Events | ARLnow.com

Arlington Agenda (March 25-31)

Published March 25, 2013 at 5:15PM

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in and around 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

Goose Island Tap Takeover*
Fire Works Pizza (2350 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 5:00 p.m.- Close

To start off Craft Brewers Conference week, Fire Works will feature four of the five Goose Island Bourbon County series beers.

Tuesday

New Belgium Tap Takeover*
Fire Works Pizza (2350 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 5:00 p.m.- Close

New Belgium takes over the taps at Fire Works, pouring three beers from their Lips of Faith lineup, plus other brews.

Wednesday

Brewers Reception*
Fire Works Pizza (2350 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 5:00 p.m.- Close

Representatives from five breweries — Blue Mountain, Terrapin, Highland, Schlafly, and Sixpoint — stop by. Fire Works will be pouring three beers from each.

Film Screening: “An Ordinary Hero”
Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 7:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

A screening of “An Ordinary Hero: The True Story of Joan Mulholland.” To be followed by a panel discussion with Mulholland and the film’s writer/director.

Thursday

Sisqo Live and 90s Party
Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Sisqo, the artist behind the 2000 hit “Thong Song,” and DJ Chris Styles perform at an “I [Heart] the 90’s Party.” Admission is free but a $15 “cut line pass” is being offered.

Saturday

Symphony Orchestra of Arlington Gala 2013*
George Washington Masonic National Theater (101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria)
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

An annual gala fundraiser for the Symphony Orchestra of Arlington that will include a silent auction and a musical tribute to Aaron Copland.

“Eggs-travaganza” Easter Egg Hunt
Trinity Presbyterian Church (5533 North 16th Street)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The community is invited to an Easter egg hunt for children of all ages. Kids will also be able to dye and decorate their own hard-boiled Easter eggs.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

5K Fridays Return to Crystal City

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 22, 2013 at 10:45AM

The days are getting longer, and that means it’s time to prep for the Friday night spring race series in Crystal City.

Every Friday in April, roads will close down for the Crystal Run 5K Fridays races, which begin at 6:30 p.m.

“The 5K Fridays Race Series is one of our most popular programs,” said Angela Fox, President/CEO of the Crystal City BID. “People can get their weekend warrior workout done early in a fun and festive way, and then relax and enjoy the rest of the weekend.”

After the race, runners can clean up with a free shower at the local Sport & Health (2231 Crystal Drive), or visit Kora Restaurant (2250 Crystal Drive) for half price pasta. Hamburger Hamlet (1750 Crystal Square Arcade) will host post-race festivities, with food and drink specials for racers, volunteers, friends and family.

This year, 5K Fridays will be part of the Gold’s Gym Get Fit Challenge. Gold’s Gym will select six contestants and provide them with a membership and 12 weeks of free personal training to help them lose weight. The Washington Post Express will track their challenges and successes each week. The April 26 race will serve as the official mid-point challenge. After the race, contestants will go to Kora Restaurant to meet with celebrity chef Morou, who will provide dinner and discuss healthy eating.

Each race has an entry fee of $20, or a bulk rate of $60 for all four races. Registration is available online.

Disclosure: Crystal City BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser

Controversial Ugandan Play Comes to Artisphere

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 21, 2013 at 3:45PM

A play that sent shockwaves throughout Uganda with the utterance of the phrase “I’m gay” is making its way to Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd) this weekend.

A staged reading of “The River and the Mountain” will take place at Artisphere’s Dome Theatre this Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. The dramatic comedy revolves around the life of a gay factory manager in Uganda who encounters violent reactions from family members and colleagues when he comes out at a party. The free event includes a talk back with playwright Beau Hopkins and U.S. producer/director Sarah Imes Borden.

The play made news in August 2012 when it became the first Ugandan play to have an openly gay character. Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, as well as 36 other African nations, and punished with lengthy jail terms.

The producer of the play, David Cecil, was arrested last September for offending the Ministry of Ethics in Uganda. The charges were dropped in October due to lack of evidence that the play promoted homosexuality. Last month, however, Cecil was detained again and deported from Uganda. The next day, Uganda’s Parliament began debating a new draft of a national anti-homosexuality bill, often known around the world as the “Kill the Gays Bill.”

The original form of the bill sought the death penalty as punishment for those who are gay. Although Uganda’s Parliament has said that there’s a recommendation to drop the death penalty and instead require life imprisonment for gay individuals, the revised bill with the reported changes has not yet been made available to the public.

One of the original actors in the play when it was first staged in Uganda, Okuyo Joel Atiku Prince, was supposed to join in this weekend’s event at Artisphere, but his travel to the U.S. has been denied by the Ugandan government, according to Artisphere spokeswoman Annalisa Meyer.

Batman to Visit Arlington YMCA

By ARLnow.com

Published March 20, 2013 at 12:15PM

Batman will be visiting the Arlington YMCA at 3422 13th Street N. on Friday to teach kids about poison prevention.

The Caped Crusader will be at the ‘Y’ from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, hosting an event called “Be a Superhero in Your Home.” The event, which is sponsored by the YMCA, the Alliance for Consumer Education and the American Association of Poison Control Centers, will teach kids “to be a superhero in their home by reading labels, asking permission before using an unknown product, and other poison prevention tips.”

The highlight of the event will be a visit by the Dark Knight — also known as Maryland millionaire Lenny B. Robinson — who will be arriving in style in his $300,000 1966 replica Batmobile. Robinson, 49, has been visiting sick kids in children’s hospitals across the county in the vintage Batmobile, as part of his Baltimore-based Superheroes for Kids organization.

Robinson made international news last year when his $250,000 Lamborghini Batmobile was pulled over by Montgomery County Police. The dashcam video of the traffic stop went viral and Robinson became a minor celebrity in his own right.

Arlington families interested in participating in Friday’s poison prevention event are asked to RSVP to [email protected]. Only 100 tickets are available for the event.

Photo via Facebook

Arlington Agenda (March 18-24)

By ARLnow.com

Published March 18, 2013 at 3:45PM | Updated March 18, 2013 at 4:23PM

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

The 9 Songwriters Series
Iota Club and Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8:00 p.m.

Justin Trawick and eight of his singer-songwriter friends perform. The group has toured around Virginia, the D.C. area, and NYC. Tickets are $10.

Wednesday

Turning Trash into Garden Gold
Westover Branch Library (1644 N. McKinley Road)
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Master Gardeners will speak and answer questions about gardening and composting. You’ll learn how reduce waste and add valuable compounds back to the soil.

Thursday

NCAA Bracket Challenge
World of Beer (901 N. Glebe Road)
Time: Noon – Midnight (approximate)

In addition to showing March Madness games all day, World of Beer in Ballston is hosting a “Bracket Challenge” for the NCAA tournament.

Friday

Live Music: The Reflex
Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street)
Time: 10:00 p.m.

The Reflex, a 1980s cover band, performs. Says the band’s website: “Step inside the DeLorean and get ready to go back in time.”

Saturday

The Art of the African-American Spiritual*
Artisphere Spectrum Theater (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Soprano Aundi Marie Moore and the National Chamber Ensemble take the listeners on an incredible journey of African-American musical culture.

Sunday

PetTech CPR First Aid Class*
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Join Safety Furst, A Division of Loyalty Pet Care, for a 4HR Professional Certification Class in CPR, Rescue Breathing, Choking Management, Poisoning, Insect Bites, etc.

Annie Sing Along Party
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Slap on your curly red wig, throw on that red dress with the white collar, brush down that sandy yellow dog- we’re turning the Arlington Drafthouse into the hottest orphanage in town.

* Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Arlington Agenda (March 11-17)

By ARLnow.com

Published March 11, 2013 at 5:30PM | Updated March 11, 2013 at 6:33PM

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.

Monday

Gun Violence Discussion
Washington-Lee High School Auditorium (1301 N Stafford Street)
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Rep. Jim Moran hosts a community conversation on gun violence in America, featuring a panel of experts on the 2nd Amendment, public safety, and mental health policies.

Thursday

An Evening of Virginia’s Finest Wines
Virginia Tech Executive Briefing Center (900 Glebe Road)
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The tasting/fundraiser for the Virginia Tech Alumni Association will consist of 7 or 8 wines from Virginia vineyards accompanied with regional cheeses and international chocolates.

Author Event: The 1847 Retrocession
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Author and historian Ron Beavers discusses the 1847 retrocession of Arlington from the District to Virginia.

Friday

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

Comedian, actress and liberal activist Janeane Garofalo performs. Tickets are $25 and available online.

Saturday

Yoga Reaches Out Benefit Event
Top of the Town (1400 N. 14th Street)
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

A morning of yoga at Top of the Town, overlooking the beautiful D.C. skyline, to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation & Children’s Hospital.

Shocked and Amazed Carnival Sideshow
Artisphere Black Box Theatre (1101 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 9:00 p.m.

James Taylor’s Shocked and Amazed presents its first ever live event. The evening features Coney Island’s most daring darlings, the acclaimed New York Variety All-Stars, as well as several D.C. area acts.

Sunday

St. Patrick’s Day Music and Food
Whitlow’s on Wilson (2854 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Whitlow’s is offering a special Irish menu from 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The band Shannon Tide performs from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m.

#Arlington Agenda

Arlington Home Show Returns Saturday

By ARLnow.com

Published March 7, 2013 at 12:15PM

The 7th annual Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. this coming Saturday (March 9).

The free event is taking place at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 2nd Street S.). Arlington County staff will be on hand to answer questions about zoning and permitting, and numerous home builders, remodelers, and other home-related companies will have exhibits and free seminars.

From a county press release:

Looking for home renovation ideas? Have code enforcement or zoning questions? Ask the experts — from both Arlington County staff and industry — at the Saturday, March 9, 2013 Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo, a FREE event.

The Home Show and Garden Expo offers a unique opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with County staff from Inspection Services, Zoning and Code Enforcement, and the Green Home Choice Program. Master Gardeners from the Virginia Cooperative Office also will be available to answer your landscape and gardening questions.

The expo features more than 70 home builders, contractors and specialist vendors, architects, inspectors, realtors, master gardeners, banks, nonprofit organizations. You will find a wealth of information on green products and technologies, with an emphasis on smart and universal design that complies with Arlington County zoning and permit regulations.

Attendees may enter to win a new mini-iPad at the Expo. Door prizes, paid for by sponsors, will be given to the first 100 attendees.

The Home Show and Garden Expo is a collaboration between the County, private and non-profit partners. It aims to support, educate and inspire homeowners to renovate their homes and to provide a venue for local companies to showcase their services and products. The event is partially managed by County staff supported by the federal Community Development Block Grant Program.

More than 5,000 residents have attended the Home Show since its debut in 2007, and more than 1,500 have participated in Home Show seminars.

Classes and seminars at the Home Show include:

How to choose and work with contractors
How to finance your remodeling project
Building codes for remodeling
Green remodeling, renewable energy and universal design
Gardening and urban landscaping
The Landlord Toolkit: Know the Law — (requires pre-registration, call 703-228-3765 or register online)
Fair Housing Seminar
“Opportunity Knocks” Homeownership programs = $$ for you

The Home Show is organized by Arlington County and the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO).

Disclosure: The Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo is an ARLnow.com advertiser.

Sisqó to Perform at Mad Rose Tavern

By ARLnow.com

Published March 6, 2013 at 10:15AM

Sisqó, the Baltimore native best known for his 2000 hit single “Thong Song,” is scheduled to perform later this month at Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd) in Clarendon.

Sisqó, also of the R&B group Dru Hill, will be performing as part of an “I [Heart] the 90’s Party” at Mad Rose at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28. The event will feature a performance by Sisqó and 90s music played by DJ Chris Styles.

An event calendar entry says there will be no cover charge, though it also advertises a $15 “cut line pass.” The page says Mad Rose will be offering “mad specials… priced like 90’s gas prices.”

Arlington Agenda (March 4-10)

By ARLnow.com

Published March 4, 2013 at 3:35PM

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

Making College Affordable: Financing Your Education
Wakefield High School Cafeteria (4901 S. Chesterfield Road)
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Students and parents are invited to a discussion about college financing hosted by Rep. Jim Moran.

Tuesday

Oscar Winning Movies for $2
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:00 p.m. – Midnight

Oscar-winning films Lincoln and Argo are to shown at the Drafthouse’s $2 Tuesday movie night.

Wednesday

Arlington Hospitality Awards
Crystal Gateway Marriott (1700 Jefferson Davis Highway)
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce holds its 9th annual award ceremony for the local hospitality industry.

Thursday

Author Event: “Foundering Fathers”
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Ed Moser, a former writer for Jay Leno, discusses his new humor book, which inserts Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and Abigail Adams back to life in modern D.C.

Friday

Live Music: Total Whiteout
Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street)
Time: 10:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Penn State party band Total Whiteout plays their energetic dance pop covers in Clarendon.

Saturday

Democratic Breakfast with Terry McAuliffe*
Busboys and Poets Shirlington (4251 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Candidate for governor Terry McAuliffe joins Arlington Democrats for a casual breakfast and conversation.

Sunday

Traditional Thai Dance Performance
Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

A local Thai group presents a traditional “dance drama” from Thailand. Tickets for the event start at $50.

* Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Moran to Host Gun Violence Forum

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 27, 2013 at 5:00PM | Updated February 27, 2013 at 6:06PM

(Updated at 6:05 p.m.) Rep. Jim Moran (D) has scheduled a community forum to discuss gun violence.

The forum, titled “Preventing Another Newtown: A Conversation on Gun Violence in America,” will feature a panel of experts on gun policy, public safety and mental health issues.

The following guests are slated to attend: Omar Samaha with the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, retired ATF Special Agent David Chipman, Josh Horwitz with the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, City of Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook, Jonathan Lowy of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and former counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee Karen Marangi.

“From Virginia Tech to Newtown, gun violence has become far too common. Each day, 32 Americans are killed with a firearm. We must improve our laws to prevent the continuation of this horrific trend,” Moran said. “This forum is an opportunity to bring together a diverse panel of experts who will share their thoughts on a comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence. Northern Virginians concerned over gun-related violence are invited to join the conversation.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend the forum, which will be held from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on March 11 in the Washington-Lee High School (1301 N. Stafford Street) auditorium.

Columbia Pike Restaurant Week Has Started

By ARLnow.com

Published February 19, 2013 at 12:05PM

Columbia Pike’s inaugural restaurant week officially kicked off on Monday.

The seven-day event, which runs through Sunday, features a dozen restaurants offering a fixed price menu of $10 lunches and $25 dinners.

“This is a great way to get to know the restaurants on the Pike and a reason to revisit your favorites,” said the Columbia Pike Restaurant Week website.

The following restaurants are participating in the event.

Disclosure: Columbia Pike Restaurant Week organizer CPRO is an ARLnow.com advertiser.