Events

Neighborhood Day Returns Next Weekend

By Ethan Rothstein

Neighborhood Day: Fairlington DayEvents all over the county next weekend will be held to celebrate the warm weather and Arlington’s annual Neighborhood Day.

The events start Saturday, May 17 at 9:00 a.m. at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street) for Truck Day, where trucks of all kinds will occupy the library’s parking lot so children can learn about each of their specific functions.

The annual Turtle Trot 5K in Bluemont Park will start an hour later at 10:00 a.m. With proceeds going to the Long Branch Nature Center’s turtle preservation efforts, the race is $30 for adults who register in advance.

At the same time, Family Fun Day at Alcova Heights Park (901 S. George Mason Drive) will kick off and last until 2:00 p.m. Activities will include “1st Tee Golf, YoKids Yoga, a giant obstacle course, ‘Movin and Groovin Cardio Dance,’ fitness demos and more,” according to the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

Another Neighborhood Day also means another Fairlington Day on the grounds of the Fairlington Community Center. Starting at 11:00 a.m., the festivities include hot dogs, drinks, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, a moon bounce with slides and basketball hoops, an inflatable obstacle course and agricultural demonstrations from the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Nauck, High View Park, Waverly Hills and Cherrydale will also be hosting small events over the weekend, with a Nauck neighborhood cleanup and a WalkArlington walkabout through the latter three areas. The weekend concludes in Ballston Sunday afternoon with the annual Taste of Arlington street festival.

File photo

AWLA’s Walk for the Animals Set for Saturday

By Ethan Rothstein

Walk-for-the-Animals-ImageThe Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s biggest fundraiser of the year, its annual Walk for the Animals, will be held this Saturday at Bluemont Park (329 N. Manchester Street).

The event begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. and there will be a 3-mile walk or a 1-mile stroll for participants, who can bring their dog along with them (for their safety, other animals are not permitted at the walk). Registration is $30 for adults, $25 for participants between age 12 and 17 — who must be accompanied by an adult — and $5 for children between 6 and 11 years old. On-site registration is $40.

Participants are also encouraged to solicit sponsors to raise more money to reach AWLA’s goal of $120,000 for the event. As of 1:20 p.m. today, AWLA had raised $68,075. Individuals who raise more than $250 will be entered into a raffle to win a prize, which in previous years has been a hotel giveaway or restaurant gift cards. The walk will be held rain or shine.

“The Walk will unify the community in a celebration of the human-animal bond, while raising awareness and funds to directly benefit the hundreds of adoptable animals and community programs supported by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington — the County’s only humane society,” AWLA said on its event page. “Many of AWLA’s adoptable dogs will be onsite to meet potential new families.”

Photo via AWLA

Transgender Navy SEAL Hosts Crystal City Art Show

By Ethan Rothstein

Kristin Beck (photo via Facebook)(Updated at 6:35 p.m.) A former U.S. Navy SEAL is hosting an art fundraiser in Crystal City next month to raise money for veterans returning home with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other combat-induced disabilities.

Alexandria-based nonprofit The 296 Project will host a gallery show and silent auction at Gallery Underground (2100 Crystal Drive) of U.S. Navy Senior Chief Kristin Beck, a transgender, 20-year veteran of the Navy whose art “kept her from suicide on more than one occasion,” according to a press release for the event.

Beck, who took part in seven combat deployments with the SEALS and was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, was diagnosed with PTSD and a 90 percent disability rating.

The first ever transgender Navy SEAL, Beck “will be addressing the crowd personally,” and discussing the therapeutic effect creating artwork had on her recovery, according to the press release. She will also be advocating for The 296 Project, which “promotes, funds, supports and advocates for art and expressive therapies” for veterans when they return to the States, according to Executive Director Scott Gordon.

Beck’s work will be on display at the gallery from June 2-28. The show will be on June 6 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. and tickets are $15.

Photo via Facebook

Lubber Run Announces Summer Concert Schedule

By Ethan Rothstein

Performance at Lubber Run Amphitheater (photo courtesy Arlington County)The Lubber Run Amphitheater, an open-air concert and performance venue, has announced its summer schedule with 27 events that are free for the public.

The public stage, near the intersection of N. Columbus Street and 2nd Street, will host musicians, theater troupes and other acts in multiple shows during the week, starting with Mary Anne Redmond on June 13 and ending with Rico Amero on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Spectators are encouraged to bring picnic materials, although alcohol is prohibited. In the event of inclement weather, visitors are encouraged to call the concert hotline at 703-228-1850 for info. There is no schedule for rain-dates in the event rain causes an event to be canceled.

Here is the list of performances scheduled. All performances are at 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For descriptions of the artist or group, visit Lubber Run’s website:

Photo courtesy Arlington County

Arlington Agenda (May 5-11)

By Ethan Rothstein

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County.

If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form. Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Monday

Spies Next Door
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.

The CIA’s chief historian, Dr. David Robarge, gives a history of espionage in Arlington, including cracking the Soviet Union’s codes after WWII. The program is free and open to all.

Thursday

The Do LikesLive Music: The Do Likes
IOTA Club & Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8:30 p.m.

The Do Likes take the stage at IOTA, joined by The Safes and Musicband, for its 7-inch vinyl release. Tickets are $12 at the door.

Friday

Canterville Ghost“The Canterville Ghost”*
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Lane)
Time: 7:30-9:00 p.m.

The St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Players perform this classic Oscar Wilde play about a family who moves into a haunted house. No information about tickets is available.

Saturday

Home and Garden TourHome and Garden Tour*
Tickets at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (4250 N. Glebe Road)
Time: noon-4:00 p.m.

Five homes and gardens around Arlington and McLean will be on display for visitors. After the tour, attendees return to the church for a tea, quilt show and plant sale. Tickets are $25.

Olive Harvest PartyOlive Harvest Party*
Ah Love Oil & Vinegar (4017 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 2:00-8:00 p.m.

Ah love introduces a new type of olive oil from Laconiko groves in Greece while celebrating this year’s olive harvest.

Pink flowerMother’s Day Concert*
Spectrum Theatre (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The season finale of the National Chamber Ensemble is Saturday night with a concert featuring works by Aaron Copland, Andreas Makris and George Gershwin. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for students.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

‘Cinco de MEGA-Crawl’ Planned Saturday

By ARLnow.com

Cinco De MEGA-Crawl sign in ClarendonA large bar crawl is planned in Courthouse, Clarendon and Ballston this weekend.

The Cinco de Mayo-themed “Cinco de MEGA-Crawl” will be held from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, according to organizer GoCity Events. Tickets are available online for $15.

GoCity, which also organizes the annual Shamrock Fest in D.C., says participating bars include Clarendon Grill, Velocity 5, Mad Rose Tavern, Greene Turtle, Hunan One, Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill, Mister Days, Wilson Tavern, Hard Times and “more to be added.” The crawl will feature “exclusive drink and food specials at each stop” and “Cinco de Mayo festivities, entertainment, music & fun.”

The Arlington County Board this month approved additional funding that will allow the police department to have more officers on hand during pub crawls to make sure patrons don’t get out of hand. A St. Patrick’s Day-themed bar crawl in March resulted in numerous alcohol-related arrests and resident complaints.

Arlington Agenda (April 28-May 4)

By Ethan Rothstein

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County.

If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form. Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Monday

Michael MatticeLive Music: Four Artists at IOTA
IOTA Club & Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8:00 p.m.

Michael Mattice, Jordan Sherman, Michael Pearsall of Honor By August and Taylor Carson all peform. Tickets are $8 and can only be bought at the door.

Wednesday

Twilight TattooFree Military Pageant
Summerall Field (Sheridan Avenue, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall)
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Performances by The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and The U.S. Army Drill Team. The pageant will occur weekly through the summer.

Thursday

Breakfast Business Connection
Holiday Inn Rosslyn (1900 N. Fort Myer Drive)
Time: 7:30-9:00 a.m.

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce says “bring plenty of business cards” to this “power networking” event with more than 60 tables. Registration is required.

Friday

Intergalactic WebLive-Action Graphic Novel
Spectrum Theater (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 8:00 p.m. (also playing Saturday at same time)

A live-action performance of a retro graphic novel from the 1930s, titled “The Intergalactic Nemesis.” Section A tickets are $30, Section B tickets are $20.

Saturday

ToastmastersToastmasters Spring Conference*
Crowne Plaza National Airport (1480 Crystal Drive)
Time: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

District 27’s Toastmasters gather at what District 27 Governor Ralph Jones calls “the social event of the season.” There will be seminars, awards, a business luncheon and other public-speaking related events.

A white oak at 400 N. Manchester Street in BluemontTree Detectives Tour
Lacey Woods Park (1200 N. George Mason Drive)
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.

A family-focused tree tour styled as a scavenger hunt. Families hunt for clues to identify different trees. Pre-registration required.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Rosslyn Announces Slate of Summer Events

By Ethan Rothstein

Aerial view of Rosslyn (Photo courtesy Pete Roof/Alt Gobo MediaWorks LLC)Residents and visitors to Rosslyn will have plenty to do this summer with a lineup of events starting next month.

The Rosslyn Business Improvement District has already announced its office-themed outdoor summer movie schedule, which will run on Friday nights from May 30 to Aug. 22. In addition to the films, events for dogs and their owners, fashion and fitness fans and a farmers market are on their way.

Starting next Friday, May 2, Rosslyn will host a “Yappy Hour” at Le Méridien Arlington, 1121 19th St. N. on the terrace in front of Amuse. Dogs are welcome — and the pooches will have some treats — and cocktails and appetizers are available to their owners, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In addition, Lava Barre, which will be opening in Rosslyn soon, is offering free outdoor classes every Wednesday at Gateway Park from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participants need to register are only required to bring a bottle of water and a mat for the exercises, which incorporate techniques from yoga, ballet and pilates.

Every Thursday afternoon, along N. Oak Street, the Rosslyn farmers market and outdoor concert will return. The market features a handful of booths with vendors selling baked goods, produce and artisanal crafts. In the courtyard in front of Kanpai Sushi and Allspice Catering and Cafe, a new performer will stage a show every week.

Starting May 16 will be Fashion Truck Fridays, when a slew of fashion trucks — the boutique equivalent of a food truck — will make their way to N. Lynn Street from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every week until Sept. 26.

Disclosure: Rosslyn BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser. Photo courtesy Pete Roof/Alt Gobo MediaWorks LLC

Young Republicans Holding Forum on Pot Sentencing

By ARLnow.com

Marijuana and handcuff (photo via Facebook)The Arlington Falls Church Young Republicans will be hosting a panel discussion on marijuana sentencing reform tonight.

As more states and localities like D.C. decriminalize or even legalize pot possession, a national dialogue has emerged over lengthy prison sentences for nonviolent marijuana offenders. The AFCYRs are bringing that discussion to Arlington.

“There is an ongoing national discussion about marijuana sentencing reform, and I want to make sure the Republicans are leading the charge,” AFCYR Chairman Matthew Hurtt said in a media advisory. “It’s an issue that can unite members of our community, regardless of party, race or gender, and we look forward to hearing from those actively engaged in this topic.”

The panel discussion will be held at Hard Times Cafe (3028 Wilson Blvd) in Clarendon, starting at 7:00 p.m. today (Monday). Panelists include Heritage Foundation legal fellow John Malcom, Families Again Mandatory Minimums counsel Molly Gill and Republican Maryland state senator Chris Shank.

Attendees are asked to RSVP online.

Photo via Facebook

Arlington Agenda (April 21-27)

By Ethan Rothstein

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County.

If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form. Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Thursday

Yards tap takeover flyerYards Brewery Tap Takeover*
RedRocks Arlington (2501 Columbia Pike)
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Philadelphia-based brewer Yards takes over three tap lines at RedRocks. The pizza place will be serving Yards Brawler, Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale, and Yards IPA. Free parking with validation.

China GardenRotary Mahjong Night*
China Garden Restaurant (1100 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6:30-9:00 p.m.

The Arlington Rotary Club is hosting a Mahjong night, complete with a silent auction, to raise funds for its scholarship fund. Former Arlington School Board Chair Dave Foster will speak.

Friday

Sarah ColonnaLive Comedy: Sarah Colonna
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 p.m. (also shows at 7:30 and 9:50 p.m. on Saturday)

Comedian Sarah Colonna, who has performed on late night programs like Chelsea Lately, takes the Drafthouse stage. Tickets are $23 online or at the door.

Saturday

Obstacle Race flyerObstacle Course 5k*
Potomac Overlook Park (2845 N. Marcey Road)
Time: 7:30-11:30 a.m.

This 5k obstacle races takes runners and teams through the trails of Potomac Overlook Park. All of the profits go to benefit AFAC. Registration is $30 per person.

Kiwanis International logoKiwanis Pancake Breakfast*
Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 8:00 a.m.-noon

Adults and children are invited — for $8 and $4 respectively — to enjoy the local Kiwanis Club’s annual pancake breakfast. There will also be antique cars, a moon bounce and other festivities.

Walker Chapel's spring fundraiserWalker Chapel’s Aprilfest*
Walker Chapel United Methodist Church (4102 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Walker Chapel’s Aprilfest will feature a used book sale and a plant and mulch sale. All proceeds fund Walker Chapel UMC’s global charitable works.

Habitat for Humanity logoHabitat for Humanity Wine Fundraiser
Grateful Red Wine & Gift Shop (2727 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity Northern Virginia is the beneficiary of a wine tasting, featuring 15 wines and select cheeses. Five percent of wine sales at the shop also will benefit Habitat.

*Denote featured (sponsored) event

Wakefield HS Theater to Perform Monty Python Musical

By Ethan Rothstein

Wakefield Spamalot flyerWakefield High School’s theater department is conducting a performance of the Tony Award-winning musical “Spamalot,” based on the comedic film classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

The production will be held at 7:00 p.m. May 2, 3, 9 and 10 in the school’s auditorium (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street).

The musical, which ran on Broadway from 2005 to 2009 and won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2005, is based around the classic movie, with original songs and, as Wakefield’s press release said, “a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows and killer rabbits.” The show is considered PG.

Tickets will be $10 and are sold at the door only. More information can be found on the Wakefield theater’s website.

Image courtesy Devin Shirley

View More Stories