Events | ARLnow.com

Today’s Featured Event

Published February 14, 2013 at 3:30PM

Living Vicky’s One Billion Rising
Today (Feb. 14) from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Rock Bottom Brewery – Ballston Mall (4238 Wilson Blvd)

Living Vicky, a new Arlington non-profit that empowers young women through focused curriculum and mentoring through travel, is hosting a One Billion Rising event.

One Billion Rising invites women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to violence against women.

Living Vicky invites you to join us for a historic day of awareness, solidarity and “shaking our groove thang” in response to One Billion Rising’s call to action. Together, we will send a resounding global message promoting an end to violence against women.

Be sure to check out the full Arlington event calendar. Submit your event to the calendar here.

#featured events

Sex Conference Coming to Crystal City

By ARLnow.com

Published February 14, 2013 at 11:00AM

Adult film stars. Sex educators. Feminist pornographers.

And that’s just the keynote address.

A new conference is coming to Crystal City, and no it’s not another meeting about cow udders, accountants or nanotechnology.

CatalystCon East, described as “a conference created to inspire exceptional conversations about sexuality,” will be coming to the Crystal City Marriott (1999 Jefferson Davis Highway) from March 15-17.

The conference features some 75 speakers, including porn star Jessica Drake, Dr. Charlie Glickman (author of “The Ultimate Guide to Prostate Pleasure”), Cunning Minx (described as a “kinky boobiesexual”), fetish model Sinnamon Love, and 69-year-old “senior sexpert” Joan Price.

Also on the speaker list is Rev. Rebecca Turner, who will be giving a presentation entitled “Ending the War Between Religion and Sex.”

Other planned sessions have titles like “Entrepreneurial IQ: 10 keys to designing an unconventional career in sexuality,” “Feminist Porn: The Politics of Producing Pleasure,” “PRIDE & Prejudice: Confronting Homophobia in Communities of Color,” and “Sex with Benefits: Progressive Swinging.”

This is the inaugural CatalystCon East, planned after the inaugural CatalystCon West proved successful in September. Registration is required for the three-day conference.

Today’s Featured Event

By ARLnow.com

Published February 13, 2013 at 6:00AM

Ashes to Go
Today (February 13) from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Virginia Square and Clarendon Metro Stations

On February 13, Ash Wednesday, St. George’s Episcopal Church will offer ashes to all who wish to receive them at the Virginia Square Metro Plaza and the Clarendon Metro area during the morning commute from 8:30-9:30 AM and during the evening commute from 5:30-6:30 PM.

“Ashes to Go” is about bringing church to the people and into the places where we go every day. In bustling urban areas — San Francisco, St. Louis and elsewhere — and elsewhere, “Ashes to Go” has been a part of Ash Wednesday observances for years.

Be sure to check out the full Arlington event calendar. Submit your event to the calendar here.

#Ash Wednesday

What to Do After the Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade

By ARLnow.com

Published February 12, 2013 at 4:05PM

The annual Clarendon Mardi Gras parade starts marching at 8:00 p.m. tonight (Tuesday).

The parade — the largest in the D.C. area — will run up Wilson Boulevard from N. Barton Street to Washington Boulevard. Several significant road closures will be in effect as a result. Parade-goers are being encouraged to walk or take Metro.

If you’re looking for something to do before or after the parade (other than watching the State of the Union address) here are a few local Fat Tuesday-themed happenings that might be of interest.

Bayou Bakery (1515 N. Courthouse Road) is hosting a “block party” outside the store starting at 5:00 p.m.
Whitlow’s (2854 Wilson Blvd) is offering hurricanes, drink specials and a special menu
Wilson Tavern (2403 Wilson Blvd) is hosting a Mardi Gras party with specials and free beads
Iota Club and Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd) is hosting a free concert by The Grandsons starting at 8:30 p.m. The event includes free “gumbo shots.”
RiRa Irish Pub (2915 Wilson Blvd) is hosting a live band starting at 7:00 p.m., plus offering $3 drink specials until 9:00 and “beads all over the place”
Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd) is hosting a Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Party “all day long.” DJ Chris Styles will perform, specials will be available and free masquerade masks and beads will be provided.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (3022 Woodlawn Ave, Falls Church) is hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Street Closures for ‘Love the Run You’re With 5K’

By ARLnow.com

Published February 8, 2013 at 3:05PM

Several streets in and around Pentagon City will be closed Sunday (Feb. 10) for the Love the Run You’re With 5K race.

The race starts and ends in front of the Pentagon Row shopping area on S. Joyce Street. According to the Arlington County Police Department, S. Joyce Street will be closed between 15th Street S. and Army Navy Drive from 07:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Army Navy Drive will be closed between S. Joyce Street and 25th Street S. from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m.

“Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary ‘No Parking’ signs,” the police department said in a press release. “Race attendees are encouraged to use Metro, however, if driving please utilize the parking garage at the Pentagon City mall.”

Individual registration is still open for the race, which is organized by Pacers. The Valentine’s Day-themed race caters to both couples and singles. Participants are given different colored race bibs depending on whether their relationship status is “single,” “in a relationship” or “it’s complicated.”

Today’s Featured Event

By ARLnow.com

Published February 8, 2013 at 8:00AM | Updated February 8, 2013 at 9:02AM

St. Ann Giant Used Book Fair & Bake Sale
Sunday, Feb. 10 from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
St. Ann Church Parish Hall (5300 10th Street North)

Valentine’s Day Bake Sale & Coffee sponsored by the St. Ann School PTO, plus thousands of gently-used children’s, teen and adult books, paperbacks, hardcovers, fiction and non-fiction, tons of history, politics and biographies. Great prices and something for everyone. Everything must go — we’re bursting at the seams!

Be sure to check out the full Arlington event calendar. Submit your event to the calendar here.

#featured events

Today’s Featured Event

By ARLnow.com

Published February 7, 2013 at 8:50AM | Updated February 7, 2013 at 11:03AM

Wine:30 Thursday
Whole Foods Market (2700 Wilson Blvd)
Today, Feb. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Whether you’re single or attached, let Whole Foods Market, Arlington inspire your inner cupid! Join us this Thursday for a “Food for the Mood” themed event. Enjoy 5 plates of food, 5 sips of wine for only $5 at this pre-Valentin’s Day event.

This week’s pairing list includes food like avocado sushi and sugar dipped strawberries.

#featured events

Closures for Mardi Gras Parade on Tuesday

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 6, 2013 at 4:30PM

Floats are getting prepped and beads are being gathered for Clarendon’s annual Mardi Gras parade next Tuesday, February 12.

Thousands of residents are expected to line Wilson Blvd from N. Barton Street to Washington Blvd, where the parade will travel starting at 8:00 p.m. Around 50 businesses, restaurants and organizations are slated to march in the parade.

Because of road closures and lack of parking, parade attendees are encouraged to use Metro. The Courthouse and Clarendon stations are located near the parade route.

Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call 703-558-2222.

The following restrictions will be in effect:

Wilson Boulevard will be closed from Veitch Street to Barton Street 6:45-9:30 p.m.
Adams Street and Wayne Street will be closed between Clarendon Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard from 6:45-9:30 p.m.
Wilson Boulevard will be closed from Barton Street to Irving Street from 7:45-9:30 p.m.
Courthouse Road at N. 15th Street — Bayou Bakery will be hosting a block party from 5:00-8:00 p.m., with setup beginning at 3:00 p.m. and cleanup ending at 10:00 p.m.

‘Hockey is for Everyone’ Events in February

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 5, 2013 at 4:30PM | Updated February 5, 2013 at 7:00PM

Hockey is back in full swing and the Washington Capitals are celebrating with activities during the NHL’s “Hockey is for Everyone” Month.

The Hockey is for Everyone (HIFE) campaign is the official youth development program of the National Hockey League. It celebrates grassroots hockey and the growing diversity of the game. Many activities throughout the month are aimed at giving kids of all backgrounds opportunities to play the sport. The programs highlight essential life skills and the core values of hockey such as commitment, perseverance and teamwork. The initiative also supports hockey programs that assist disabled military personnel in returning to active lifestyles.

There are numerous events throughout the D.C. area for HIFE Month. The following events will take place in Arlington:

February 8 — The Capitals will team up with children’s charity Dreams for Kids to host an Extreme Recess Hockey Clinic at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner, forward Jason Chimera and goaltender Braden Holtby will skate and play hockey with more than 100 children with physical and developmental disabilities.
February 14 — The Capitals have partnered with the Junior Women’s Hockey League (JWHL) to provide an all-girls hockey clinic for players ages 6-14. It will be held from 6:20-7:20 p.m. at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Participants must bring their own gear and pre-register online.
February 14-18 — The Capitals and Washington Pride will host the annual JWHL Challenge Cup at Kettler Capitals Iceplex (627 N. Glebe Road). Various teams from across the country will play in the tournament. Game schedules for the preliminary rounds can be found online.

A full schedule of all the HIFE Month events occurring throughout the D.C. area is available online.

In addition to the HIFE events, hockey fans in Arlington can catch a free high school hockey game at Kettler Capitals Iceplex this week. The Yorktown Ice Hockey Club will face off against Madison at 6:40 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8.

Valentine’s Day Celebration Ideas

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 5, 2013 at 11:15AM

With a little more than a week until Valentine’s Day (February 14), now is a good time to make some plans so all the good reservations aren’t taken. Many restaurants offer special menus for the big day, but there are plenty of other options for celebrating in Arlington besides going out to dinner.

Here is a sampling of some of the more unique ways to treat your Valentine:

Sip on a special cocktail at TNT Bar‘s (2413 Columbia Pike) “My Bloody Valentine” event, featuring cocktails inspired by “terrible horror movies.” Drinks such as the “Candyman 1992” and “Love Object 2003” can be purchased individually or as part of a tasting menu for two.
Put on your skates and hold hands while taking a few laps around the ice skating rink at Pentagon Row (1201 S. Joyce Street). The rink is open until 10:00 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
Pacers is spreading the love a little early, with the Love the Run You’re With 5K on Sunday (February 10). Runners will receive colored bibs based on their relationship status — green for single, red for in a relationship and yellow for “it’s complicated.” The race begins at 9:00 a.m. at Pentagon Row and costs $40. Registration is available online.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for adults. Teens are invited to take part in the Broken Hearts Party at the Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street) on February 14. The celebration of love, affection and loss will include decorating broken heart cookies, playing trivia games, listening to music and rating which tear-jerker books require the most tissues. The free event runs from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Hire a singing telegram from Potomac Harmony Chorus. A women’s quartet will sing two songs for your loved one and present him or her with a card and box of candy. Pricing is available online. All orders must be placed by this Friday, February 8.
The Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) is serving up wine, comedy and two showings of The Princess Bride. For $8, customers can take in a stand-up comedy show followed by a viewing of The Princess Bride. Tickets are available online for both the 7:00 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. events. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for an optional wine tasting.

Crystal Couture Begins Tonight

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 5, 2013 at 10:00AM

Crystal City is about to get more stylish, as its fifth annual fashion event — Crystal Couture — begins tonight.

Organizers are touting “360 degrees of fashion,” highlighting the many windows on the top floor of the office building at 251 18th Street S., where the event will be held. While taking in the views, visitors can browse through discounted clothing, jewelry and accessories from more than 40 boutiques and designers.

Customers can get free makeup and hair makeovers, chat with wardrobe stylists and watch models strut styles from D.C. area boutiques on the runway. There will be music, snacks and a cash bar.

Admission is free for the event, which runs every night from tonight (February 5) through February 9, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. A full list of local celebrity hosts along with participating boutiques and designers can be found online.

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