Events | ARLnow.com

Road Closures for Fourth of July

Published July 2, 2013 at 2:30PM

The Arlington County Police Department will close a number of roads for the Fourth of July holiday on Thursday to accommodate the crowds moving throughout the county.

Memorial Bridge and Memorial Circle will be closed all day, from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Below are the other closures to expect.

From 3:00 to 11:00 p.m.:

N. Meade Street from Marshall Drive to Route 50 (access to the Ft. Myer Heights neighborhood will be from the Rhodes Street bridge)
Marshall Drive from Route 110 to N. Meade Street
EB N. Fairfax Drive from N. Pierce Street to N. Fort Myer Drive
Exit ramp from westbound Route 50 to N. Lynn Street (Rosslyn exit)
Exit ramp from eastbound Route 50 to N. Meade Street (Rosslyn exit)
Long Bridge Drive from Boundary Channel Drive to 10th Street S.

From 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

EB Route 50 at N. Pershing Drive (detour at N. Barton Street or Washington Blvd)
Columbia Pike between S. Orme Street and S. Joyce Street
S. Joyce Street from Army Navy Drive to Columbia Pike

“Independence Day event attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transportation,” police said in a press release.

“The Rosslyn Metro stop on the Orange Line is approximately five blocks north of the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Air Force Memorial is within walking distance of the Pentagon City Metro station,” the release continued. “Arlington County will also be running shuttle buses to Long Bridge Park from the Crystal City and Pentagon City Metro stations.”

Verve Pipe to Headline July 4th Celebration

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 27, 2013 at 10:45AM

The Second Annual Arlington County July 4th Celebration at Long Bridge Park is just one week away, and we now know the headlining act will be a multi-platinum selling rock band.

Revelers can listen to The Verve Pipe while waiting to watch the fireworks display on the National Mall, which is expected to begin at 9:10 p.m. The band is known for its 90s hit “The Freshmen.”

The event runs from 3:00-10:00 p.m. next Thursday. Live entertainment kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with WAMMIE award winning band “The Grandsons,” followed by the Army Voices ensemble from the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and then D.C. area party band “Jeff from Accounting.”

Family friendly activities include a hula hoop contest, potato sack races, kickball games, line dancing, moon bounces and face painting. Local food trucks will also roll in to feed the masses.

More details about the bands and all of the activities offered at the celebration can be found online.

Two other popular places to watch the fireworks from Arlington include the Marine Corps Memorial and the Air Force Memorial. Police will be working traffic control in those areas in addition to helping near Long Bridge Park. ACPD has not yet announced a list of road closures.

Anyone heading out to celebrate is reminded that grills, fireworks and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on county and federal park lands.

Disclosure: Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation is an ARLnow.com advertiser

Flickr pool photo by Clint Farrell

Arlington Agenda (June 24-30)

By ARLnow.com

Published June 24, 2013 at 1:30PM

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.

Monday

IBIS Chamber Music at IOTA Club*
Iota Club & Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

IBIS will present a friendly program for harp, flute and strings with music by Mozart, Beaser, Francaix, Hoover and Gershwin. Enjoy IOTA’s full dinner menu, wine list, craft beers and full bar along with the concert.

Wednesday

Author Event: Forrest Pritchard
Arlington Central Library Auditorium (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Author and professional farmer Forrest Pritchard discusses his book “Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food and Saving the Family Farm.”

Thursday

Chemistry Experiments Happy Hour
Ballston Launchpad (4238 Wilson Blvd., Ste 1132)
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Mingle with business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees from the region while you enjoy some adult chemistry experiments and complementary hor d’oeuvres.

Friday

Gangstagrass
Artisphere (1101Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8:30 – 11:00 p.m.

Music concert featuring popular rap’n’grass project Gangstagrass with special guests the Human Country Jukebox. Being held in the Ballroom which is primarily standing room only.

Saturday

The All American Bar Crawl*
Clarendon Bars (3100 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 1:00 -9:00 p.m.

Registration fee includes a souvenir event mug, patriotic party favors, access to Clarendon’s best bars, exclusive drink and food specials, free pictures of the event and a raffle entry.

SOA Goes to the Movies*
George Washington Masonic Temple Theater (101 Callahan Drive, Aelxandria)
Time: 4:00 -6:00 p.m.

The Symphony Orchestra of Arlington will perform pieces from popular movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Superman and James Bond. Pre-concert pictures with Superman. Free reception following concert.

Hike the Pike
Columbia Pike Neighborhood (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 10:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m.

A month long challenge run by the Columbia Pike Restaurant Group and sponsored by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization. Be the first to visit nine Columbia Pike restaurants to win gift certificates and other prizes, including a mini-Ipad.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

New Dating Startup to Hold Arlington Event

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 18, 2013 at 12:00PM

A new Arlington-based startup company is trying to change the way people date.

Think of the concept of Datesocial as a group date for the digital age. Singles (and their friends) can sign up for one of the events online and then show up at the designated event for an in-person experience.

Co-founder and CEO Ian Lang explained that 20 men and 20 women can participate in each event, and they are split into groups of four. The groups are each paired up for 12 minutes at a time — we’re told that’s long enough to make an impression, but not so long as to make things awkward. At the end, participants turn in a list of up to five people they’d like to see again. If there’s a mutual match, Datesocial will re-introduce them via email within 24 hours.

“Basically, we’re taking that great experience at a bar that happens when you and a group of your friends meets a group of guys/girls, and making it a little more focused, safer and comfortable for everyone involved,” Lang said.

Lang is a senior columnist for AskMen.com and stumbled upon the idea while doing research about dating trends.

“It was clear based on the success of sites like Grouper that the next big thing in ‘online dating’ wasn’t online at all, but rather using the web to facilitate real life interactions,” said Lang. “One night, my wife and I were having drinks outside at Toscana Grill [in Courthouse], and there was a speed dating event next door at Velocity 5. It seemed kind of awkward, and at first we joked about how we could do better. Eventually, we stopped joking, and about a month later Datesocial was born, with my wife Ashley and I as the founders.”

The first Datesocial event in Arlington will take place this Friday, June 21, at Velocity 5 (2300 Clarendon Blvd). Anyone interested in participating can sign up online. Registration is $5.

Meeting for Starting a Community Radio Station

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 18, 2013 at 9:55AM | Updated June 18, 2013 at 10:12AM

A meeting on Thursday (June 20) will bring Arlington one step closer to getting its own independent community radio station.

In October, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will allow community groups in urban areas to apply for low power FM radio stations. Arlington Independent Media (AIM) has been working on plans to apply for a license to start a community radio station serving the Arlington area. According to a press release, “AIM hopes it can combat the domination of the airwaves by corporations with no local presence or programming.”

AIM will host a roundtable meeting on Thursday to gather supporters, discuss the next steps and to find resources. Some of the topics expected to come up for discussion are station branding, programming, community organizing and fundraising.

“This community radio station will provide access to underrepresented music, promote community dialogue and involvement, encourage individual and artistic expression, and create awareness of local views and events,” said AIM Operations Manager Lauree McArdle.

The meeting is free to attend and will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at AIM’s Clarendon studio (2701-C Wilson Blvd). Light refreshments will be provided. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP online.

Arlington Agenda (June 17-23)

By ARLnow.com

Published June 17, 2013 at 3:00PM

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

Crystal Screen: The King’s Speech
Crystal City BID (1851 S. Bell Street)
Time: 8:15 – 10:15 p.m.

Crystal City’s annual film festival. Bring a picnic and a blanket. Movies are held rain or shine, except in cases of severe, inclement weather. This year’s festival will feature trivia nights, costume contests, and visits from mobile dining partners.

Open Mic Night
Busboys and Poets (4251 S. Campbell Avenue)
Time: 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

For two hours audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week.

Thursday

ACE Summer Solstice and Cleanup Event
Bluemont Park (601 N. Manchester Street)
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Join Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment to celebrate the start of summer and the longest day of the year. Service project options including cleanups and invasive plant removal. Refreshments will be available.

BuddhaFest
Spectrum Theatre (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

BuddhaFest is a 4-day festival inspired by the Buddhist practices of mindfulness, compassion and meditation featuring films, musical performances, and spiritual talks. This year’s speakers include Robert Thurman and Sharon Salzberg.

Friday

Biography
The Gunston Arts Center (2700 S. Lang Street)
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.

The American Century Theater presents Biography, S.N. Behrman’s comedy about the ramifications of one woman’s memoir.

Saturday

Arlington Festival of the Arts*
Clarendon Neighborhood (1101 N. Highland Street)
Time: 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.

More than 100 of the finest artists in country will converge upon Highland Street in Clarendon for a two-day juried outdoor gallery style art exhibit. A wide variety of original artwork will be on display and for sale with prices set to suit all budgets.

Sunday

Carnival on the Boardwalk
Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Lane)
Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Community event to benefit Hurricane Sandy Relief featuring fun boardwalk games, prizes, food, cakewalks, music, and auction items. Hosted by the Cherrydale United Methodist Church Youth Group.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Tea Party to Host Anti-Streetcar Scholar in Westover

By ARLnow.com

Published June 17, 2013 at 1:00PM | Updated June 17, 2013 at 1:17PM

A noted streetcar critic will address a meeting of the Northern Virginia Tea Party on Tuesday.

The event is scheduled from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Westover Branch Library (1644 N. McKinley Road). Randal O’Toole, a transportation expert at the libertarian CATO Institute, will “speak about current transportation policy issues, including the Columbia Pike streetcar.”

O’Toole wrote the book The Vanishing Automobile and Other Urban Myths: How Smart Growth Will Harm American Cities in 2001, and published a policy analysis entitled “The Great Streetcar Conspiracy” last year. The analysis says municipal streetcar systems are being encouraged by the federal government and by “engineering firms that stand to earn millions of dollars planning, designing, and building streetcar lines.”

“Streetcars are the latest urban planning fad, stimulated partly by the Obama administration’s preference for funding transportation projects that promote ‘livability’ (meaning living without automobiles) rather than mobility or cost-effective transportation,” O’Toole wrote.

“Based on 19th-century technology, the streetcar has no place in American cities today except when it functions as part of a completely self-supporting tourist line. Instead of subsidizing streetcars, cities should concentrate on basic — and modern — services such as fixing streets, coordinating traffic signals, and improving roadway safety.”

(Supporters argue that a modern streetcar system is a clean and efficient transportation solution that reduces traffic congestion and promotes economic development.)

Tuesday’s event is free and open to the public. “Extensive free parking in the evening is available at the rear of the adjacent elementary school,” according to the event invitation.

Photo via CATO Institute

Take Dad Out for Father’s Day Activities

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 13, 2013 at 3:30PM | Updated June 13, 2013 at 5:58PM

The weather may be foul now, but it’s supposed to improve this weekend. That means outdoor options are in play for taking dad out to celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday (June 16).

Whether outdoors or inside, there are numerous events taking place around Arlington this weekend where you can spend some quality time with dad. Here are a few to consider:

Columbia Pike Blues Fest — The free event features food, music and children’s activities. Festivities run from 1:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, on S. Walter Reed Drive at Columbia Pike. This year’s headliner is guitarist G.E. Smith, who gained widespread fame through his time as the musical director on Saturday Night Live, following his stint as the lead guitarist for the band Hall & Oates. More information, including a full music schedule, can be found online.

Donuts with Dad — The Cherrydale Branch Library (2190 N. Military Road) still has a few spots open for dads and kids who want to stop by on Saturday for some sweet treats. From 10:30-11:30 a.m., the library will provide donuts and a craft activity for children. The event is free, but advance sign up is required by calling 703-228-6330 or visiting by the library.

Crystal Car Auto Festival — Crystal City is hosting its first annual Father’s Day Auto Festival. Visitors can check out a variety of autos, including innovative electric vehicles and classic muscle cars. The event runs from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free and a cash beer garden offers beer and wine. More information about exact locations for the auto festival can be found online.

Dash 4 Dad Race — Pacers has again partnered with ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer for the four mile Dash for Dad race on Sunday. The 8:30 a.m. race begins at Pentagon Row close to the Pacers store (1101 S. Joyce Street). Registration and road closures for the race can be found online.

Go Fishing — Although the county no longer stocks trout in Four Mile Run due to budget cuts, residents are still allowed to fish in local waterways. Anglers over the age of 16 need a license to fish. The Department of Parks and Recreation website uses a fish logo to indicate parks — such as Alcova Heights, Glencarlyn and Upper Pimmit Run — where visitors may be successful in pulling in a catch.

Disclosure: Crystal City BID and Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization are ARLnow.com advertisers

Arlington Agenda (June 10-16)

By ARLnow.com

Published June 11, 2013 at 12:15PM

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

Brooklyn Brewery Beer Dinner*
Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar (2350 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Brooklyn Brewery has mastered many wonderful beers and Fire Works is proud to partner with them for an evening of amazing food to highlight their amazing beer.

Dollars for Disaster
SoBe Bar and Bistro (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Club Red, the Red Cross National Capital Region’s young professional society, will be hosting an event to raise awareness and money for the Oklahoma tornado victims.

Wednesday

Author Talk & Book Signing: Elliot Smith, Beltway Boys
One More Page Books (2200 N Westmoreland Street)
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Elliott Smith chats about Beltway Boys: Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, and the Rise of the Nationals, an insider’s look at the Washington Nationals’ breakout season and their unique strategy to piece together a contending team.

Friday

Rosslyn’s Film Fest: Can’t Buy Me Love*
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway)
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Moviegoers are encouraged to bring a picnic and a blanket. Films begin at dusk, approximately 8:00 p.m. Before the show, enjoy games and prizes. Rain or shine.

Neal Brennan at the Drafthouse
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Neil Brennan is the Co-Creator of The Dave Chappelle Show. After writing countless Hollywood scripts for television and movies, he is now touring the country performing a one-of-a-kind stand-up comedy routine.

Saturday

Shocked & Amazed Presents Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow
Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Step up, step in for a fast paced and funny, death-defying daredevil stunt spectacular with all the glitter, glamour, and gut-wrenching thrills of a Vegas show guaranteed to please, amuse, and amaze audiences.

Sunday

Zero Prostate Cancer Run
Pentagon Row (1101 South Joyce Street)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The race is part of the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge, coming to more than three-dozen cities across the nation in 2013. It brings together athletes, doctors, cancer survivors and those who care about them to end prostate cancer.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Air Force Association Cycling Classic This Weekend

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 5, 2013 at 10:10AM | Updated June 5, 2013 at 10:41AM

Cyclists will fill the streets of Arlington this weekend for the annual Air Force Association Cycling Classic.

Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, with various amateur races. The big event, however, is the Clarendon Cup which begins around noon. It is part of USA Cycling’s National Criterium Calendar and has been the Washington DC region’s premier Pro/Am race since 1998. According to the event website, the 100km Clarendon Cup (100 laps on a 1km course) is known as one of the most difficult criterium races in the U.S. due to technical demands of the course and the quality of the participants.

Cyclists of all abilities are welcome to participate in the Challenge Ride on Sunday, June 9, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sunday’s featured event is the Crystal Cup men’s pro race.

Closures for the events are as follows:

Saturday, June 8, from 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

Wilson Blvd from N. Fillmore Street to Washington Blvd
Clarendon Blvd from Washington Blvd to N. Fillmore Street
Washington Blvd from Wilson Blvd to N. Highland Street
Highland Street from Wilson Boulevard to Washington Blvd
Garfield Street and Fillmore Street from Wilson Blvd to Washington Blvd

Street parking in the affected areas also will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed.

Sunday, June 9, from 5:00 a.m. to noon:

Crystal Drive between 23rd Street and 15th Street
20th Street between Crystal Drive and Jefferson Davis Highway. Single lane provided westbound from S. Bell Street to Jefferson Davis Highway
Clark Street between 20th Street and 23rd Street. Vehicles will be able to enter/exit from the northern most garage entrance/exit when deemed safe.
Westbound lanes of 23rd Street between Crystal Drive and S. Clark Street will be closed and eastbound lanes will be converted to westbound traffic. All traffic from Route 1 bound for the Crystal Drive parking garage will be diverted to S. Clark Street• 18th Street between Crystal Drive and S. Bell Street –- Only local traffic destined for garage parking permitted east of S. Bell Street
Westbound lanes of 15th Street between Crystal Drive and S. Eads Street
Eastbound lanes of 15th Street between Crystal Drive and the southbound entry ramp for Route 1/Jefferson Davis Highway – east bound lanes between S. Eads and the south bound entry ramp will remain open.
Southbound Route 110 between Rosslyn and Route 1/Jefferson Davis Highway
Southbound Route 1/Jefferson Davis Highway between Route 110 and 15th Street
Washington Blvd eastbound at I-395
Washington Blvd westbound from Memorial Bridge
Columbia Pike from S. Washington Blvd to S. Oak St.
S. Joyce Street from S. Washington Blvd to Columbia Pike
Boundary Channel Drive from Connector Road to S. Washington Blvd
South Gate Road no access to Columbia Pike

Sunday, June 9, from noon to 4:00 p.m:

Crystal Drive between 23rd Street and 15th Street
Eastbound lanes of 15th Street between Crystal Drive and Jefferson Davis Highway
20th Street between Crystal Drive and Jefferson Davis Highway. Single lane provided westbound from S. Bell Street to Jefferson Davis Highway
Clark Street between 15th Street and 18th Street
Clark Street between 20th Street and 23rd Street. A single lane will be provided at the exit to the parking garage for Plaza Apartments to allow vehicles to exit upon ACPD direction
Westbound lanes of 23rd Street between Crystal Drive and S. Clark Street. Eastbound lanes will be converted to westbound traffic. All traffic bound for the Crystal Drive parking garage will be diverted to S. Clark Street
18th Street between Crystal Drive and S. Bell Street –- Only local traffic destined for garage parking permitted east of S. Bell Street

Disclosure: Air Force Association Cycling Classic is an ARLnow.com advertiser

Performance Artists to Invade Rosslyn This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Published June 4, 2013 at 12:00PM

A large-scale performance art festival is coming to office lobbies, rooftops, parks and other public places in Rosslyn this weekend.

The SUPERNOVA Performance Art Festival, sponsored by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District and produced by Pink Line Project, will take place from Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 9. Events range from an “art sports competition” to a large-scale grass painting project to an “outrageous” dance party.

“SUPERNOVA is a multi-site, multi-day, transdisciplinary, anti-conventional festival that will include and not be limited to: performance art, live art, body art, relational art, action art, happenings, actions, interventions, works-as-yet-undefined, and those never-to-be defined. Or whatever you want, or refuse, to call it,” according to the festival website.

More than 75 local, national and international artists will take part in the festival.

Performance schedules for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are posted online. Tickets to Saturday’s “Big Bang Dance Party,” which is being held from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd), are $15 and available online.

With the exception of the dance party, all events are free and open to the public.

Disclosure: Rosslyn BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser