Events

Swiftie Soirée offers fans a night of Taylor Swift-themed festivities in Arlington

By James Jarvis
Swiftie Soiree flier (via the Village at Shirlington)

Swifties in Arlington, get ready for a night dedicated to the pop icon Taylor Swift.

“Swiftie Soirée: Celebrating Eras in Style” is scheduled for this Friday from 6-8:30 p.m. at The Village at Shirlington.

The event, aimed at both longtime fans and newcomers to Taylor Swift’s music, will be the same night as the debut of a movie of the star’s highly-anticipated concert film.

“You can choose to attend the movie screening before or after our event,” per a press release. “We’ll be here to keep the celebration going, whether you’re heading to the movie or not.”

The event will have themed cocktails and a DJ playing Swift’s discography. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in outfits inspired by their favorite Swift “era” and take photos inside era-specific photo sets.

Tickets for this 21-and-over event are priced at $31 and can be obtained via the ARLnow events page. Tickets to the movie must be purchased separately.

A full press release is below.

Swiftie Soirée: Celebrating Eras in Style! Calling all Swifties! Join us for a night of Eras-themed celebration. Enjoy cocktails, dancing, crafts, photo ops, and more!

WHAT: Calling all Swiftie fans! Get ready to experience a night filled with all things Taylor at our “Swiftie Soirée: Celebrating Eras in Style!” event, happening on the same night as the release of Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated movie.

Whether you’re a Swiftie from the Fearless era or a folklore enthusiast, this is the place to be to celebrate the iconic popstar and her incredible music journey, and you can keep the celebration going whether you’re heading to the movie or not.

WHEN: Friday, October 13, 2023

TIME: 6-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Village at Shirlington
Campbell Avenue
Arlington, Va. 22206

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Album Inspired Cocktails: Enjoy two specially crafted themed cocktails from our participating vendors that pay homage to the popstar’s chart-topping hits.

DJ and Dancing: Our talented DJs will keep the dance floor buzzing with your favorite Swiftie tracks all night long. Get ready to dance, sing, and feel the music as we celebrate her discography.

Friendship Bracelet Workshop: Channel your inner creativity as you craft friendship bracelets. You’ll receive two friendship bracelets to share with friends and fellow fans, and make one to cherish as a memory of this fantastic night.

Eras Tour Photo Moments: Step into this popstar’s world as we recreate iconic photo moments from her various tours and eras. Capture memories with your friends and fellow Swifties in these unforgettable photo setups.

Eras Concert Outfit Challenge: Embrace the spirit of the popstar’s ever-evolving style! Dress up as your favorite era, whether it’s the country charm of “Fearless” or the indie vibes of “folklore.” Participate in our Eras Concert Outfit Challenge for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Movie Night: Coinciding with our event, Taylor Swift’s latest movie will be released on the same night.

You can choose to attend the movie screening before or after our event. We’ll be here to keep the celebration going, whether you’re heading to the movie or not!

This event does not include your movie ticket to Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. Tickets for the movie should be purchased separately from AMC Shirlington.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow Swifties, dance the night away, and celebrate this iconic music. Tickets are limited, so grab yours now for a night you won’t forget!

TICKET INFORMATION: Get your tickets today and join us for a night that will leave you enchanted!

Note: This event is not affiliated with Taylor Swift or her management; it is a fan-inspired celebration of her music and career.

#SwiftieSoiree

Arlington to host Fall Heritage and Latino festivals next week

By James Jarvis
1/3

A trio of family-friendly activities put on by Arlington’s parks department are slated to take place next weekend.

Among the events are two festivals, one offering the chance to make autumnal crafts pilgrim-style and another celebrating Latin American culture.

Fall Heritage Festival

Next Saturday, Oct. 14, from 1-5 p.m., the county is set to hold its annual Fall Heritage Festival, this time at Fort C.F. Smith Park in the Woodmont neighborhood.

“Step back into history and try your hand at some old-time games and crafts, make a corn husk doll, churn butter, dip candles and work the cider press,” the county website says. “Bring your old pants and shirt to make a scarecrow — child sizes work best.”

Tickets are $7 for residents and non-residents. Admission is free for children under the age of three.

The cutoff date to register for the event is Friday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.

Festival Latinoamericano

The Festival Latinoamericano will be held the next day, Sunday, from 1-5 p.m. at the Arlington Mill Community Center.

“The festival welcomes hundreds each year and will include a full array of live music and dance, great local vendors, interactive children’s entertainment, delicious food, and exciting community spirit,” the county website says.

The full programming line-up will be posted soon, the website suggests.

Saturday Teen Nights

The next Saturday Teen Night will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, from 7-10 p.m. at Lubber Run Community Center.

Attending teens can play basketball, life-size foosball, esports and boardgames, show off art projects and hang out with animals, per the county website. Admission is free for Arlington Public Schools students enrolled in a local middle or high school.

Teen Nights occur on select Saturdays and are scheduled through April.

Today: Art walk and taco crawl offer two ways to tour Arlington

By James Jarvis
People taking photos of artwork at Mason Exhibitions in Arlington (via Mason Exhibitions/Facebook)

If you’re a fan of art and tacos, today is your lucky day.

This afternoon (Thursday), from 3-7 p.m., local art galleries in the Ballston and Virginia Square neighborhoods will open their doors for the annual Arlington Art Walk.

Meanwhile, Rosslyn Business Improvement District is staging “Rosslyn’s first-ever Taco Crawl” from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Here is how to participate in each event today.

Arlington Art Walk

The art walk, sponsored by Arlington Economic Development, is free to everyone and features 12 local galleries and artists throughout the Ballston and Virginia Square neighborhoods between N. Glebe Road and Washington Blvd.

“The ‘Arlington Art Walk’ is a self-guided art experience that connects local galleries, artist studios and cultural events,” Arlington Economic Development says on its website. “During the walk, gallery hours for participating organizations will be extended so that our friends, neighbors and artists may come see what we’re up to.”

The walk kicks off at Mason Exhibitions, located at 3601 Fairfax Drive, next to Quincy Park. Art aficionados can pop into nearly a dozen participating venues and see outdoor, permanent installations from Arlington Public Art along the way.

Map showing the locations of participating galleries and artists during the 2023 Arlington Art Walk (via Arlington Economic Development)

Exhibits are on display at the following places:

  • Arlington Independent Media
  • ARC 3409 Art Studios
  • Arlington Art Truck
  • Arlington Public Library Maker’s Studio ‘The Shop”
  • Cody Gallery
  • Fred Schnider Gallery
  • Mason Exhibitions Arlington
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Northside Social Arlington
  • WHINO
“Rosslyn Taco Crawl” flier (via Rosslyn BID)

Rosslyn Taco Crawl

If the art walk leaves you hungry, the Rosslyn BID and DC Fray are hosting a guided taco tour in Rosslyn to celebrate National Taco Day, which the U.S. celebrated yesterday.

Tickets for the Taco Crawl are $15 and come with tacos at every stop.

Check-in takes place at Central Place Plaza, which will also feature live music and games to enhance the walking experience.

Photo (top) via Mason Exhibitions/Facebook

Arlington Restaurant Week kicks off this month with nearly 50 participating eateries

By James Jarvis
1/15

Arlington Restaurant Week returns this month with almost five dozen eateries for local foodies to explore.

This marks the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s fifth consecutive year organizing the week-long event, starting Monday, Oct. 16. It is also the third year in a row Amazon has sponsored the event.

Currently, 49 restaurants plan to participate but “new restaurants are being added daily,” per a press release from the chamber. They include Ambar, Barley Mac, SeoulSpice and Urban Tandoor, among others.

The event is open to all Arlington restaurants, “from fast-casual spots to five-star dining establishments,” the release says, adding that participating restaurants can also pick their prices and offer both dine-in and carry-out options.

Participating restaurants are primarily located along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor and in Pentagon City and Crystal City, with a few others on Langston Blvd, in Shirlington and near Falls Church.

“Arlington Restaurant Week continues to be a testament to our commitment to supporting local restaurants, especially as they navigate ongoing challenges like staffing shortages, rising food costs, and supply chain disruption,” Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kate Bates said in the release. These establishments are essential to Arlington’s economic vitality and contribute to our community’s character.”

The list of participating restaurants as of this article’s writing is below.

(more…)

Clarendon Day, Celtic Festival and Oktoberfest to prompt road closures this weekend

By James Jarvis
Clarendon Day (file photo)

Several events are scheduled to take place across Arlington on Saturday, bringing both festivities and road closures.

The events celebrate everything from the neighborhood of Clarendon to Bavarian and Irish culture.

Clarendon Day

Kicking off at 11 a.m., Clarendon Day will offer live music, food, craft beer, Virginia wines, art and inflatable obstacle courses. The event, which is one of Arlington’s largest street festivals, ends at 6 p.m.

Metro riders can take the Orange Line to the Clarendon station, the entrance to which is in the middle of the multiblock festival area.

Stretches of Wilson Blvd and Clarendon Blvd will be closed from 3 a.m. to 10 p.m. to accommodate the event, according to Arlington County police.

The complete list of street closures for the event is below.

  • Wilson Blvd, from Washington Blvd to N. Highland Street
  • Clarendon Blvd, from Washington Blvd to N. Garfield Street
  • N. Highland Street, from 11th Street N. to Wilson Blvd
  • N. Herndon Street, from Wilson Blvd to the alleyway behind CVS
  • N. Hudson Street, from Wilson Blvd to the alleyway behind CVS

Samuel Beckett’s Celtic Festival

Samuel Beckett’s Irish Pub in Shirlington is hosting its annual Celtic Festival this Saturday from 12-7 p.m.

The event will highlight traditional Irish music and dance and feature a pop-up market, food and beverages.

Campbell Avenue, from S. Randolph Street to the parking garage entrance in front of Harris Teeter, will be closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

National Landing Oktoberfest

Additionally, the National Landing Business Improvement District is holding an Oktoberfest event from 1-5 p.m. this Saturday at the corner of 22nd Street S. and S. Fern Street, behind what is dubbed “Restaurant Row” in Crystal City.

The beer-centric, Bavarian-ish event includes live music from the Alte Kumpel Band and The Pilgrims of Deep Run. Food and drinks, including offerings from Crystal City Sports Pub, will be available for purchase.

Activities include a stein-holding competition, a best-dressed contest, lawn games and crafting stations for kids featuring hat-making and clove decor. Attendees can register online ahead of time.

Police will close 22nd Street S. between S. Eads Street and S. Fern Street from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Arlington Public Library to host the author of a controversial graphic novel ahead of Banned Books Week

By James Jarvis
Author Art Spiegelman and the cover of his graphic novel about the Holocaust, “Maus” (via Arlington Public Library)

Arlington Public Library says it is taking a stand against book banning across the U.S. and in Virginia, declaring itself a “book sanctuary.”

“Everyone should read whatever they want, whenever they want and however they want,” said Library Director Diane Kresh in an announcement on social media this week.

As part of that commitment, Kresh plans to host a panel discussion featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Art Spiegelman, who is no stranger to the issue of book banning.

Last year, a Tennessee school board banned Pulitzer Prize-winning author Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel “Maus: A Survivor’s Tale,” which uses animal characters to portray his father’s experiences during the Holocaust, citing claims of inappropriate language and lewd images.

Spiegelman later criticized the decision, arguing the need to confront difficult aspects of history to prevent whitewashing.

Spiegelman’s visit serves as an early kick-off to Banned Books Week, a campaign by the American Library Association and Amnesty International. The library director tied this year’s campaign, which runs from Oct. 1-7, to recent attempts to ban books across the country and the state.

“In recent months, events have moved closer to home in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as libraries have been threatened with removal of books by certain members of the community,” Kresh said. “They’ve been subjected to personal assaults in person, at public meetings and on social media.”

Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh discusses Banned Books Week on social media (via Arlington Public Library/Instagram)

Several neighboring school systems — including those in Fauquier and Prince William counties — have faced book challenges from both parents and administrators. These challenges generally revolve around concerns that students are being exposed to “sexually explicit material.”

Last year, the Virginia Department of Education implemented new model policies requiring all school districts to notify parents when instructional material containing sexually explicit content will be taught. Schools are also required to provide alternative curriculum for students if requested by their parents.

While these model policies are designed to strengthen what is commonly referred to as “parental rights,” some school systems, such as Hanover and Spotsylvania counties, have taken used the policies as a basis to remove certain books from schools altogether.

“Upholding the freedom to read requires vigilance and action taken by all of us to ensure that a multiplicity of views and diversity of opinion is housed in each library,” Kresh said.

Several banned books are prominently displayed behind Kresh in her Instagram video this week, including “The 1619 Project.” The book’s author, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Nikole Hannah-Jones, came to Arlington last year for Banned Books Week.

The discussion between Spiegelman and Kresh will take place at Kenmore Middle School auditorium tomorrow (Thursday) at 6:30 p.m., followed by an audience Q&A session. The event will be streamed and in-person attendees can buy signed copies of Spiegelman’s book.

Clarendon Ballroom to hold street festival this weekend

By James Jarvis
Clarendon Ballroom entrance on a Saturday night (staff photo)

(Updated at 11:55 a.m.) The Clarendon Ballroom is set to hold a street festival this weekend.

Bidding farewell to summer, the nightlife venue at 3185 Wilson Blvd — also known as just The Ballroom — is hosting what it says is Arlington’s first electronic music-inspired street festival.

This Saturday, Sept. 23, from 2-10 p.m., the streets of Clarendon will host a festival complete with a “state-of-the-art” stage, lighting and sound system, according to the event listing.

The event, dubbed “Ballroom on the Block,” will take place along N. Irving Street between Wilson Blvd and 12th Street N. It promises to bring a “rooftop vibe” down to the streets, complete with a beer garden, lounge sections, yard games, carnival treats and local vendors, per the event webpage.

More, below, from the event listing.

What to expect:

  • Epic Outdoor Mainstage Production
  • Local electronic DJs all Day
  • Outdoor Beer Garden
  • Food Stands
  • Outdoor grill and BBQ
  • Multiple Bars
  • Kandi Making Station
  • Carnival treats
  • Games including cornhole, water pong, giant jenga, ring toss
  • Local Vendors
  • Outdoor Lounges
  • Giveaways

Following the festivities, the venue also plans to host an after-party inside from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Ticket prices start at $10 but increase as the event date approaches. Between now and Saturday, tickets are $35 apiece for general admission.

For an additional $20, attendees can opt for a “VIP Fastpass,” which grants them line-skipping privileges and access to both indoor and outdoor areas of Clarendon Ballroom throughout the day.

Police will be closing N. Irving Street between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. to help accommodate the festival, according to ACPD. Would-be attendees might want to pack a poncho: rain is in the forecast.

Washington Capitals to host charity ‘garage sale’ in Ballston this weekend

By James Jarvis
Washington Capitals will host 2023 charity “garage sale” at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Ballston (courtesy of Washington Capitals)

(Updated at 4:05 p.m.)Looking to score some Washington Capitals gear and give back?

The hockey team is hosting its first-ever charity “garage sale” this Saturday at MedStar Capitals Iceplex (627 N. Glebe Road) in Ballston, featuring everything from bobbleheads to T-shirts, posters and hats. Players will not have personal items for sale, we’re told.

The credit card-only sale is open to members of the general public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. but season ticket holders will have early access from 10-11 a.m.

All proceeds will benefit the team’s charitable arm, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, and its “work in the community with nonprofit partners from across the region,” team spokeswoman Megan Eichenberg said.

This includes the “Family-to-Family” program, where the team “adopts” families in need, and “KABOOM!,” which has built 11 new playgrounds in the D.C. area since 2013 with support from the foundation.

Today (Monday), the same foundation also announced it would be donating $75,000 across nine nonprofits that work to make hockey in the D.C. area more diverse.

Before or after perusing the garage sale, Eichenberg said fans will be able to watch the Caps practice ahead of the season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena on Friday, Oct. 13.

Oktoberfest kicks off in Arlington this week: here’s whats on tap

By James Jarvis
Woman at an Oktoberfest in Crystal City (courtesy photo)

(Updated at 5:45 p.m.) Get ready to hoist your steins and don your lederhosen, as Oktoberfest in Arlington is just around the corner.

Starting this Friday, Sept. 22, local bars and breweries across Arlington will celebrate a 200-year-old German tradition that began with the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria — who later became King Louis I — and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

Two centuries later, the wedding party has become a global, two-week party. Here is a roundup of places around Arlington celebrating Oktoberfest participating in the fun.

Courthaus Social 

This Friday, Sept. 22, the Courthouse beer garden Courthaus Social will kick off its “Oktoberfest on the Plaza” with a pup-friendly “Barktoberfest.”

There will be a “yappy hour” from 3-6 p.m., featuring a dog costume contest at 5:30 p.m. A professional photographer will be present to take photos. The winner receives a $50 Courthaus Social gift card.

The celebration picks up again Saturday, running from noon to 9 p.m. Activities include stein-holding and lederhosen contests, along with live music scheduled from 2-5 p.m. For those looking to quench their thirst, a “massive plaza bar” will also be open for attendees.

The event concludes on Sunday with a brunch featuring a live polka band from noon to 3 p.m. Attendees can take home a stein as a keepsake.

Admission to the three-day event is free and dogs are welcome.

Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza

This Saturday, Sept. 23, Pentagon City’s Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza in Westpost, formerly Pentagon Row, will celebrate Oktoberfest from noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets cost $30 and come with a 14-ounce plastic commemorative stein, three 14-ounce pours of any Nighthawk beer, one bratwurst with unlimited toppings and a 10% discount on additional food purchases.

The event will feature a variety of activities such as a stein-holding contest, a “Das Boot” chug race, a bratwurst-eating competition and a costume contest.

Green Pig Bistro

Green Pig Bistro also plans to host its own Oktoberfest starting at 4:30 p.m. There will be live music, raffles and corn hole, according to the restaurant’s website.

The Arlington County Police Department plans to close 11th Street N. between N. Fillmore Street and N. Edgewood Street from approximately 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the event.

Bronson Bierhall

Next Saturday, Sept. 30, Bronson Bierhall in Ballston will host its Oktoberfest from noon to 2 a.m. The day’s events feature live music, beer and bratwurst specials and drinking games.

Tickets range from $16 to $35, offering different perks for attendees. A $16 ticket includes a complimentary bratwurst served with a potato salad and a beer. For those looking to sample more brews, the $35 ticket offers four beer tasters along with brats and potato salad.

Crystal City

Also next Saturday, Sept. 30, there will be a Bavarian beer festival from 1-5 p.m. at the corner of 22nd Street S. and S. Fern Street, behind what is dubbed “Restaurant Row” in Crystal City.

The event includes live music from the Alte Kumpel Band and The Pilgrims of Deep Run. Food and drinks, including offerings from Crystal City Sports Pub, will be available for purchase.

Activities include a stein-holding competition, a best-dressed contest, lawn games and crafting stations for kids featuring hat-making and clove decor. Attendees can register online ahead of time.

‘Paws on the Pike’ pet fair returns to Arlington later this month

By James Jarvis
1/2

(Updated 9/13/23) Columbia Pike pet festival “Paws on the Pike” will return this month and unleash a day of pet-centric offerings and activities.

The pet fair, hosted by the Columbia Pike Partnership, is scheduled for Sept. 30 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Penrose Square outdoor plaza, located at 2501 9th Road S.

Attendees can have their pets sit for complimentary pet portraits and participate in a pet costume contest, hosted by the Arlington Animal Hospital in honor of its 85th anniversary. Those interested in portraits must sign up in advance.

There will be a DJ and a “water bar” where pets can sample water. At 1 p.m., Pastor Ashley Goff of Arlington Presbyterian Church will perform a pet blessing.

Pet owners can also connect with local pet service providers and vendors, such as veterinarians, trainers, pet-sitters, boarders, dog walkers and groomers.

For those interested in pet adoption, representatives from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington will be available to inform people about animals in need of homes.

A few weeks later, a Columbia Pike wellness festival showcasing local wellness purveyors will be held in the same location on Saturday, Oct. 14 from noon to 4 p.m.

Photo (1) via Columbia Pike Partnership/Facebook

Free outdoor movie nights coming soon to Pentagon City

By James Jarvis
1/2

Get your blankets and popcorn ready: Westpost in Pentagon City will be hosting free outdoor movie screenings this fall.

In less than two weeks, movie-goers can enjoy a range of films, from family-friendly flicks to action-adventures, each Wednesday from Sept. 20 through Oct. 11. Screenings will be held in the plaza at Westpost, formerly known as Pentagon Row.

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., but attendees are advised to arrive early to secure a spot and allow time to order food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, from nearby restaurants.

Each screening will be hosted by a different restaurant, and most serve up cuisines that play off the movie, such as the sushi spot hosting the samurai action film “47 Ronin.”

Below is the scheduled movie lineup.

  • Sept. 20 —  “Clueless,” hosted by Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza
  • Sept. 27 — “Encanto,” hosted by Banditos Tacos & Tequila
  • Oct. 4 — “47 Ronin,” hosted by Kusshi Sushi
  • Oct. 11 — “Luck of The Irish,” hosted by Mattie & Eddie’s Irish Pub
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