Events

Arlington Agenda: Aug. 23-29

By Dana Munro
1/3

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County.

If you’d like your event considered, fill out the event submission form to submit it to our event calendar.

Monday, Aug. 23

Encore Learning presents: Balancing Civil Liberties and Public Health During a Pandemic
Virtual 
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.

Jay Stanley from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) speaks about the affect the pandemic has had on our civil liberties.

Tuesday, Aug. 24

6th Annual Northern Virginia Elected Leaders Summit
George Mason University Van Metre Hall (3351 Fairfax Drive) and Virtual
Time: 8-10 a.m.

This summit is designed for Arlington’s business leaders to learn from local elected leaders about the economic climate in the region, initiatives they have planned and thoughts on how jurisdictions can work together to improve our regional economy.

Coffee Breaks at Summer House
National Landing’s Gateway Green (101 12th Street S.)
Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Local coffee shops are serving brews every Tuesday morning at Gateway Green in Crystal City. Parking is available at 201 12th Street S.

Wednesday, Aug. 25

Back to School Bike Checks
Penrose Park (2200 6th Street S.)
Time: 4-6 p.m.

BikeArlington, Kidical Mass, and Arlington Safe Routes to School are partnering to help Arlington students make sure their bikes are in tip top shape for the start of the school year.

Wes Anderson Movie Nights at Westpost
Westpost, formerly Pentagon Row (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 8-11 p.m.

Westpost is showing Wes Anderson’s Rushmore on the big screen. Tickets are free.

Photos: Arlington County Fair Now Open

By Dana Munro
1/20

The Arlington County Fair kicked off Wednesday afternoon complete with rides, games and deliciously high-calorie fair food. And there’s more fun ahead this weekend.

The fair is open from 2-11 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday at Thomas Jefferson Community Center and grounds, at 3501 2nd Street S.

Baby goat yoga classes, introduced in 2019, return to the fair this year. Classes start at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and cost $40 a session.

There will also be robotics demonstrations today, tomorrow and Sunday in the gymnasium.

And, for $5, folks can enter the fair’s pie-eating competition on Saturday from noon to 2:30 p.m. Contestants will compete to see who can eat a slice of Triple Berry Pie, from Arlington-based Livin’ the Pie Life, the fastest.

Synetic Theater will also perform its show, The Miraculous Magical Balloon, for the second and final time at the fair tomorrow at 4 p.m. This kid-friendly performance tells the story of a traveling actor and his magical trunk through pantomime and choreography.

The fair will continue to feature rides, games, food vendors, axe throwing and musical performances.

In addition to transit options, this year’s event will have some on-site parking spaces for fairgoers in the Alice West Fleet Elementary School garage on 115 S. Old Glebe Road. Overflow parking will be available at the Faith Lutheran Church (3313 Arlington Blvd).

Arlington Agenda: Aug. 16-22

By Dana Munro
1/2

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County.

If you’d like your event considered, fill out the event submission form to submit it to our event calendar.

Tuesday, Aug. 17

Coffee Breaks at Summer House
National Landing’s Gateway Green (101 12th Street S.)
Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Local coffee shops are serving brews every Tuesday morning at Gateway Green in Crystal City. Parking is available at 201 12th Street S.

Thursday, Aug. 19

ACFCU Homebuying 101 Webinar*
Via Zoom
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Arlington Community Federal Credit Union Vice President of Lending Katherine Magruder hosts an introduction course to homebuying and the mortgage process.

Home Buyer Workshop (Myth-Busting)*
Compass (3001 Washington Blvd #400)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

This workshop teaches participants key tricks for purchasing your first house and how to avoid mistakes that many folks are unaware of when buying a home.

Friday, Aug. 20

Magic of the Ordinary — National Juried Exhibition at Gallery Underground in August
Gallery Underground (2100 Crystal Drive)
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Magic of the Ordinary is a gallery of artwork juried by watercolor artist Lois Wolford. The art focuses on everyday items and scenes that are often overlooked.

Saturday, Aug. 21

Tuckahoe Park Invasive Removal
Tuckahoe Park (6550 25th Street N.)
Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Volunteers will help improve the habitat of Tuckahoe Park by helping remove invasive plants.

Arlington Agenda: Aug. 9-15

By Dana Munro
1/2

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like your event considered, fill out the event submission form to submit it to our event calendar.

Monday, Aug. 9

Hear from World Renowned Expert on Cutting Edge of Brain Science
Via Zoom
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.

Neuroscientist and neuroethicist Prof. James Giordano of Georgetown University Medical Center talks about new developments in brain research.

Tuesday, Aug. 10

Learn to be an Energy Masters volunteer
Rockland’s Barbecue and Grill (3471 Washington Blvd.)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

This program teaches volunteers how to plug air leaks in homes and make basic energy and water efficiency upgrades.

Wednesday, Aug. 11

Camp Summer House: Campfire Jamboree
National Landing’s Gateway Green (101 12th Street S.)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

S’mores and Kona Ice snow cones will be available at this campfire event as well as games including archery, corn hole and badminton.

Wes Anderson Movie Nights at Westpost
Westpost, formerly Pentagon Row (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 8-11 p.m.

Westpost is showing Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic on the big screen. Tickets are free.

Thursday, Aug. 12

Breakfast Connection: Education Focused
Virtual
Time: 7:45-9 a.m.

Dr. Francisco Durán, Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools, will be the featured speaker at this networking event.

Return on Creativity: The Great Resignation
Virtual
Time: noon to 12:45 p.m.

This event will include a short panel followed by an open discussion on issues around talent retention in the workplace.

Friday, Aug. 13

Magic of the Ordinary — National Juried Exhibition at Gallery Underground in August
Gallery Underground (2100 Crystal Drive)
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Magic of the Ordinary is a gallery of artwork juried by watercolor artist Lois Wolford. The art focuses on everyday items and scenes that are often overlooked.

Arlington County Fair Kicks Off in Two Weeks

By Dana Munro

Live music, theatrical performances and fair food are all on tap as Arlington County Fair returns two weeks from today.

After being canceled due to the pandemic, the event will return to the Thomas Jefferson Community Center and grounds, at 3501 2nd Street S. The fair kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. and concludes at 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22.

“We weren’t sure we were going to be able to have the Fair this year but we made the decision a few short months ago and have been working tirelessly ever since to plan some exciting things for our community to enjoy,” said Arlington County Fair Board Chair Barbi Broadus.

For five days, people can experience county fair classics such as face painting and bounce houses, or try newer, trendier activities, such as axe throwing and goat yoga.

Fair attractions include:

  • Goat yoga — Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 and 10:30 a.m.
  • New District Brewing Company beer garden — opens Wednesday and Thursday at 5 p.m, Friday at 3 p.m., and noon on Saturday and Sunday
  • Robotics demonstrations — Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • The Miraculous Magical Balloon performance from Synetic Theatre — Thursday at 5 p.m. and Saturday 4 p.m.
  • Pie eating championship — Saturday from noon to 2:30 p.m.

All things kids can be found at the “kids court,” where there will be face painting, bounce houses and magic performances from Drew Blue Shoes.

Meanwhile, attendees can browse exhibitions of talented bakers and artists, who will receive awards on Saturday at 7 p.m.

While admission is free, rides and activities may require tickets that can be purchased on-site or online, where a detailed schedule of events can also be found.

After living through shutdowns, attendees can expect sizable crowds.

“For the past 45 years, the fair has been one of the largest free events on the East Coast with over 84,000 attendees from Northern Virginia and the Washington metro area,” said a fair representative in a press release.

The fair is working with Arlington County to ensure the event is as safe as possible, according to a press release. Federal and state Covid-19 guidelines will be followed.

In Arlington, case rates are starting to rise and Northern Virginia health officials are recommending people wear masks regardless of vaccination status. There is no renewed statewide mask mandate, however.

This year’s event will have some on-site parking spaces for fairgoers in the Alice West Fleet Elementary School garage on 115 S. Old Glebe Road. Overflow parking will be available at the Faith Lutheran Church (3313 Arlington Blvd).

For those looking to help out, the fair is looking for board members, volunteers, donations, sponsorships and local vendors.

The hours for the fair are:

  • Wednesday, Aug. 18: 5-10 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 19: 5-10 p.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 20: 2-11 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 21: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 22: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Outdoor entertainment consists of a daily lineup of musicians, from jazz and funk to rock and pop. The music schedule is below.

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Arlington Agenda: Aug. 2-8

By Dana Munro
1/2

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like your event considered, fill out the event submission form to submit it to our event calendar.

Tuesday, Aug. 3

Coffee Breaks at Summer House
National Landing’s Gateway Green (101 12th Street S.)
Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Local coffee shops are serving brews every Tuesday morning at Gateway Green in Crystal City. Parking is available at 201 12th Street S.

Thursday, Aug. 5

Chamber 101
Arlington Chamber of Commerce (2009 14th Street N., Ste 100)
Time: 4-5:15 p.m.

The Chamber is hosting a free networking seminar for both old and new members. The seminar will teach attendees about what the chamber does and different ways members can take advantage of their membership.

Friday, Aug. 6

Magic of the Ordinary — National Juried Exhibition at Gallery Underground in August
Gallery Underground (2100 Crystal Drive)
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Magic of the Ordinary is a gallery of artwork juried by watercolor artist Lois Wolford. The art focuses on everyday items and scenes that are often overlooked.

Wes Anderson Film Series Coming to Pentagon City

By Dana Munro
Clip from The Royal Tenenbaums (via YouTube)

“Moonrise Kingdom,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “Rushmore” and other beloved Wes Anderson films will be showing at Westpost Plaza, formerly Pentagon Row, every other week for the rest of the summer.

“Pull up a chair or blanket and join us on the plaza on Wednesday evenings for movie nights,” says an event listing. “Grab a drink (to-go drinks from our restaurants are allowed) and food from one of our restaurants, and enjoy the weird wonderful world of Wes Anderson.”

This is the first outdoor movie series at the plaza, located at 1201 S. Joyce Street. Movies will be shown on Wednesdays starting tomorrow, July 28, and running through Sept. 22.

The schedule is as follows:

  • July 28, 8 p.m.: Moonrise Kingdom
  • Aug. 11, 8 p.m.: The Life Aquatic
  • Aug. 25, 8 p.m.: Rushmore
  • Sept. 8, 7 p.m.: The Royal Tenenbaums
  • Sept. 22, 7 p.m.: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Tickets are free, but attendance will be limited to 125 people per film. Ticket reservations can be made online.

Westpost asks moviegoers to bring a chair or blanket, as seating will not be provided.

Arlington Agenda: July 26-Aug. 1

By Dana Munro
1/2

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like your event considered, fill out the event submission form to submit it to our event calendar.

Monday, July 26

From Earth to Moon, Mars and Beyond: NASA Missions You Don’t Want to Miss
Via Zoom
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.

Encore Learning and Arlington Public Library are welcoming Dr. Joyce Winterton to talk about her work over her 15 years NASA conducting sound rockets, scientific balloons and airborne science missions around the world.

Dream Academy Toastmasters Demo Meeting
Via Zoom 
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

This Dream Academy Toastmasters meeting will help attendees create original, fictional stories from the writer’s own dreams.

Tuesday, July 27

Coffee Breaks at Summer House
National Landing’s Gateway Green (101 12th Street S.)
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

Local Coffee shops are serving brews every Tuesday morning at Gateway Green in Crystal City. Parking is available at 201 12th Street S.

Wednesday, July 28

Small Business Roundtable: BizLaunch – Arlington’s Small Business All
Virtual 
Time: 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Arlington Economic Development Director Tara Palacios, Small Business Manager Alex Held and Business Consultant Lourdes Morales from Arlington Economic Development lead discussions on how to grow your business.

Thursday, July 29

Until Help Arrives 
Via Microsoft Teams
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.

Instructors will teach attendees how to maintain situational awareness, identify key life threats, stop bleeding, move and position injured people and provide psychological support to the wounded.

Rosslyn LIVE
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway)
Time: 7-10 p.m.

American Pops Orchestra performs featuring drag performances by Alexis Michelle from RuPaul’s Drag race, Lagoona Bloo and Domingø.

Sunday, Aug. 1

Woofs & Waffles Brunch
World of Beer Bar & Kitchen (4300 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

World of Beer is hosting a brunch for Arlingtonians and their dogs. There will be dog-themed menu items including Fido’s Flatbread, Human Treats, Doggie Brunch Bowl and more.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Stopping in Pentagon Row This Saturday

By Dana Munro
1/5

Internationally beloved Japanese character Hello Kitty has been baking up a storm, and she’s bringing her tasty goods to Arlington this Saturday.

Fans can find the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck — a mobile store and bake shop which sells all things pink and adorable — at Pentagon Row, which has been rebranded “Westpost at National Landing.” The truck will be parked in the courtyard from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. near DSW at 1301 S. Joyce Street.

The truck will sell hand-decorated cookies and madeleines, as well as limited-edition T-shirts, rainbow thermoses, plush toys and sprinkle mugs, according to a press release from Sanrio, the cat’s creator.

Sanrio said COVID-19 precautions will be taken. Staff will wear masks and gloves and disinfect surfaces frequently, and stanchions and social-distancing markers will be placed on the ground to encourage social distancing.

Only credit and debit cards will be accepted.

Arlington is one stop on the truck’s East Coast tour, followed by stops in New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. This is the truck’s seventh year rolling through the states. It has made previous stops in Tysons and Bethesda.

Arlington Agenda: July 19-25

By Dana Munro
1/3

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like your event considered, fill out the event submission form to submit it to our event calendar.

Tuesday, July 20

Coffee Breaks at Summer House
National Landing’s Gateway Green (101 12th Street S.)
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

Local Coffee shops are serving brews every Tuesday morning at Gateway Green in Crystal City. Parking is available at 201 12th Street S.

Wednesday, July 21

Bad Broads Book Club: “The Left Hand of Darkness”
Via Zoom
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Bad Broads Book Club is a monthly book club that focuses on books written by or about women. This week participants will discuss “The Left Hand of Darkness” by Ursula Le Guin.

Thursday, July 22

Rosslyn LIVE
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway)
Time: 7-10 p.m.

American Pops Orchestra and Rayshun LaMarr, Hilary Morrow and Kevin Rose will perform ’90s dance music.

Saturday, July 24

Cars & Coffee
Parking lot at 3901 Fairfax Drive
Time: 8-11 a.m.

Cars & Coffee attendees can walk through a display of unique cars, listen to live music and have free doughnuts and coffee. Bobby Thompson and Jenny Langer will be this week’s featured musical guests.

Sunday, July 25

Eid-Al-Adha Celebration
Bluemont Park Picnic Pavillion (601 N. Manchester Street)
Time: 1-3 p.m.

People of all faiths are invited to celebrate Eid Al-Adha at the pavillion. Halal food will be provided by Ozfeka Catering. There will also be games, speakers and entertainment.

Inclusive ‘Blerdcon’ Convention Kicks Off in Crystal City

By Jo DeVoe
A cosplayer at the 2019 Blerdcon, which takes place in Crystal City (via Blerdcon/Youtube)

Nerds of all backgrounds are reveling in their geekdom this weekend in Crystal City.

BlerDCon — an anime, gaming, comics and sci-fi convention — has returned to the Hyatt Regency Crystal City (2799 Richmond Hwy), one year after the 2020 convention was canceled due to the pandemic. It’s taking place today through Sunday, July 18.

BlerDCon will feature a food truck rally, cosplay contests and music, but there will be pandemic precautions: Guests will be required to wear a mask and bring a vaccination card.

The event is not just for Black nerds, or “blerds.” The website said the “universally inclusive fan convention” welcomes people of color, the LGBTQ community and people with disabilities.

Other highlights include a maid cafe, a comedy show, gaming and a “Blerdfunk Concert.”

There will be a number of special guests, according to the website: “Rupaul’s Drag Race” star Dax ExclamationPoint, comedian Roxxy Haze, and actress Karan Ashley, who was the Yellow Ranger on the hit kids show “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.”

Tickets for BlerDCon are $55.

Cosplay costumes and dancing, featured below, are two hallmarks of the Crystal City event.

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