabic culture. Read and discuss what you’ve read. Exploring new cultures, values, and practices is what makes us better human beings as any culture has things to teach us, regardless of differences. Open for adults and seniors. No registration required.
Show at Arlington Music Hall
The Arlington Music Hall has a show you can enjoy starting 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, it’s Laurel Canyon Band – The Ultimate Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute.
North Texas Soccer Club vs. Ventura County
North Texas Soccer Club hosts Ventura County 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Choctaw Stadium. View ticket information on the NTSC’s website.
Sunday Brunch
Ventana Grille at the Tierra Verde Golf Club clubhouse is now serving brunch from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each Sunday. Menu items include four savory Eggs Benedict entrées, Shrimp-N-Grits, Ginger Salmon, and their favorite - Napoleon's Last Meal, a buttermilk fried chicken breast over bourbon French toast and served with maple syrup! Guests can also order their à la carte menu, making the Sunday Brunch a great option for families, picky eaters or those with smaller appetites. Reservations Welcomed: 817-548-5047.