A downtown hotel is doing its part to help Dallasites start their weekends a little early. A new series at The Joule called First Thursdays will feature local live music, free snacks and new twists on classic drinks.

As the name implies, events take place the first Thursday of the month, starting February 5, when David Grove of Spinster Records in Oak Cliff performs. Cocktails include ivy gimlet, Gold Rush and Irish Coffee with cold brew from hotel coffeeshop Weekend.

For this first one, which runs 6-8 pm, the snack list includes lobster tapioca puffs; truffle deviled eggs; and caramel corn with peanuts, pistachios and coconut. Also expect Texas wines from the Duchman Winery in Driftwood.

Hotel general manager Justin Fields says that the idea came about as a way to showcase local artists and musicians while providing a Thursday evening to kick off the weekend.

“The trend lately in unique spaces that invite guest performers and artists to express their craft is a fantastic way to engage an audience that otherwise would not be exposed to their work,” he says. “This is similar to the success of pop-up shops in both food and beverage and fashion retail, where businesses allow for a partnership to help drive new a customer base.

“We are constantly working with our creative hotel staff to find new ways to get folks downtown and see the exciting things that are happening down here,” he adds. “The hotel lobby isn’t just for hotel guests. It has become a vibrant thoroughfare for downtown residents, travelers and the workforce to coexist.”