Kettler Capitals IceplexThis Saturday, Jan. 4, the Washington Capitals will host their annual blood drive at Kettler Capitals Iceplex (627 N. Glebe Road) in Ballston.

From 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., donors can spend their time — about an hour — giving blood to Inova Blood Donor Services at the Iceplex. Donors will receive a Jay Beagle bobblehead and a Capitals T-shirt.

To schedule an appointment to donate, donors can go online and enter the sponsor name, “Washington Capitals,” or call Inova at 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372).

Potential donors should be feeling healthy the day of the drive and should have not given blood in the last eight weeks, or 16 weeks if the donor gave double red cells.


New Year's celebration in Times Square (by Dave Hunt)(Updated at 11:10 a.m.) The biggest party night of the year is five days away, and several bars and restaurants in Arlington are hosting events to ring in 2014.

Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) — The Drafthouse is hosting a 1980s-themed party with a DJ. For $15 tickets, bought in advance or at the door (cash only), guests will receive party favors with admission. The Times Square ball drop will be shown on the Drafthouse screen. Patrons must pay for food and drink at their tables. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Those under age 21 must be accompanied by a parent between 7:30 and 9:00 p.m. Only 21 and over permitted after 9:00 p.m.

Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd) — Starting at 8:00 p.m., Clarendon Ballroom is hosting a prepaid-only party with music from Lost in Paris and DJ Bobby. Tickets are $75 and cover four drink tickets, a champagne toast, a dinner buffet, party favors and a balloon drop at midnight. The dress code is listed as “dress to impress.” Ticket prices may increase or tickets may sell out in advance.

Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street) — With live music from Gonzo’s Nose and DJ Tymez Square, Clarendon Grill’s New Year’s Eve celebration will begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $65, but may increase or sell out. Admission includes three drink tickets, a champagne toast at midnight, hors d’oeuvres and party favors. Clarendon Grill’s outdoor patio will be open and heated for the night.

The Melting Pot (1110 N. Glebe Road) — The Melting Post is offering a four-course dinner for the holiday. For $68, customers will get a starting course of crab cheese fondue, a salad, and main course offerings including lobster tails, jumbo shrimp and two different types of sirloin steak. A champagne toast is included with the dessert course. Make a reservation in advance with OpenTable.

Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave.) — Signature Theatre is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash to go along with its currently running musical, Gypsy. For those who want to see Gypsy and stay after midnight, tickets start at $120 for subscribers and $164 for non-subscribers. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. After the show, starting at 10:30, there will be unlimited beer and wine, appetizers, desserts, a champagne toasts and Signature cocktails available for $8. Tickets for just the after party are $50 for subscribers and $75 for non-subscribers. Tickets for either can be bought at the theater’s box office or by calling 703-820-9771.

Crystal City Sports Pub (529 23rd Street S.) — An all-inclusive appetizer and dinner buffet with live music awaits guests on New Year’s Eve in Crystal City Sports Pub. For $49.99, appetizers begin at 6:30 p.m. and the dinner buffet is from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. The Jeff Miller Band will provide the live music, and there will be a champagne toast for those over 21 years old. Guests can also purchase a night in the Crystal City Radisson with their dinner for an extra $100. For reservations call 703-521-8215.

Whitlow’s on Wilson (2854 Wilson Blvd) — Local band Back to Zero will play on the main stage during Whitlow’s New Year’s Eve bash. For $40, guests 21 and over will receive a champagne toast at midnight, coat check, and heavy appetizer buffet. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the event, starting at 9:00 p.m..

The Comedy Spot (Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd) — A family-friendly comedy show gets started at 8:00 p.m. in The Comedy Spot. Presented by Comedy Sportz, tickets are $15 for this “PG-rated” comedy show and include party hats.

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill (2424 Wilson Blvd) — For $35, revelers will be given one drink ticket, party favors, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at the Arlington Rooftop. There will be a balloon drop at midnight. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Doors open for the party at 9:00 p.m. and the bar will stay open until 2:00 a.m.

Jaleo Crystal City (2250 Crystal Drive) — Starting at 8:00 p.m. José Andrés’ Jaleo will be offering unlimited tasting of their Spanish tapas. A live band will perform starting at 10:00 p.m. and, at midnight, guests will be given a glass of cava and a dozen grapes, a Spanish New Year’s tradition. Guests can call 703-413-8181 or go online to make a reservation for the dinner, which costs $85.

Flickr photo by Dave Hunt


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.

Tuesday

Bungalow ugly sweater partyUgly Sweater Holiday Party
The Bungalow Sports Grill (2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 6:30 to 11:00 p.m.

The Shirlington Running Club is hosting an ugly sweater party and all are welcome. The Bungalow will provide food and there will be raffles, as well as a chance to meet runners in the area.

Thursday

Flying DogBeer-Tender Series
Red Rocks Arlington (2501 9th Road S.)
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tommy Hunter, the brewer for Flying Dog, will be on hand to chat about the Frederick, Md., brewery’s innovations. The event also doubles as Red Rocks’ ugly sweater Christmas party.

SophistafunkLive Music: Sophistafunk
Whitlow’s on Wilson (2854 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 9:30 p.m.

Sophistafunk, a three-member band based in New York City, performs electronic dance music rooted in old-school funk and hip-hop. The show is $5 at the door, patrons must be 21 to attend.

Friday

Toxic-mouseLive Music: ’80s band Toxic Mouse
Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street)
Time: 9:00 p.m.

1980s rock cover band Toxic Mouse takes the stage at the Clarendon Grill Friday night. Cover charge for Clarendon Grill shows is generally $5.

Saturday

Christmas ornaments in an Arlington hotelMake Your Own Holiday Ornaments
Arlington Historical Museum at the Hume School (1805 S. Arlington Ridge Road)
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The Arlington Historical Society is hosting a DIY ornaments class to pair with its latest exhibit, “Christmas Cards & Ornaments to Decorate the Holidays: 1920-1940.” Free and open to the public.


Gingerbread man (photo via CPRO)(Updated at 4:00 p.m.) A “Holiday Bazaar and Crafts Fair” will be held at the new Wakefield High School (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street) this weekend.

The event is being held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. More than 50 vendors, many of them local and regional artisans, will be selling their wares at the fair. International food and delicacies will be served.

The free event will also feature live music from the Wakefield High School Chorus and Orchestra and from jazz musician Charles Wood, as well as a traditional Mexican dance performance and a jewelry making demonstration.

The fair is being organized by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization.

Photo via CPRO


Clarendon's Finest holiday bar crawl posterRevelers in holiday garb will pack the streets of Clarendon this Saturday evening, and while drink and merriment will be the activity, the proceeds will go to a good cause.

The inaugural Clarendon’s Finest Holiday Bar Crawl will run this Saturday, Dec. 14, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m., with tickets selling for $10 and all proceeds going to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Clarendon Grill, Mad Rose Tavern, Mister Days, Mexicali Blues, Hunan Number One, Bracket Room and SoBe Bar & Bistro will all be participating with drink specials throughout the evening. Registration for the crawl will be at Sobe (3100 Clarendon Blvd) from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Prizes will be given out for the best costume, dynamic duo and best group costume at the bar crawl ending party from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Mister Days, at the corner of N. Highland Street and Washington Blvd.


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

Olivia ManciniLive Music: Antonette Goroch and Olivia Mancini
Galaxy Hut (2711 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 9:00 p.m.

Two female folk singers — one based in San Francisco, the other a D.C. local — try to warm up Clarendon. Cover is $5 and gets patrons in to see both performers.

Friday

1500 Wilson BlvdHoliday Ready Market
1500 Wilson Blvd
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This daylong pop-up shop is free and open to the public. It will feature live music and visitors can purchase gifts, sweets, massages for themselves, among others

Robert Kelly (photo via Facebook)Live Comedy: Robert Kelly
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7 and 10 p.m.

Standup comic Robert Kelly, known for his HBO special and role as Louis C.K.’s brother on “Louie,” performs. Tickets are $20.

Saturday

Christmas bird count at Potomac Overlook ParkChristmas Bird Count
Potomac Overlook Regional Park (2845 N. Marcy Road)
Time: 8:00 a.m. to noon

Volunteer with park naturalists to walk to trails of Potomac Overlook and count the fowl staying in Arlington for the winter. Meet at the main shelter building, dress warmly and bring binoculars. 

Winter Wonderland at Market Common ClarendonWinter Wonderland
Market Common Clarendon (2700 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Professional carolers will be serenading visitors to the plaza while Santa takes pictures and children can drink free hot cocoa. The event will be held rain, snow or shine.

Sunday

Christmas Concert and Children’s Activities
Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Lane)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Cherrydale UMC’s annual Christmas concert is free and open to the public. Featuring percussionist Mark Carson and a children’s Secret Santa shop.


Linden Resources 'Miracle on 23rd Street' 2011An annual Aurora Highlands Christmas tradition will return tonight, with Santa Claus arriving on an Arlington County Fire Department truck.

The Linden Resources “Miracle on 23rd Street Celebration” will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Linden office at 750 23rd Street S.

The event is free and open to the public, will include a Christmas tree lighting, a brass band and children’s activities, including photos with Santa.

The event will kick off with a vendor gift fair from local businesses and will feature “local dignitaries,” according to a press release.

Linden Resources, a company devoted to helping those with disabilities find employment opportunities, will also collect donations for its “Vets Ready2Work” program that helps place military veterans with disabilities with jobs.

File Photo


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.

Wednesday

Resized Challenge Finale FlyerBallston BID Launchpad Finale
Regal Ballston Common Mall Movie Theater (671 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Judges Ted Leonsis, Aneesh Chopra, Rep. Gerry Connolly and Mark Gruhin will choose a winning company for the yearlong startup competition. Registration is $49, includes an open bar, and the deadline to register is midnight.

Thursday

Light Up RosslynLight Up Rosslyn
Under the WJLA Jumbotron (1100 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED.

 

Saturday

Animal Feeding 101 at Potomac Overlook ParkAnimal Feeding 101 — Turtles at Potomac Overlook
Potomac Overlook Regional Park (2845 N. Marcey Road)
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Volunteers can help regional park staff gather insects and worms to feed animals at the Nature Center, particularly the captive turtles. A $5 donation is requested and attendees can call 703-528-5406 to make a reservation.

Pentagon Row ice rinkPentagon Row’s Grand Re-opening Celebration
Pentagon Row Ice Rink (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The outdoor ice rink — now Northern Virginia’s largest — hosts its grand re-opening in time for the holidays. There will be a DJ, a s’mores station to benefit a Girl Scouts troop and a surprise performance at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday

Help Us Feed 100,000 FlyerFood Drive at TJ Community Center*
Thomas Jefferson Community Center Gym (125 S. Old Glebe Road)
Time: 9:30 a.m. to noon

Grace Community Church is organizing volunteers in hopes to package more than 100,000 meals for children in impoverished areas. 

National Chamber Ensemble Holiday Concert 2013National Chamber Ensemble Holiday Concert*
Artisphere Spectrum Theatre (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The National Chamber Ensemble celebrates the holiday season with a selection of holiday music like “Sleigh Ride,” Chanukah songs and pieces by Tchaikovsky and others. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event


Shirlington tree lighting event in 2010Shirlington’s “Light Up the Village” festival will take place tonight (Tuesday), and some roads in the Village at Shirlington will be closed for the festivities.

From 4:00 to 10:00 p.m., Campbell Avenue, from Arlington Mill Drive to S. Quincy Street and S. Randolph Street, from Arlington Mill Drive to the alley behind Charlie Chang’s Restaurant (roughly the 3000 block), will be closed for the event.

During that time, vehicles will not be allowed to leave Harris Teeter’s covered parking lot onto Campbell Avenue. Parking in the area is also restricted, so drivers should be on the lookout for spaces with “No Parking” signs.

Light Up the Village will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The tree lighting should begin at 6:30, hosted by WTTG’s Allison Seymour. There will also be horse and carriage rides available for those donating non-perishable goods to the Arlington Food Assistance Center, photos with Santa at the UPS Store (2776 S. Arlington Mill Drive), free face painting and live holiday music.


Turkey Trot 5K logoSeveral road closures are planned in Lyon Park and Ashton Heights on Thanksgiving morning for the eighth annual Arlington Turkey Trot 5K race.

The race is hosted by Christ Church of Arlington. All 3,100 registration spots have been claimed, according to the church’s website.

Arlington police issued the following press release about closures associated with the event.

The Arlington County Police Department will close N. Pershing Drive between N. Fillmore Street and N. Glebe Road from 7:50 a.m. until approximately 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2013 for the 2013 Turkey Trot 5K.

Neighborhood roadways north and south of N. Pershing Drive will be affected briefly as the runners move through the course.  It is anticipated N. Pershing Drive will be reopened completely by 9:30 a.m.

Additionally, certain areas will be designated as “no parking” along the route between midnight and 10:00 a.m. on November 28, 2013.  These areas are identified below:

  • N Highland Street between N Pershing Drive & 7th Street N
  • 7th Street N between N Highland Street & N Irving Street
  • N Irving Street between 7th Street N & 9th Street N
  • 9th Street N between N Irving Street & N Fillmore Street

Metro bus service will be temporarily unavailable along N. Pershing Drive.  Routes have been adjusted to provide pickup at the intersection of N. Glebe Road and Washington Boulevard along N. Pershing Drive.

All questions should be directed to Lieutenant Robert Medairos at (703)228-4160.


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

Matt TarkaLive Music: Philippine Disaster Relief Benefit Concert
Iota Club and Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8:00 p.m.

IOTA will stage concerts Monday and Tuesday nights to benefit the Red Cross’ relief efforts in the Philippines. A $10 donation is required. Music by Matt TarkaMantua Finials, and Steve Bowes of The Pharmacy Prophets.

Tuesday

Chanukah on IceChanukah on Ice at Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row Ice Rink (1201 S. Joyce Street)

Time: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Canceled due to inclement weather

The annual holiday tradition comes to Pentagon Row’s new ice rink for the first time. Refreshments will be served. The traditional lighting of the menorah will take place at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday

Arlington small business dayArlington Small Business Day
The Launch Pad (4236 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Ballston Launchpad is hosting local home- and web-based businesses for shoppers to browse. Visitors can sip on hot chocolate while perusing the offerings of more than 20 vendors.

Sunday

Pet photos with SantaPet photos with Santa
PetMAC (822 N. Kenmore Street)
Time: 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Pet owners can bring their animals to take pictures with Santa. Those interested are asked to call 703-908-7387 to reserve a time slot. A $15 donation to Homeward Trails is required. Cats will be allowed for photos the last half hour.

42nd annual Messiah Sing-along
Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

To kick off the holiday season, Clarendon UMC is hosting its annual Messiah Sing-along. Singers are invited to the church to sing with the backing of a full symphony orchestra led by Dr. J. Reilly Lewis.


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