2-(5-Arylpyridine-2-yl)-6-(het)arylquinoline-based “push-pull” fluorophores were synthesized by means of the heterocyclization reaction between the corresponding isonitrosoacetophenone hydrazones and 6-bromoquinoline-2-carboxaldehyde followed by an aza-Diels-Alder/Suzuki cross-coupling reaction sequence. The optical properties of the obtained fluorophores were studied and the non-linear optic behavior for the two most representative ones were confirmed based on the solvatochromic experiments. •2-(5-Arylpyridin-2-yl)-quinolines were synthesized as “push-pull” fluorophores.•“1,2,4-Triazine methodology” was used for synthesis of the fluorophores.•Photophysical properties were studied.•The UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra were investigated.