Events | ARLnow.com

Pets to be Blessed this Weekend

Published October 3, 2013 at 12:30PM | Updated October 3, 2013 at 12:55PM

Two Arlington congregations will holding Blessing of the Animals events this weekend.

Saturday, from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m., St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church will hold blessings for pets on the grassy area at the Clarendon intersection of Fairfax Drive, Washington Blvd and Clarendon Blvd, next to Northside Social. The service is being held in honor of medieval animal lover St. Francis of Assisi, and “Catholic and non-Catholic pets and people are welcome,” according to the event announcement.

On Sunday, the Rock Spring Congregational UCC will hold its own Blessing of the Animals, at 3:00 p.m. The service will be held on the church’s lawn at 5010 N. Little Falls Road. Visitors are encouraged to “come with the pets who share their life with us.”

Image via St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

Arlington Fall Career Fair Set for Next Tuesday

By Ethan Rothstein

Published October 1, 2013 at 4:45PM | Updated October 1, 2013 at 5:44PM

The Arlington Employment Center will host its third fall career fair Tuesday, Oct. 8, at George Mason University’s Arlington Campus.

The event, in Room 126 of Founder’s Hall, 3351 Fairfax Drive, will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The job fair is free, but registration is required.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring résumés, but AEC says some employers may be directing attendees to apply online.

Among the employers that have signed up to participate are Virginia Hospital Center, AT&T, General Dynamics and Starbucks, as well as several federal agencies and Arlington County departments. In all, more than 50 employers have committed to participating in the career fair.

Photo courtesy of the Arlington Employment Center

Arlington Agenda (Oct. 1-6)

By ARLnow.com

Published October 1, 2013 at 11:45AM | Updated October 2, 2013 at 9:39AM

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

BikeArlington’s Two Wheel Tuesday*
1501 Wilson Blvd (11th Floor — Mobility Lab)
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Information session for would-be bike commuters includes tips on bike types and maintenance, how to find a good route to work and how to ride comfortably in traffic.

Wednesday

Crystal City Streetcar Forum
Aurora Hills Community Center (735 18th Street S.)
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Arlington County is holding a second community forum for a progress update on the Crystal City Streetcar Project.

Thursday

Shut Up and Write
Arlington Central Library Auditorium (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Shut Up and Write is a series of panel discussions on writing Young Adult Fiction, moderated by author Jon Skovron.

Friday

Live Music: The Rollerblades
Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street)
Time: 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

The Baltimore-based 90s tribute band performs at Clarendon Grill. The four-man band promises “rad memories” as they cover artists from Green Day to Britney Spears.

Saturday

Arlington Fun Ride*
18th Street and Crystal Drive
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Arlington Fun Ride is a scenic, family-friendly 17 mile ride taking you on the paved multi-use trails that make up the Arlington Loop.

Dogtober Day 2013
Lacey Woods Park (1200 N. George Mason Drive)
Time: 12:00. – 3:00 p.m.

Dogtober Day is a just-for-fun dog show. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded for each show and game category.

Bon Air Memorial Garden Celebration Day*
Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden (850 N. Lexington Street)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

A leisurely day among the park’s 2,000 roses. Enjoy garden tours, music, a Tai Chi group, refreshments, hiking trails and history.

Sunday

Superstar Family Fun Day and Mason Mile*
Key School (2300 Key Blvd)
Time: 4:00 -7:00 p.m.

The free community event consists of outdoor activities for the whole family, music, and snacks. There’s also the “Mason Mile”, a one-mile road run/walk on Key Boulevard.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

County Seeks Public Input on Rosslyn’s Future

By Ethan Rothstein

Published September 30, 2013 at 1:00PM | Updated September 30, 2013 at 1:16PM

Arlington County wants its residents to weigh in on the future of Rosslyn’s skyline, public spaces and transportation at a forum this Saturday.

The Arlington County Board is considering ways to update the Rosslyn Sector Plan, which determines the county’s policy in future development to the neighborhood. The Realize Rosslyn Community Workshop will run Saturday, Oct. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Artisphere Ballroom (1101 Wilson Blvd).

The formal presentation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with breakfast and lunch served. Those interested in attending can register online. There will also be an open house from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Rosslyn Business Improvement District office at 1911 N. Fort Myer Drive, LL-10.

From the county’s press release:

Arlington County is asking the public to weigh in on planning concepts that will transform Rosslyn’s future built environment, public spaces and transportation connections at a workshop on October 5.

“We want Arlingtonians to get involved in reinventing Rosslyn,” said Arlington County Board Chairman J. Walter Tejada. “This is an exciting opportunity to help us create a Rosslyn that is more vibrant and walkable, that has great public spaces and a better mix of homes and offices.”

Participants will be able to engage with project team members and neighbors on the emerging alternatives for the Rosslyn Sector Plan, and to review preliminary proposals and draft alternatives. The County is looking for guidance on:

Key decisions to translate proposed design ideas into an action plan

Bold and compelling options for the future of Rosslyn, such as:

Potential shape of the skyline and preservation of key view corridors

Possibilities for a new 18th Street corridor through Rosslyn’s core

Transformation of Fort Myer Drive and Lynn Street

New destinations for outdoor events, including a re-imagined Gateway Park and an Esplanade that will connect Rosslyn to the Potomac River

Crystal City Hosts Two Bike Events, Installs Bike Vending Machine

By Ethan Rothstein

Published September 26, 2013 at 3:00PM | Updated September 26, 2013 at 5:52PM

Bicycle riders of Crystal City have a lot to look forward to in the next two weeks, with two bike events on the agenda and a new bicycle repair vending machine.

This Saturday, Sept. 28, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Crystal City Business Improvement District will hold the Diamond Derby, a racing event in the parking garage at 2345 Crystal Drive.

There will be five races on the day, a kid’s race and a river ride that will bring cyclists from D.C. to the event, which are both free, and three competition races: the Open Challenge ($20), the Gran Prix ($20) and the team relay race ($70). All events require registration in advance. There will also be a place for the public to watch in the center of the action, an art gallery and lounge built right in the middle of the course.

The following Saturday, Oct. 5, is the day of the Arlington Fun Ride. At 8:00 a.m., riders will head out together to ride the 17-mile Arlington Loop, starting at 18th Street S. and Crystal Drive. Registration is $10 for individuals and $25 for families.

Cyclists can already use the recently-installed bicycle vending machine (pictured above), at the entrance to the Mount Vernon Trail in the Crystal City Water Park. Dubbed the “Fixtation,” the vending machine offers supplies that riders may need to repair their bikes in a pinch, in addition to a bike stand with basic tools and an air pump. The Fixtation’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will immediately precede the Arlington Fun Ride on Oct. 5.

Disclosure: Crystal City BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser. Photo via Crystal City BID.

Clarendon Day Returns This Saturday

By Ethan Rothstein

Published September 26, 2013 at 1:45PM

The 16th annual Clarendon Day and the official D.C. Chili Cookoff are back for another year this Saturday.

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., visitors can partake in the street festival with food, beer and wine, local vendors and businesses.

On three stages, 24 bands and five dance companies will play continuously throughout the day. Before the festival begins, there will be a 10K/5K/Kids Dash in the morning, organized by Pacers.

The highlight of the festival figures to be the D.C. Chili Cookoff. Hard Times co-founder Jim Parker brought the cookoff to Clarendon after 33 years in D.C., most recently as the DC101 Chili Cookoff at RFK Stadium.

Judges will begin tasting the chili at 1:00 p.m., and those in attendance — once the judges have their fill — will be able to sample the chili for 25 cents apiece, with proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project. The winners of the cookoff, in the red chili, chili verde, salsa and homestyle categories, will go on to participate in the World’s Championship Chili Cookoff in October.

The event is free and open to the public, and will be put on rain or shine. From 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wilson Blvd and Clarendon Blvd will be closed from Washington Blvd to N. Garfield Street and N. Highland Street will be closed from N. Hartford Street to 11th Street. Parking will be restricted, so those planning to drive should be aware of the “No Parking” signs posted in the area.

Disclosure: Clarendon Alliance is an ARLnow.com advertiser

Arlington Agenda (Sept. 25-29)

By ARLnow.com

Published September 25, 2013 at 12:00PM | Updated September 25, 2013 at 2:33PM

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

Blues and Brews
Front Courtyard (2121 Crystal Drive)
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Get over the final hump of the month and cool off with live music and beer at Blues & Brews. There’s a cash bar featuring brews hand-selected by beer experts, but the event is free to attend.

Stories of Success: Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Nearly 9 million Americans have a mental health or substance abuse problem. Find out what Arlington County is doing to help those who struggle with such issues.

Friday

Stuff the Bus!
Giant Food (3115 Lee Highway)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

September is Hunger Action Month! Help the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) Stuff the Bus with 20,000 lbs of food donations Sept. 27-29.

Saturday

Clarendon Day 10K/5K*
Whitlow’s on Wilson (2854 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Easily one of the area’s fastest courses, this course takes runners along a foot tour of the eclectic neighborhoods along the Orange Line. Top off the race with a post-race party at Whitlow’s and other great restaurants, pubs, and vendors.

Clarendon Day
Area around the Clarendon Metro station
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The 16th annual Clarendon Day street festival will feature live music, food and drink, local vendors, games and a new-for-2013 chili cookoff.

Eight-Thirteen Ball
Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.

The Eight-Thirteen Ball gets its name from the Dewey Decimal Classification for American Fiction: 813. Our inaugural theme is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” and prizes will be awarded for the best 1920s-style attire.

Sunday

Festival Latinoamerican
Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, authentic Latino food, local vendors, and artistic performances from different countries! Free entrance and free parking.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Keyshia Cole to Visit Pentagon City Mall

By Katie Pyzyk

Published September 18, 2013 at 4:30PM

Pentagon City mall will play host to an event featuring shoes, music and a celebrity appearance on Thursday. Grammy nominated R&B artist Keyshia Cole will stop by to introduce her new shoe line.

On the first stop of her nationwide personal appearance tour, Cole will take part in a meet and greet from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Steve Madden store in the Pentagon City mall. She’s promoting her partnership with the shoe designer, which has resulted in the new shoe line.

Cole will be on hand to autograph free branded tote bags while a DJ provides music. Guests can meet and take photos with Cole. Anyone who purchases a product from the new shoe line during Cole’s appearance will get a free compact mirror and access to special surprise gifts.

Arlington Agenda (Sept. 16-22)

By ARLnow.com

Published September 16, 2013 at 3:30PM

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

BikeArlington’s Two Wheel Tuesday*
Courthouse Plaza (2100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Information session for would-be bike commuters includes tips on bike types and maintenance, how to find a good route to work and how to ride comfortably in traffic.

Thursday

Paws to Read
Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 18th Street S.)
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Children read to dogs at the library. According to studies, reading to dogs can help improve a child’s reading level and increase their enjoyment of reading.

Friday

Live Comedy: Brad Wollack
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 and 10:00 p.m.

Brad Wollack, a writer and regular roundtable guest on E!’s “Chelsea Lately,” performs standup comedy. Tickets are $20.

Saturday

Neighborhood Dog Pawty
Fort Scott Park (2800 Fort Scott Drive)
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The “pawty” features an agility course, doggie vendors, water bar, games and prizes, complimentary morning coffee and pastries, and dog adoptions.

Nauck Civic and Community Pride Day
Drew Model School (3500 23rd Street S.)
Time: 1:00 -5:00 p.m.

Enjoy the rich history and heritage of one o the most diverse neighborhoods in Arlington, with food entertainment and fun for all ages.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Dogtober Day Returns Oct. 5

By Ethan Rothstein

Published September 13, 2013 at 12:55PM

Arlington’s annual dog show, Dogtober Day, will return to Lacey Woods Park (1200 N. George Mason Drive) next month.

The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and will feature doggy competitions for: best kisser, most colorful pup, pet tricks, most adorable dog, best tail wagger, cutest costume, fastest pooch and Best in Show.

Ribbons and prizes will be awarded in each category. Best in Show will be determined by audience applause.

There will be also special games for dogs and their owners, plus stands for local vendors and organizations, such as the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Those interested in having their pet participate can print out a registration form, fill it out, and bring it on the day of the event.

Photo via Arlington County

Harlem Wizards to Play in Arlington

By Ethan Rothstein

Published September 13, 2013 at 10:45AM

The Harlem Wizards, a basketball troop in the mold of the Harlem Globetrotters, will be bringing their tricks and dunks to the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 2nd Street S.) later this month.

The Wizards will play against the Arlington Elite, an assortment of school teachers and administrators, parks and recreation staff, police and firefighters, and other community leaders, Friday, Sept. 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

During halftime, kids are invited out onto the court to interact with the Wizards players. After the game, Wizards players will be available to sign autographs.

General admission tickets are $13 and $10 for students and seniors purchased in advance. At the door, tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors. Courtside reserve tickets, which include a meet-and-greet with two Wizards and a player photo, are $25. Proceeds will go to the Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Teens to support scholarships and local teen programs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-2slfK-5VM&feature=c4-overview&list=UUwuq13OpD37copQcLZkqhzg
Photo courtesy of the Harlem Wizards