Events

Road to Close in Shirlington Tonight for ‘Light Up the Village’

By ARLnow.com

If fighting horrific traffic and crowds to see the National Christmas Tree Lighting tonight in D.C. isn’t your thing, there’s an Arlington alternative to consider.

The Village at Shirlington will be hosting its annual Light Up the Village event tonight, from 6-8:30 p.m. along Campbell Avenue.

The event will feature a tree lighting hosted by NBC 4’s Adam Tuss. Also on the agenda: “holiday musical performances by Signature Theatre and Bishop O’Connell High School, plus horse and carriage rides with a donation to Arlington Food Assistance Center, photos with Santa, merchant specials, and so much more.”

The schedule is as follows:

  • 6 p.m. — Musical performance by Signature Theatre’s cast of Motown Christmas
  • 6:30 p.m. — Tree lighting hosted by Adam Tuss
  • 6:40 p.m. — Horse and carriage rides
  • 7 p.m.    Photos with Santa (located inside Hardwood Artisans)

The event will also necessitate a number of road closures and parking restrictions. From Arlington County Police:

The annual Light Up the Village at Shirlington is being held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM.  Set up will begin at approximately 12:00 PM and cleanup should be completed by 9:00 PM.

The Arlington County Police Department will close the following roadways to all vehicular traffic to accommodate the event:

  • Campbell Avenue, from the Harris Teeter to S. Randolph Street — closed beginning at 12 PM
  • Campbell Avenue, from Arlington Mill Drive to S. Quincy Street — closed beginning at 4 PM
  • S. Randolph Street, from Arlington Mill Drive to the alley behind the businesses on the south side of Campbell Avenue — closed beginning at 4 PM

Additionally, vehicles will not be allowed to enter or exit the covered Harris Teeter parking structure onto Campbell Ave after 4 PM. Harris Teeter customers can access the parking garage via the alternate entrance behind the store.

Traffic is expected to be impacted in and around the immediate area. Motorists are advised to allot extra travel time and seek alternate routes to reduce road congestion. Attendees are encouraged to utilize multimodal and public transportation options to reduce vehicular congestion.

Street parking in the area will be restricted and 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 the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.

Arlington Agenda: December 2-8

By Kalina Newman

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, December 3

Information Session
The Sycamore School (4600 N. Fairfax Drive)
Time: 8-9 a.m.

Interested parents, educational advocates, and additional members of the Arlington community are welcomed for this information session and tour of The Sycamore School. Parking will be validated.

Thursday, December 5

Workshop: Make Felted Holiday Ornaments (Adults)
Art House 7 (5537 Lee Highway)
Time: 7-9 p.m. 

Adults are encouraged to attend this workshop on the art of needle felting. Art House 7 will supply wool and felting needs, and participants will leave with a Christmas ornament. Advanced sign up required.

Friday, December 6

Avant Bard Presents: Happenstance Theater* 
Theatre on the Run (3700 S. Four Mile Drive)
Time: 7:30-8:45 p.m.

The Avant Bard Theatre will put on “Happenstance Theater,” a dark comedy about refugees escaping a dystopia and balancing life at the end of the world. Ticketed performances run Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Arlington Chamber Annual Meeting 
Sheraton Pentagon City (900 S. Orme Street)
Time: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s 95th annual meeting will celebrate the Chamber’s achievements in 2019, while looking ahead to the future. Registration includes lunch, parking and program, which closes December 3 with spaces limited.

Miracle on 23rd Street
Melwood (750 23rd Street S.)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The time-honored tradition returns to Crystal City, with the lighting of the Christmas tree, photos available with Santa, face painting, hot cocoa, poinsettia sales, and a canned good drive benefiting AFAC. Festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m.

She Kills Monsters
Wakefield High School (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Wakefield High School theater presents “She Kills Monsters,” the story of a young girl and her journey to self-discovery after the death of her teenage sister. The ticketed event is $10 for students and $15 for adults.

Saturday, December 7

Virginia for Pete Buttigieg — Info Session and Holiday Party*
The Chatham (4501 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The 8th Congressional District of Pete for Virginia invites area supporters to learn how to volunteer with the team, hoping to earn Pete Buttigieg the Virginia Democratic presidential primary next year.

Gifts That Give Hope Alternative Gift Fair 
Arlington Science Focus School (1501 N. Lincoln Street)
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

At this 9th annual alternative gift fair, shoppers purchase donated nonprofit services for the community. Representatives from eighteen featured nonprofits will be available, and shoppers can purchase their services for those in need via donations.

Winter Wonderland Annual Holiday Event
Penrose Square Apartments (2501 9th Road S.)
Time: 12-3 p.m. 

This year, the apartment community invites its Arlington neighbors for a day of holiday festivities including food trucks, a moon bounce, a live band, and a ballet performance from dancers at the Cuppett Performing Arts Center.

Pet Santa Photos
Dogma Bakery (2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

For its 10th year, Dogma is hosting a pet photography fundraiser in order to rase money for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue. $25 for each sitting, plus a digital photo.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Wreaths Across America Ceremony Set for December 14

By Kalina Newman

(Updated at 10:50 a.m.) Thousands of volunteers will gather at Arlington National Cemetery later this month to honor veterans by laying wreaths at their graves.

The annual Wreaths Across America event will be held this year on Saturday, December 14, beginning with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m.

Volunteers are still being sought to help lay the wreaths, while the group that organizes the annual event is also seeking sponsors to help pay for the wreaths. As of today (Monday), more than 70,000 wreaths have been sponsored — just over a quarter of the 253,000 graves across the cemetery.

Similar to years past, cemetery officials are strongly recommending attendees use public transit to get to the wreath laying event. Because so many volunteers are expected, officials suggest using the nearby Rosslyn and Pentagon Metro stops instead of the cemetery station.

“The annual tradition provides another opportunity for visitors to honor the service and sacrifice of our service members, veterans and their families laid to rest within our hallowed grounds,” the cemetery said via social media.

More from an ANC press release:

The annual Wreaths Across America event will be held at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. The gates to these cemeteries will open at 8 a.m.

Volunteers should anticipate large crowds and difficulties with driving vehicles in the vicinity of Arlington National Cemetery due to road closures. To ensure the safety and security of its visitors, the cemetery has restricted personally owned vehicles from driving onto cemetery grounds during the duration of the event and is encouraging visitors to use Metrorail or Metrobus.

“We encourage volunteers to arrive early and recommend taking Metro to the Pentagon or Rosslyn stations and walking into the cemetery,” said Executive Director Karen Durham-Aguilera. “It’s a short 15-minute walk from these stations and the most seamless way to access our hallowed grounds on this special day.”

Event Details

The Arlington National Cemetery gates – Main Entrance, South Gate and Ord & Weitzel -will open to the public at 8 a.m. All volunteers must pass through the cemetery’s security screening process before entering the cemetery.

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be accessible to DoD ID card holders only; however, parking will be limited to the Tri Services parking lot located across from the Spates Community Center and Henderson Hall.  Due to ongoing construction, the sole entry point to the cemetery from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be the Old Post Chapel Gate.

There will be a brief opening ceremony inside the cemetery at the McClellan Gate at 8:30 a.m. General wreath placement will also begin at this time with the exception of those trucks in vicinity of the opening ceremony. They will begin wreath placements no later than 9 a.m.

Use Metro to Access the Cemetery

Due to anticipated congestion at the Arlington Cemetery Station, Metro recommends volunteers exit via the Rosslyn or Pentagon stations and walk to the cemetery. From these locations it is a short 15-minute walk to one of the cemetery entrances.  If exiting at Rosslyn, you must enter the cemetery via the Ord & Weitzel gate by walking along the North Meade Street sidewalks. If exiting at the Pentagon, you must enter through the cemetery’s South Gate entrance by walking along North Rotary Road.

Pentagon Parking

Limited general public parking will be available at the Pentagon North and South Parking lots. There will be Wreaths Across America volunteers and signage positioned in the parking lots guiding visitors to walk to the nearest cemetery entrances. For those parking in Pentagon South Parking, recommend walking to the cemetery’s South Gate entrance for screening and entry to the grounds. For those parking in Pentagon North Parking, recommend walking to the cemetery’s main entrance on Memorial Ave. by using the Route 27 pedestrian walkway.

There will be additional parking lots available for volunteers at a reduced $7 per day rate, within walking distance to the cemetery.  These garages are located at:  1616 Fort Myer Drive; 1300 Wilson Blvd.; and 1655 North Fort Myer Drive.

Family Pass Holders/Handicapped Placards

ONLY family pass holders and those with handicapped placards will be allowed to park in the ANC Welcome Center parking garage.

Instructions:  Family pass holders and those with handicapped plates/placards will need to go to Pentagon North Parking where their pass will be verified. They will then be directed to the ANC Welcome Center parking garage. Once the parking garage is full, drivers will be directed to other parking options.

Note: This is a change from last year. There is NO pre-registration required for family pass holder parking this year.

Ride Share Drop-off Locations

For those volunteers who plan to arrive via a ride share (i.e. Uber, Lyft), the drop off location is the Hayes lot (599-549 Army Navy Drive). From this point, volunteers will need to walk to the cemetery’s South Gate entrance.

Photo via Flickr/Jeff Reardon 

Arlington’s Annual Turkey Trot 5K Prompts Road Closures

By Kalina Newman

The 14th annual Arlington Turkey Trot 5K returns tomorrow for the Thanksgiving holiday, prompting road closures.

The race will kick off at 8 a.m. at Christ Church of Arlington (3020 N. Pershing Drive) in Lyon Park. The church first organized the race in 2006.

This year, over 4,000 runners registered, selling out the race before online registration was scheduled to close.

All proceeds from the event benefit local charities like the Arlington Food Assistance Center and the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network.

“Over the course of 13 years, the Trot has generated nearly $800,000 to help Arlington County residents in need,” according to the race’s website.

The following roads will be closed from 6:30 a.m. until approximately 10 a.m., per a county press release:

  • Pershing Drive from Washington Blvd. to N. Glebe Road
  • N. Oxford Street from Pershing Drive to 5th Street N.
  • 5th Street N. from N. Nelson St. to N. Oxford Street
  • N. Nelson Street from Pershing Drive to 5th Street N.
  • N. Highland Street from Pershing Drive. to 9th Street N.
  • Washington Blvd. from 9th Street N. to Arlington Blvd. (eastbound lanes only)
  • N. Fillmore Street from Washington Blvd. to 3rd Street N.
  • 3rd Street N. from N. Fillmore Street to Washington Blvd.
  • N. Bedford Street from Arlington Blvd. to Brookside Dr.
  • N. Brookside Drive from N. Bedford Street to Washington Blvd.

Street parking will be restricted and temporary “no parking” signs will be placed along the route. All vehicles parked in violation of the signs will be ticketed and towed, according to Arlington County Police.

Holiday Cheer Event Coming to Rosslyn Next Week

By Kalina Newman

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and the winter holidays quickly approaching, a festive day-long event is coming to Rosslyn next week.

Hosted by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID), Rosslyn Cheer will take place on Wednesday, December 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and then from 5-7:30 p.m, at the Central Place Plaza (1800 N. Lynn Street)

During the lunchtime hours, there will be free hot chocolate, holiday cookies for sale, and a performance from an a cappella group.

Later in the evening at 5 p.m., the H-B Woodlawn Chamber Singers will be performing and a holiday food and drink bar will be offered.

Throughout the day, the BID will host its annual Rosslyn Holiday Clothing Drive, where they will be collecting warm hats, coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, and gloves. All items will go towards the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network.

“Rosslyn Cheer is a time for the community to come together and kick off the holiday season, from the tree lighting in Central Place Plaza to the lighted buildings across our distinctive skyline,” said Rosslyn BID president, Mary-Claire Burick. “The highlight will be a performance from Rosslyn’s new school, H-B Woodlawn, who have brought their own light to the neighborhood since moving in this September.”

H-B Woodlawn, meanwhile, held a Thanksgiving parade along Wilson Blvd this morning.

Annual “Artful Weekend” Art Fair Returns to Hendry House This Weekend

By Kalina Newman

Arlington’s 17th annual “Artful Weekend” art show and sale starts today and continues through this weekend.

Presented by the Arlington Artists Alliance, the fair highlights over 35 local artists and their wares across a variety of media including ceramics, jewelry, glasswork, and more.

The opening reception kicks off tonight, Friday, at the historic Hendry House at Fort C.F. Smith Park (2411 24th Street N.), from 6-8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and the artists will be present.

The free event, described as “great for holiday shopping,” will continue Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.

The Arlington Artists Alliance works to create and promote local art in the county, with full membership options for Arlington artists. The alliance currently has two art galleries, the Gallery Underground in Crystal City (2100 Crystal Drive), and Gallery Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Blvd).

Photo via Arlington County

Arlington Agenda: November 18-24

By Kalina Newman

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, November 18

Bring a Book You Hate Swap
Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Bring your unwanted books to this book swap, where others will bring their least favorite novels to trade. All leftover books will be donated to the library’s upcoming book sale.

Tuesday, November 19

Virginia Tech Executive MBA Online Info Session*
Virginia Tech Research Center (900 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 12-1 p.m.

Learn more about Virginia Tech’s Ballston-based Executive MBA program at this information session, where officials will discuss curriculum, tuition, financial aid, and more.

First Time Home Buyer Seminar*
Keri Shull Team (1600 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Learn about the possible mistakes that come with the first time you purchase a home at this seminar. Topics covered include how to avoid double-paying a rent and mortgage, and how to properly calculate a budget.

Thursday, November 21

Holiday Design Event
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (4301 Wilson Blvd) 
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.

Join guest floral designer Ami Wilber at this fundraising gala for the Rock Spring Garden Club. There will be a silent auction, delicious refreshments, holiday arrangements, and more. Tickets are $30 and available online.

Jennie Dean Park Renovation Design Reveal
Charles Drew Community Center (3500 23rd Street S.)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

The final design for the Jennie Dean Park renovation project, based on weeks of public input, will be revealed at this event. Continued feedback on the final design is welcome, as are children.

Saturday, November 23

Annual Jennifer Bush-Lawson 5K & Family Fun Day
Knights of Columbus (5115 Little Falls Road)
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

This event carries on the legacy of Jenn Lawson, a local mother of three. There will be a morning of celebration and health-focused activities, followed by a certified 5K and a kid’s fun run.

Lyon Park Craft Show
Lyon Park Community Center (414 N. Fillmore Street)
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The 29th annual “Not-Just-A-Crafts-Fair” will feature handmade crafts, prints, jewelry, ornaments, photo collages, and more, plus a bake sale. Restaurant quality Reggiano Parmesan will be available at a discount, with preorders available.

Cranksgiving – A Clothing Drive By Bike
Ireland’s Four Courts (2051 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 

This choose-your-adventure bike ride gives participants a map of suggested stores or items to locate. All items collected will be donated to the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network.

The Enchanted Forest
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel (900 S. Orme Street)
Time: 12-8 p.m. 

This weekend-long holiday festival includes a “forest” of theme-decorated holiday trees, along with live entertainment, a Santa, holiday crafts and a silent auction.

The Board Room 2nd Anniversary Party
The Board Room (925 N. Garfield Street)
Time: 2-7 p.m. 

The Board Room, Clarendon’s board game and bar, is celebrating its second year in operation. In addition, they will be honoring their first year as a brewing company with the release of a new beer.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Arlington Agenda: November 11-17

By Kalina Newman

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, November 11

HyperFast Agent Sales Summit With Ryan Serhant*
Crystal Gateway Marriott (1700 Richmond Highway)
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This all-day real estate summit, in partnership with the Keri Shull Team and Orange Line Living, will feature talks on million-dollar listings, how to use webinars, online automation, and more. The event will also be held Tuesday.

Tuesday, November 12

The Dillon Rule: What Is It Anyway?
Ireland’s Four Courts (2051 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Arlington and the Arlington branch of the American Association of University Women, this discussion talks about the 1868 Dillon Rule and how it affects local governments.

Wednesday, November 13

Schar School Master’s Open House*
GMU Schar School (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m. 

Learn more about George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government and its master’s degree programs at this open house. Student services and admissions members will be available to chat.

Learn From This Place: Bringing Arlington To Halls Hill
John T. Hazel Conference Center (1701 N. George Mason Drive)
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The John M. Langston Citizens Association presents two events to honor Halls Hill, a formerly segregated Arlington neighborhood. A walking tour will be on Saturday, with a panel presented Wednesday on the history of Halls Hill.

Thursday, November 14

The Bottom: An African-American Enclave Uncovered
Marymount University Reinsch Library Auditorium (2807 N. Glebe Road) 
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Hear from community member Jessica Kaplan as she discusses “The Bottom,” one of the oldest African American enclaves in Arlington established before the Civil War, whose residents were slowly displaced throughout the 20th century.

Friday, November 15

A Zombie Extravaganza at Yorktown High School
Yorktown High School (5200 Yorktown Blvd)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Yorktown Performing Arts will present “A Zombie Extravaganza,” a short comedic drama presented as a series of vignettes. Performances will be from all sorts of YHS programs, including band, cheer, improv, and color guard. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, and $35 for a donor ticket.

O’Connell Players Present Guys and Dolls
Bishop O’Connell High School (6106 22nd Street N.)
Time: 7-9 p.m. 

Bishop O’Connell High School theatre is performing the musical Guys and Dolls at three separate shows throughout the weekend, with tickets starting at $10 for students and $15 for adults.

Saturday, November 16

Safe At Home Kickball Tournament
Long Bridge Park (475 Long Bridge Drive)
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Bridges to Independence, an area homeless shelter and rehousing service, has partnered with DC Fray for a day of kickball, with all proceeds going towards funding the organization. All players will receive a team t-shirt and a chance to win a trophy.

Rise Against Hunger Event
Clarendon UMC (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Clarendon Methodist Church is hosting its annual all-day meal packing event in partnership with Rise Against Hunger. Meals prepped will be sent to those in need all over the world, with two different shifts available for sign-up.

1960s Dance Party to Benefit Culpepper Garden
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 7-10 p.m.

This “Rock Around the Block” dance party will benefit Culpepper Garden, a nonprofit providing affordable housing for Arlington seniors. There will be music, dancing, refreshments, and a silent auction. Tickets start at $10 for teens and $20 for adults.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

‘Cranksgiving’ Bike Ride And Clothing Drive Coming to Arlington

By Kalina Newman

An Arlington bicycling group will host its first annual “Cranksgiving” charity ride to help the homeless.

Cosponsored by the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, the choose-your-own-adventure scavenger hunt ride will take place on Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m. and will benefit the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN).

The ride starts and ends at Ireland’s Four Courts at 2051 Wilson Blvd. in Courthouse The event is free with advanced registration required, with teams of 4-5 members are encouraged.

Once the ride begins, cyclists will design their own route based on a map of participating stores. During their stops, they’ll purchase a food, clothing, or hygiene item to donate to A-SPAN, to benefit those in need during the winter season.

Everything purchased must be hauled by bicycle, in a bag, pannier, rack, or trailer.

At the end of the event, cyclists will gather back at Ireland’s Four Courts to tally who gathered the most items, with prizes awarded to the winners.

“Cranksgiving is a way to have a lot of fun while also helping others during the holiday season,” said event organizer Judd Isbell in a press release. “We are thrilled with the number businesses and organizations who are enthusiastically supporting this event.”

Cranksgiving is held annual across over fifty cities throughout the United States around Thanksgiving. This year is the first time the free event has come to Arlington.

Participating organizations include:

  • Casual Adventure
  • Phoenix Bikes
  • Bike Arlington
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Los Tios Crystal City
  • Ireland’s Four Courts
  • Crystal City BID

Photo courtesy Chris Rief

Arlington Agenda: November 4-10

By Kalina Newman

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, November 4

Start-Up With Financial Success
Arlington Economic Development (1100 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 10 a.m.-4:10 p.m. 

This workshop, led by five experts across different economic fields, will cover the basics of financial management for small businesses, from choosing the right accounting software to paying quarterly tax estimates.

Art Night! 
Lost Dog – South Arlington (2920 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Art Night is a casual monthly meet up for area creatives, in the background of the Lost Dog Cafe. Paper and pencils will be provided, and artists are encouraged to bring any other supplies. RSVP for an event reminder.

Tuesday, November 5

Arlington Kick-Off for Safe Streets
Buzz Bakeshop (818 N. Quincy Street) 
Time: 6:30-8 p.m. 

Arlington Families for Safe Streets is a new group working to promote pedestrian safety through public outreach programs, policy advocacy, and more. Its monthly meetings will be held to discuss and plan upcoming programs.

National Nachos Day 
Punch Bowl Social (4238 Wilson Blvd) 
Time: 11 a.m.-11:59 p.m. 

On National Nachos Day, Punch Bowl Social is encouraging customers to try its cauliflower nachos, made with corn tortilla chips, queso, jalapeños, pickled red onions, and a jalapeño lime crema.

Wednesday, November 6

Ellen Crosby – The Angels’ Share
One More Page Books (2200 N. Westmoreland Street)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m. 

Ellen Crosby will be speaking at One More Page Books to promote her latest novel, The Angels’ Share, a mystery that takes place in Virginia wine country. There will be wine, cake, and a discussion with the author.

Thursday, November 7

Legislative Forum on Aging Issues
Farlington Community Center (3308 S. Stafford Street)
Time: 9:45-11:30 a.m.

The Arlington and Alexandria Commissions on Aging will host a forum of Virginia Senators and delegates for a discussion on legislation that affects older adults, those with disabilities, and caregivers.

MONA Holiday Sip-n-Shop
Knights of Columbus (5115 Little Falls Road)
Time: 7-9:30 p.m.

Mothers of North Arlington are hosting their annual sip-n-shop, featuring dozens of local vendors selling a variety of wares, including beauty products, apparel, home goods, and more. Drink tickets are being sold for $7 in advance or $10 at the door.

Friday, November 8

Play: Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, A Lesbian Love Story
Gunston Theatre Two (2700 S. Lang Street)
Time: 8-9:40 p.m.

Dominion Stage Theatre presents “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove,” the story of seven lesbian friends over the course of the summer, who take in a straight woman after she leaves her husband to become an alternative kind of family.

Saturday, November 9

Scouting for Food – Food Drive
AFAC (2708 S. Nelson Street)
Time: 8-11 a.m.

AFAC is partnering with the Chain Bridge District of the National Capital Area Council of Boy Scouts for the 25th annual “Scouting for Food” food drive, which has collected more than one million pounds of food for AFAC since 1995.

Parker Looks Up 
Nook Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 10-11 a.m. 

Parker Curry, the little girl who went viral earlier this year for her photo looking up at Michelle Obama’s portrait, now has a children’s book. In order to celebrate the release of her book, she will be at the Nook for reading, a dance party, and a book signing.

Arlington Agenda: October 28-November 3

By Kalina Newman

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, October 28

First Time Home Buyer Seminar*
Keri Shull Team (1600 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Learn about the possible mistakes that come with the first time you purchase a home at this seminar. Topics covered include how to avoid double-paying a rent and mortgage, and how to properly calculate a budget.

UFOs, Cryptids and Ghosts, Oh My!
Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Join certified cryptozoologists Scott Falcon, Dr. Marc Black, and Chad Umbach of the Alexandria Cryptozoology and Paranormal Society and learn about everything extraterrestrial.

Tuesday, October 29

Upper Bluemont Conceptional Design Kickoff Meeting
Ashlawn Elementary School (5950 8th Road N.)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m. 

Learn about the upcoming Upper Bluemont Conceptual Design Project, and what’s come next to the park in the Ashlawn Elementary multi-purpose room.

Wednesday, October 30

Escape Junk News: A Guide To Sharpening Your Media Skills
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Join the Newseum Education staff in this hands-on training on how to handle today’s media landscape, including how to understand buzz words, bots, and bad actors on social media.

Thursday, October 31

Halloween at Ballston Quarter
Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 5-9 p.m. 

Celebrate the spooky holiday at Ballston Quarter, where there will be trick-or-treating throughout the mall, special guest appearances from movie mascots (and Slapshot from the Washington Capitals) plus a movie showing of Hocus Pocus.

Haunted House Food Drive
Fort Ethan Allen Park (4228 N. Old Glebe Road)
Time: 7-10 p.m.

Run by scouts from local Troop 104, this haunted house is fun for all ages. Instead of an entrance fee, the event requires a food donation for AFAC. Suggested donations include canned tuna, canned soups, cereal, and peanut butter.

Friday, November 1

Re/Seen: Photographs by Jason Horowitz
Fred Schnider Gallery of Art (888 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

View local artist Jason Horowitz’s still-life photographs representing underwater space scenes inspired by his own pet fish in their aquariums, and enjoy an opening reception. The exhibit will run until December 21.

Saturday, November 2

Free Benchmade Laser Engraving 
Casual Adventure (3451 N. Washington Blvd)
Time: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

At Casual Adventure, the Benchmade knife engraver will be present in the store, where you can either bring in your own knife or buy a new Benchmade knife in-store, and enjoy a laser engraving for free until 5 p.m.

Sunday, November 3

Tabletop Gaming Day
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 1-7 p.m.

Kick-off International Games week at the library, where a large and diverse selection of board games geared towards players of all ages will be available to play, along with lessons on how to play various games.

Arlington Philharmonic 
W-L High School Auditorium (1301 N. Stafford Street)
Time: 4-6 p.m.

The Arlington Philharmonic will be kicking off its 14th season with a concert at Washington-Liberty High School, featuring performances of Schumann’s Symphony no. 2 in C Major, among other pieces. Admission is free, a donation is suggested.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

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