October Cider Fest, Pie-Eating Contest Coming to Rosslyn

Published September 13, 2019 at 9:00AM

Autumn-lovers rejoice: a hard cider fest is coming to Rosslyn next month.

Multiple cider breweries are expected to set up stations in Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway) on Thursday, October 17 so attendees can wander and sip at will. Festival goers will also be able to prove their mettle in a pie-eating contest later that afternoon.

Pie eating champions will compete for “a basket of Rosslyn goodies,” and will have one minute to eat a whole pie, according to the event description on the Rosslyn Business Improvement District’s website.

“We’re sure you’ve done your share of wine and beer tastings, but do you know how to taste cider and distinguish between varieties?” event organizers wrote. “Well, now’s your chance to learn more about this delicious alcoholic beverage that’s favored by many who don’t like beer.”

The festival will start at 4 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. that day. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets online — which cost $15 and cover the cost of sampling eight different brews — before they sell out.

Other Arlington festivals have offered mulled and regular ciders in years past, but this marks the second time Rosslyn squeezed a cider-only festival into the mix.

Image courtesy of Rosslyn BID

Amazon Holding ‘Career Day’ in Crystal City

By ARLnow.com

Published September 9, 2019 at 10:00AM

Arlington is one of six locations where Amazon is holding an “Amazon Career Day” next week.

The tech and retail giant is seeking to fill some 30,000 open positions — including around 75 at Amazon’s growing second headquarters in Arlington.

The company noted on the page for its Arlington jobs event that it already had a sizable presence in the Commonwealth prior to HQ2.

“In Virginia, Amazon has created more than 10,000 full-time jobs and we’re excited to create even more,” the page says. “Arlington is the new home of our second headquarters and we have plans to create 25,000 new jobs here over the next 12 years. We also have over two dozen customer fulfillment facilities, wind farms and retail locations throughout the state, and tens of thousands of authors, small and medium sized businesses, and developers growing their businesses using Amazon products and services.”

Previously, a company spokesperson said Amazon was on track to hire 400 HQ2 employees by the end of the year.

The career fair is scheduled to take place at The Grounds in Crystal City, at 1102 S. Eads Street, from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17. It will include talks from Amazon leaders and information about working at the company.

Any interested member of the public is invited to attend. Amazon says recruiters will be on hand but they will not be conducting interviews or taking applications at the event.

More from a press release, after the jump.

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Arlington Agenda: September 9-15

By Kalina Newman

Published September 9, 2019 at 9:00AM

Frost on an autumn leaf (Flickr pool photo by Michael Coffman)

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, September 9

1st Time Home Buyer Seminar*
Keri Shull Team (1600 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Learn how to avoid common mistakes when buying your first home at this seminar, plus earn a $1,500 credit towards a new home or early lease termination. Event is free.

Thursday, September 12

Grand Opening – Potomac Kempo Martial Arts Studio*
Potomac Kempo (3650 S. Glebe Road)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Meet martial arts instructors and enjoy refreshments at the free grand opening of Potomac Kempo’s fifth location.

William Rosenau – Tonight We Bombed the U.S. Capitol
One More Page Books (2200 N. Westmoreland Street)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Join author William Rosenau as he shares insights from his upcoming book, “Tonight We Bombed The U.S. Capitol: The Explosive Story of M19, America’s First Female Terrorist Group.” The event is free.

Friday, September 13

Fridays at the Fountain
Crystal City Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive)
Time: 5-9 p.m.

The monthly beer-garden pop-up will feature a rotating selection of food and drink, with live music from local bands and musicians.

Saturday, September 14

Music at Resurrection*
Resurrection Lutheran Church (6201 Washington Blvd)
Time: 3-4 p.m.

A free recital by Patrick Merrill Harpsichord, featuring works by Couperin, Bach, and Handel. Reception to follow. Photo via Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church Facebook.

Sunday, September 15

AutumnFest
Glencarlyn Library Garden (300 S. Kensington Street)
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The free fall celebration at the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden includes face painting and refreshments, along with local vendors.

League of Women Voters Meet & Greet
Arlington Central Library – Bluemont Room (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Learn about the League of Women Voters of Arlington and their volunteer opportunities. Free.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Rosslyn Jazz Fest Returns This Saturday, Prompting Road Closures

By Kalina Newman

Published September 6, 2019 at 10:00AM

The annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest returns to Arlington this Saturday.

Celebrating its 29th year, the free festival is anticipating nearly 10,000 attendees. It will feature jazz music, food trucks, and crafting from 1-7 p.m in Rosslyn’s Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway).

The festival will also prompt several street closures. According to Arlington County Police:

10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Eastbound lanes of Lee Highway between Fort Myer Drive and Lynn Street closed
10 a.m.- 8 p.m. — Fort Myer Drive will be closed at westbound Lee Highway
12-8 p.m. — I-66 Exit 73 to Rosslyn closed

“Local traffic within the closure zone wishing to access Route 66 or the Key Bridge by way of Eastbound Lee Highway should exit Lee Highway at either Veitch Street, Rhodes Street, Quinn Street, or Fort Myer Drive and use Wilson Boulevard to reach Lynn Street,” ACPD said in a press release. “Once on Lynn Street, drivers can travel north across the Key Bridge or take the ramp from Lynn Street onto Route 66 East and enter the District of Columbia.”

Street parking will be restricted and there will be temporary “no parking” signs posted. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or ride-hailing apps to get to the festival. Drivers are encouraged to “be alert and prepare for delays” due to road closures and heavy pedestrian traffic.

This year, performers include Grammy-nominated New Orleans brass band Cha Wa, and an eight-piece headlining band The Suffers.

Saturday’s official lineup is:

1 p.m. — JoGo Project
2:20 p.m. — Leyla McCalla
3:45 p.m. — Cha Wa
5:30 p.m. — The Suffers

To preview the event, the Rosslyn Business Improvement District put together a Spotify playlist of the performing artists.

Food trucks in attendance include Swizzler — a hot dog truck — and Ben & Jerry’s. There will also be two beer and wine bars along with a sangria bar.

Additionally, the Arlington Art Truck is expected to set up shop at the festival, presenting a craft series titled Ties That Bind. Multimedia artist Lorenzo Cardim will teach visitors how to sew colorful buttons onto fabrics shaped like Arlington neighborhoods.

Photo via Rosslyn Business Improvement District

MONA Launches Monthly Family Social At Ballston Quarter

By Kalina Newman

Published September 5, 2019 at 9:00AM | Updated September 5, 2019 at 10:35AM

Mothers of North Arlington (MONA) will soon start hosting free, monthly social events for Arlington families in The Plaza at Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Blvd).

The local online moms group announced the new event series earlier this week. This month’s event will take place on Saturday, September 14 and will feature donuts from District Donuts and entertainment by children’s magician The Great Zucchini.

“Bring along your family and friends and enjoy a morning of mixing and mingling, while the kids are entertained,” says an event page.

The socials will take place every second Saturday of each month from 11-12 a.m. During cold or rainy weather, the event will be held inside on the second floor of the mall.

The event will be open to the public and families with young children are especially encouraged to attend, according a news release.

“With our monthly socials, we hope to enable families to get together, build connections and create long lasting friendships, while the kids are entertained,” said MONA president Mrinal Oberoi.

MONA is a non-profit support and social group for mothers in six Arlington ZIP codes (22201, 22203, 22205, 2207, 22209 or 22213), with over 2,200 members, according to the group’s website. Membership costs $30 per year, with a $20 initial registration fee.

Anyone from the area, no matter the zip code, can attend the monthly Ballston Quarter socials for free, the group said.

Arlington to Host Fall Campfire Series Starting This Saturday

By Airey

Published September 3, 2019 at 10:15AM

Arlington’s Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a campfire series for families, staring this week.

The series starts this Saturday, September 7, at Gulf Branch Nature Center (3608 Military Road) from 6-7 p.m. and offers attendees campfire stories, games, and s’mores.

The theme of this Saturday’s fire is “Nice Mice,” followed by an “Insect Chorus” event next Saturday 14 at the Long Branch Nature Center (625 S. Carlin Springs Road) from 7-8 p.m.

“The whole family is invited to join in our campfires, for lots of old fashioned fun,” wrote organizers on the event’s website. “You’ll hear campfire stories, may meet some animal guests, play games, sing songs and, of course, enjoy s’mores! Each campfire has a nature theme and promises to entertain.”

The series alternates on Saturdays between Gulf Branch and Long Branch until November 23, and each event costs $5 per person.

The county has hosted single-event campfires before, celebrating the Solstice in 2016, New Year’s Eve in 2011, and Memorial Day in 2010.

Image via Flickr/Kevin Smith

Ballston Quarter to Host “Thursday Throwback” Movie Nights

By Airey

Published August 28, 2019 at 9:00AM

The newly rennovated Ballston Quarter mall will host showings of classic movies on its outdoor front plaza this fall, starting next week.

Movies will be shown for free on Thursdays, starting at around 8 p.m., in front of the mall at 4238 Wilson Blvd.

The series will start next Thursday, September 5, with the movie Grease, and will continue showing films every Thursday until October 31.

The complete list of scheduled films is below.

Grease — September 5
The Parent Trap — September 12
Home Alone — September 19
The Princess Bride — September 26
Mrs. Doubtfire — October 3
E.T. — October 10
Sound of Music — October 17
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory — October 24
Hocus Pocus — October 31

Event organizers noted in a email to ARLnow that food purchased from the Quarter’s many new restaurants is allowed in the plaza area.

Image via YouTube

Arlington Agenda: August 26-September 1

By Ashley Hopko

Published August 26, 2019 at 10:00AM

The Netherlands Carillon

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, Aug. 26

Bonefish Grill Fifth Anniversary
Bonefish Grill (1101 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

The Bonefish Grill celebrates a five year anniversary in Arlington with an event featuring all-day happy hour, food, giveaways and live music.

Family Sing-Along
Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 18th Street S.)
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Folk musicians Carl Gold and Ed Girovasi will perform live and the library invites families and people of all ages to come by for a singalong. This event is free.

Saturday, Aug. 31

ACBA 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament + Back-2-School Giveaway
Thomas Jefferson Park (3501 2nd Street S.)
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Attendees at this charity basketball tournament can enjoy live musical performances from DMV recording artists and prizes.

Netherlands Carillon Live Concert
Netherlands Carillon (N. Marshall Drive)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Jesse Ratcliffe will perform live on the carillon as part of the 2019 summer concert series, which concludes on Monday, Sept. 2. This event is free and attendees can bring chairs and blankets.

Sunday, Sept. 1

Rock The Loop Season Ending Celebration
Market Common Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Boulevard)
Time: 5-9 p.m.

This end of summer concert will benefit the Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Heritage Brewing Co. and TTT Mexican Diner will be selling food, beer and wine.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Buckingham Festival To Close N. Pershing Drive This Weekend

By Airey

Published August 23, 2019 at 2:45PM

The annual Buckingham Festival returns this weekend, bringing food, dancing, and a road closure to Arlington.

This year marks the 19th year that tenant association BU-GATA has organized the daylong festival, which returns this Sunday, August 25, from 2-8 p.m.

The Arlington County Police Department announced today (Friday) that officers will a section of N. Pershing Drive between N. Glebe Road and N. Thomas Street from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. to block traffic from festival goers.

In the past, the street event has celebrated the heritage of the neighborhood’s Latino residents with food and folk dances — both of which are expected to return this year. In addition, children will be able to play games and enjoy a bounce house.

Falls Church-based Latin band Grupo Quimbao is also scheduled to perform live during the event.

Organizers noted in their bilingual event flyer that parking will available at Barrett Elementary School.

File photo

Event to Mark 400th Anniversary of American Slavery on Sunday

By Vernon Miles

Published August 23, 2019 at 1:45PM | Updated August 23, 2019 at 3:09PM

The National Park Service (NPS) will host a special event near Rosslyn on Sunday (Aug. 25) to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first slaves arriving in the English colonies.

The Park Service is hosting events throughout the region as a day of remembrance for the first slave ship’s arrival at Point Comfort and the centuries of oppression that followed.

The Arlington event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the Netherlands Carillon, near the Iwo Jima memorial.

According to the event page:

Beginning at 2 p.m. park rangers from George Washington Memorial Parkway will offer opportunities for visitors to explore themes of remembrance, healing and reconciliation related to African American history at the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington Ridge Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bells to ring alongside the carillon at 3 p.m. The carillonneur will also play African American hymns and musical selections that reflect the African American experience.

Image via National Park Service

Civil War Camp to Mark Anniversary of Skirmish Near Ballston Tomorrow

By Vernon Miles

Published August 23, 2019 at 9:05AM

Union soldiers stationed at Bon Air Park will offer a tour of their fortifications and military lifestyle tomorrow (Saturday) as they keep a watch on Confederate skirmishers to the south and west.

The Civil War reenactors will be posted at the park along Wilson Blvd and Four Mile Run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to honor the 158th anniversary of the Ball’s Cross Roads Skirmish, part of a series of small battles along the defenses of Washington, D.C. in the wake of the First Battle of Bull Run.

An article from the New York Times cited one Union death and two wounded, and up to 15 Confederate casualties.

“The companies under the command of Capt. Todd and Capt. Dingleday, of the Twenty-third New-York Regiment, conducted themselves heroically, returning the enemy’s fire, which evidently told upon them severely, and repulsed them, and after the rebels had retreated, fell back to the Cross Roads in good order, after which the pickets were again advanced to their original position, and there remained,” the New York Times reported. “Too much credit cannot be given to the officers and men, as each man behaved splendidly.”

The event is free to the public, and will include military drills, a photography exhibit, and various camp displays. One word of warning: the bathrooms at Bon Air Park remain inoperable due to storm damage, which will presumably lend the camp more mid-19th-century authenticity.