Events

Road Closures Planned for Charity 8K on Sunday

By ARLnow.com

Cool, sunny weather is expected Sunday morning for the Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause 8K.

The race will shut down a number of major Arlington streets — from Ballston to Clarendon to Columbia Pike — for much of the morning. Among the expected closures:

  • N. Quincy Street from Glebe Road to Wilson Boulevard (5:30 to 10:00 a.m.)
  • Eastbound Wilson Boulevard from Quincy Street to N. 10th Street (7:45 to 10:00 a.m.)
  • Eastbound N. 10th Street from Wilson Boulevard to N. 10th Street (7:45 to 10:00 a.m.)
  • Southbound Washington Boulevard from N. 10th Street to Columbia Pike

The Race for a Cause 8K, which also features a 1-mile Family Fun Run, benefits a number of local charities. Runners get to choose which charity they want to support with their registration: Greenbrier Learning Center (the only Arlington-based nonprofit benefiting from the race), the Boys and Girls Club, Build Metro DC, Education Pioneers, E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, For Love of Children, Literary Council of Northern Virginia, Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation, National Fatherhood Initiative or The Women’s Center.

Registration for the race is $30 online, $35 on race day.

The race will kick off at 8:00 a.m. Runners and walkers alike are encouraged to participate. The flat, out-and-back course starts and ends on N. Quincy Street in Ballston.

Photo via Facebook

Lovers of Books May Become Lovers at Library Singles Event

By ARLnow.com

Single? Enjoy reading books? Want to meet other single people who enjoy reading books?

If the answer to all three of those questions is ‘yes,’ then the Arlington Public Library has just the event for you this weekend.

On Sunday evening, the Shirlington Branch Library (4200 Campbell Avenue) will be hosting the library’s first-ever ‘Book Dating’ event. Library officials are billing the event as a “novel” way to help the literary-minded find love.

To participate, think about a couple of books you’d like to share: favorites, disappointments, readings-in-progress, etc. Bring them from home or pick them up at the library. Then head over to the event (from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.) and library staff will set you up on a series of 3 minute mini-dates with each of the other participants.

There will be “no fines for overdue romances,” library spokesman Peter Golkin noted.

Refreshments will be provided by Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Restaurant Three Gears Up for Bacon Week

By ARLnow.com

The third annual Week ‘O’ Bacon at Restaurant Three (2950 Clarendon Blvd) is set to get started tomorrow.

From Thursday to Saturday, Oct. 22, the Clarendon restaurant will be devoting an entire menu to its in-house cured and smoked bacon. Among the items on the menu:

  • Bacon on a stick
  • Bacon cheese dip with bacon-dusted potato chips
  • Wedge salad with bacon bits
  • Bacon noodle soup
  • Bacon-crusted chicken wings
  • Country fried bacon with mashed potatoes and bacon gravy
  • Pork loin wrapped with pulled pork and bacon. Also comes with bacon and cornbread stuffing and beer-braised bacon Brussels sprouts.
  • Bacon-studded waffle with maple bacon ice cream
  • Bacon Martini and a Bacon Bloody Mary (both with bacon-infused vodka and a bacon garnish)

The bacon festivities will kick off tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. with a pig roast and $5 pork sandwiches. Each night of bacon week will feature a bacon happy hour from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., complete with bacon specials. Sunday’s brunch will feature a Bacon Benedict and the “Graceland Waffle” — a bacon waffle topped with caramelized bananas and a caramel/peanut sauce.

“We love bacon here at 3, and decided 3 years ago that we wanted to make a week-long celebration of bacon and dedicate an entire menu to it,” the restaurant said on its web site. “We have been curing and smoking fresh pork bellies since we opened and are really proud of the bacon we make. We worked hard on this year’s menu to make sure that every item was full of bacon flavor. We hope that you enjoy it and have as much fun as we have had creating it.”

Three’s Week ‘O’ Bacon is popular among locals, but it has even gained nationwide notoriety thanks to a Travel Channel segment filmed at the restaurant last year.

Shirlington Restaurant Week Starts Monday

By Katie Pyzyk

(Updated at 7:35 p.m.) Right on the heels of tomorrow’s Capitol City Brewing Company 2011 Oktoberfest at Shirlington, another event in that neighborhood touts good eats and good prices.  The first annual Restaurant Week at The Village at Shirlington begins on Monday.

Prices are considerably lower than neighboring cities’ restaurant weeks. Lunch includes two courses for $15 and dinner includes three courses for $25.

The following restaurants have listed their menus for the event, which runs from Monday, October 10, through next Sunday, October 16:  Aladdin’s Eatery, Aroma Indian Cuisine, Bistro Bistro, Bonsai Grill, The Bungalow, Busboys & Poets, Capitol City Brewing Company, Dogma Bakery & Boutique, Extra Virgin Modern Italian Cuisine, Johnny Rockets, Luna Grill & Diner, PING and Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub.

To coincide with Restaurant Week, there will be an event on Thursday geared toward ladies. During Shirlie’s Girls Night Out many of the businesses will offer discounts and specials like cocktails while you shop.  The participating stores and eateries are: Ah Love Oil & Vinegar, CakeLove, Capitol City Brewing Company, Dogma Bakery & Boutique, Extra Virgin Modern Italian, Hardwood Artisans, Le Village Marche, Nirvana Reflexology, Periwinkle, Signature Theatre, Studio Salon & Spa and T.H.A.I. Shirlington.

Times for the specials vary by business, but most start at 5:00 p.m.

Big Bash for Artisphere’s First Birthday

By Katie Pyzyk

Drinks, DJs playing dance music and a specially commissioned piece of video art aren’t necessarily things you’d expect to see at a one-year-old’s birthday party. Unless, of course, that one-year-old is Rosslyn’s own Artisphere.

The art space and venue has seen its share of trouble during its year in existence. There was no restaurant on site for the first seven months, the executive director didn’t start until three months after opening, and both attendance and revenue were low.

But earlier this year, Artisphere revamped its business plan. Staff say it has taken a little longer to get there, but things appear to be back on track.  The hope is that the birthday bash will introduce new patrons to the venue and what it offers.

“The 1 Party” kicks off tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. with DJs and a commissioned lighting of Artisphere’s dome by local artist Brian Stansfield. There will also be a live variety show and an interactive mural creation.

On Sunday, the whole family is welcome to check out Artisphere’s free open house from noon to 6:00 p.m. Attendees can take part in hands-on art activities, salsa lessons and face painting, as well as getting a look at performance art. Of course, there will be birthday cake for everyone who attends the celebration.

Tickets to Saturday night’s party range from $15-$30. Click here to sign up for tickets.

Disclosure: Artisphere is currently an ARLnow.com advertiser.

Doggone Good Time Planned for Pooches in Park

By Katie Pyzyk

Looks like Saturday is going to the dogs. Animal lovers will gather at Lacey Woods Park at 1200 N. George Mason Drive for the Dogtober Day dog show.

Some categories for the show include Best Kisser, Best Tail Wagger and Best Costume. First, second and third place winners will receive ribbons.

This year the event also includes the “Barkers Bash” skills tests for dogs and owners. One of the games is called “Chicken Chase,” which is a toss and retrieve test with rubber chickens. First and second place finishers in the games receive ribbons and prizes.

Festivities start at 1:00 p.m. and last until 3:00 p.m. On-site registration starts at 12:15 p.m. The cost is $6 per category or $25 for unlimited categories. It’s $2 for each attempt in the Barkers Bash. Click here for a registration form.

Herman Cain to Sign Books at Pentagon City Costco

By ARLnow.com

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, who’s tied for first among a crowded GOP field in a new CBS News poll, is scheduled to appear at a book signing in Pentagon City later this week.

The former Godfather’s Pizza CEO will sign copies of his new memoir, This Is Herman Cain!, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the Pentagon City Costco (1200 S. Fern Street), according to the Costco web site. Following the book signing, Cain is scheduled to attend the Value Voters Summit in D.C.

The Pentagon City Costco is no stranger to book signings by high profile political figures. Condoleezza Rice and Laura Bush both held signings at the store last year.

https://www.hermancain.com/event/value-voters-summit

‘Arlington Fun Ride’ Planned for Saturday

By ARLnow.com

Dozens of bicyclists will hit the trails around Arlington this weekend for the second-annual “Arlington Fun Ride.”

The family-friendly event, which will take place from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, is a fundraiser for the non-profit, Barcroft Park-based Phoenix Bikes shop. Registration is $5 for individuals and $10 for families. The first 280 registrants will receive a t-shirt, free food from Chick-Fil-A and refreshments.

The ride begins at 8:00 a.m. at Barcroft Park (4200 S. Four Mile Run Drive), and takes riders on a 17-mile loop around Arlington via the W&OD, Custis, Mt. Vernon and Four Mile Run Trails. Children’s activities, including a bike rodeo, kids dance fitness class, cycling safety instructions and a health fair, begin at 10:00 a.m.

“The Fun Ride promotes family fitness and provides support for Phoenix Bikes, a community bike shop empowering at-risk youth,” organizers say. “Our environmentally and fiscally sustainable bike shop helps Arlington teens become successful social entrepreneurs and benefits the entire community.”

The ride’s 25+ sponsors include Arlington County and Arlington Public Schools. County Board member Walter Tejada will serve as the ride’s Grand Marshall.

APS To Host Walk and Bike to School Day Tomorrow

By ARLnow.com

Tomorrow is Bike and Walk to School Day for Arlington Public Schools.

The event, part of International Walk to School Month, “encourages students to walk and bike to school while teaching the health and environmental benefits of walking and biking,” according to the school system. Parents are also encouraged to participate.

In addition to encouraging walking and biking as part of a healthy lifestyle, Walk and Bike to School Day “raises community awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety education, safe routes to schools, well-maintained walkways, and traffic calming in neighborhoods and around schools.”

This year, McKinley Elementary School will serve as the public face of Walk and Bike to School Day. In recognition of the many students who walk to school at McKinley, Arlington Public Schools will be setting up refreshment stands and holding a before-school rally for McKinley students and parents.

The refreshment stands will be set up, starting at 8:30 a.m., at the intersection of N. 11th Street and N. Potomac Street, at 1030 N. McKinley Road and at 14th Street N. and N. Ohio Street (where buses will drop students off, to allow them to walk a couple of blocks to school).

The rally will take place at the school field at 8:45 a.m., and will feature McKinley administrators, PTA representatives, Arlington School Board Members, Arlington Superintendent Dr. Patrick Murphy, Arlington County Board members, school transportation staff, crossing guards, police officers and Walk Arlington staff. Classes will start at 9:00 a.m., according to the school system.

“This is the 13th consecutive year that APS has participated in ‘International Walk or Bike to School Month,’ and since 1999, APS and Arlington County have worked together to create walk-friendly neighborhoods,” Arlington Public Schools said in a media advisory. “As part of this effort, materials have been produced for families with children attending Arlington Public Schools’ elementary and middle schools. These include maps and Web resources for county residents who want to walk or bicycle throughout the community.”

Shirlington Oktoberfest: Beer List

By ARLnow.com

The Capital City Brewing Co. Oktoberfest in Shirlington is only four days away, but it’s never too early to stare in awe at the massive list of 60+ breweries that will be represented at the annual Teutonic suds celebration.

Adult beverages from the following manufacturers are expected to be available on Saturday: Capital City Brewing, Southern Tier, Woodchuck Cider, Fuller’s, Hacker-Pschorr, Rogue, Climax, Gordon Biersch, Old Dominion, Starr Hill, Tröegs, RJ Rockers, Laughing Dog, Harpoon, Sierra Nevada, Yuengling, Samuel Adams, Mad Fox, Legend, Abita, Allagash, Brooklyn, Heavy Seas, Stoudts, Alewerks, Duck Rabbit, Hebrew, Dogfish, Lost Rhino, DC Brau, Port City, Epic, Oskar Blues, Lagunitas, Delirium Tremens, St. Louis Framboise, New Holland, Victory, Hofbrau, Weihenstephaner, Erdinger, Avery, Stone, Foudners, Bells, Timmermans, Thirsty Dog, Terrapin, Shlafly, St. George, Smuttynose, Otter Creek, Olde Richmond, Trunstein, Corsendonk, Liefmans, Uinta, Original Sin, Long Trail, Lost Coast, Left Hand, Green Flash, Firestone Walker, Crispin, Clown Shoes, Boulder, Blue Point, Bitburger, Kostrizer, Blue Grass, Ballast Point, Sweetwater Tavern.

Of course, beer lovers will have to be choosy with their drinking plans. Each Oktoberfest attendee is only granted tickets for 10 beer samples. (At a cost of $25, which includes a souvenir tasting glass.)

In addition to beer, a number of local restaurants and groups will be offering food to the masses. And, as always, a German band will perform.

The Oktoberfest will take place on Campbell Avenue in Shirlington Village from noon to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Photo courtesy Amber Wilkie Photography

Library to Host Star Wars Costume Event

By ARLnow.com

If you’ve ever wanted to look like your favorite Star Wars character, now’s the time to learn how to do it.

With Halloween just around the corner, Arlington Public Library is hosting a Star Wars costume event this coming weekend. Representatives from the Rebel Legion and the 501st Legion — international costuming enthusiast organizations for the Star Wars good guys and bad guys, respectively — will be on hand at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street) on Saturday to discuss how they make their elaborate Star Wars costumes.

Star Wars geeks and casual fans alike are invited to come take photos with fully-costumed members of the local Rebel Legion and 501st Legion (slogan: “Bringing order to the galaxy since 1997”). For those who want to follow in the footsteps of legion members, be prepared for intricate instructions on how to become an authentic storm trooper, Jedi knight or bounty hunter.

“This program will be very detailed, so it is recommended for upper-elementary school kids, teens and adults,” the library said on its blog.

The event will be held at the Central Library Auditorium from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 703-228-5946.

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