Events

‘Cowboy Bebop’ Star Headlines ‘Blerdcon’ in Crystal City Next Month

By Vernon Miles

Blerdcon — a comic convention highlighting black nerd culture — is returning to Crystal City and fans of the ’90s anime Cowboy Bebop may recognize a familiar voice.

The convention is scheduled for the Hyatt Regency (2700 Richmond Highway) from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14.

Guests highlighted at the convention include Estelle, a musician and who has a leading role in the Steven Universe cartoon show, and Beau Billingslea, who voiced Jet Black in the English dub for the seminal anime Cowboy Bebop.

The event celebrates both the creative talents of black nerds, a subculture emerging at the intersection of science-fiction/fantasy fandoms and the black experience in America that has historically struggled with a sense of isolation in both communities.

In addition to a focus on the black nerd cultural experience, the event description highlights the convention’s intersectionality with “LGBTQ, the disabled, POCs and the international community.”

Weekend passes to the convention are $55.

Photo via Blerdcon/Facebook

Arlington Agenda: June 10-16

By Michael O'Connell

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, June 10

2019 Run/Walk for Mental Health 5K – 50 States/50 Days
Benjamin Banneker Park (1680 N. Sycamore Street)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

Be part of our journey to raise awareness and understanding for mental illness in all 50 states in 50 days. Registration and check-in will open 5-6:15 p.m.

Pride Paint Night
Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Celebrate Pride month and learn about LGBTQIA+ contemporary painters while making your own palette knife masterpiece! All supplies provided. For adults. Registration required.

Tuesday, June 11

Washington Summer Sings
Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

Clarendon UMC is once again hosting the Annual Sing-a-long of the Classics with Allan Laino conducting the Brahms Requiem.

Wednesday, June 12

Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference
George Mason University (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 1:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us at a half-day conference for a chance to hear inspiring and motivating speakers, and to network with experts and fellow entrepreneurs.

Thursday, June 13

Summer Concert Series at Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Listen to the Country Current Navy Band playing a mix of popular hits and original music. Refreshments and cocktails will be available for purchase.

Arlington History Through Its Historic Districts
Reinsch Library Auditorium, Marymount University (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Arlington County’s Historic Preservation Program representatives will explore the history of Arlington’s development.

 

Friday, June 14

Father’s Day Surf n’ Turf Weekend! Friday-Sunday*
Copperwood Tavern (4021 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 4-11 p.m.

Celebrate all the special dads this Father’s Day with Surf n’ Turf Dinner all weekend long! Reserve your table now.

 

Virginia Tech Executive MBA Class Visit*
Virginia Tech Research Center (900 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 5:30-9 p.m.

Join Virginia Tech in Arlington on June 14 to get a glimpse into the Virginia Tech Executive MBA student experience. Registration closes 48 hours prior to the event start time.

 

Saturday, June 15

Meetup Walk with a Ranger
United States Marine Corps War Memorial
Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Go on a 3-mile hike with a National Park Service Ranger, get some exercise and see some sites on the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

 

Sunday, June 16

Father’s Day Brunch
fyve Restaurant Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton (1250 S. Hayes Street)
Time: 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Toast to Dad with a glass of sparkling wine and choose from a section of breakfast/brunch specialties and delectable desserts. Call 703-412-2762 for details & reservations.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

New District Brewing Announces Return of Arts Event ‘Valley Fest’

By Vernon Miles

New District Brewing Company has announced that Valley Fest will return on Sept. 29, but in the meantime, there’s honeysuckles to pick and a North-South Arlington grudge match to settle.

The event is planned to be held on the street outside the brewery at 2709 S. Oakland Street. Entrance is free with community arts and music planned for the festival, along with food and dessert trucks. A “beer package” is also available for $22, good for three tickets to sample New District beers.

Valley Fest started in 2017 as a smaller festival but expanded in 2018 as a plan to replace Capitol City Brewing’s Oktoberfest after the brewpub closed.

New District founder Mike Katrivanos told ARLnow that much of the festival will be similar to last year, but with a heavier focus on artists.

“We are getting a lot more artists this year,” Katrivanos said. “Last year, we did this cool thing where we had an artist do a piece featuring tires from the auto shops nearby. She actually made the tires into art pieces like wavy walls set up throughout the festival.”

This year, Katrivanos said he’s hoping to have a metalworking artist display their work at the festival. An artist hasn’t been selected yet — that’s expected to happen happen in July — so if anyone knows any metalworking artists they’re encouraged to reach out to the brewery for some potential work.

In the meantime, Katrivanos said there are some Arlington-focused events and features at the brewery.

“We did a North-South Arlington collaboration beer with The Board Room up in North Arlington,” said Katrivanos. “We called it Crossing Route 50. The North Arlington crowd doesn’t want to cross Route 50, so we tried to build a bridge.”

The beer is a grapefruit IPA, which Katrivanos described as having the aroma of dank citrus and tropical notes from the hops.

The other event coming up is the honeysuckle harvest, where the brewery takes 30-50 volunteers on a road trip to pick honeysuckle from various parts of Virginia. Mostly the group visits farms and parks, where honeysuckle — an invasive species — is seen as a weed.

“We bring it back to the brewery here and brew a honeysuckle hefeweizen with the fresh flowers,” said Katrivanos. “It captures all the aromatics — captures the sweet flavor of the honeysuckle and reminds you of Virginia summer. That beer is one of our beers people know us by. We’re actively campaigning for that now and we’ll be picking honeysuckle.”

For anyone interested in a weekend honeysuckle road trip, Katrivanos said to contact Michael Sutherland at [email protected].

Photo via New District Brewing Company/Facebook

Interfaith Organization Holding Discussion About Amazon

By Airey

A local interfaith organization is holding a meeting this weekend about how to ensure Amazon’s second headquarters benefits the local community.

Virginians for Organized Interfaith Community Engagement is holding the public meeting at Wakefield High School (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street) this Sunday, June 9 from 4:30-6:15 p.m. and is encouraging residents from Arlington and Alexandria to attend.

Arlington County Board Chair Christian Dorsey and Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson are expected to attend the event, per a VOICE press release. Other attendees slated to be there include local clergy of various religions, teachers, students, and business owners.

The topics of discussion include affordable housing and equal opportunities in education.

“Arlington and Alexandria officials have talked about the need to work together to mitigate negative impacts and maximize public benefits,” VOICE spokeswoman Marjorie Green told ARLnow. “This VOICE gathering will mark the first public joint event addressing potential actions in any detail.”

The event is free but attendees are asked to RSVP to voice@voice‐iaf.org.

Reevesland Plans ‘Salad-bration’ for Local Students

By Vernon Miles

Local students, teachers and friends are invited to dine on Arlington-planted and grown lettuce at an event this week.

The Reevesland Learning Garden — part of the park that was split from the now-privately-owned Reevesland farmhouse — is planning a “Fiesta Salad-Bration” on Friday (June 7) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ashlawn Elementary School (5950 8th Road N.). The salad celebration is a twice-yearly program.

“Hundreds of Ashlawn Elementary students and neighbors have planted and grown a huge crop of luscious organic lettuces in the Reevesland Learning Garden and in three neighborhoods that will be served at the Fiesta Salad-Bration for more than 800 students, teachers and Arlington friends,” Joan Horwitt, president of the Reevesland Learning Center, said in an email.

Horwitt noted that the salad will also include a vinaigrette dressing made by Ashlawn neighbor and Reevesland volunteer Ron Battocchi.

Photo via Reevesland Learning Center/Facebook

‘Testy Fest’ Returning to Arlington

By ARLnow.com
1/3

Now in its 15th year, the Montana State Society’s Testicle Festival is returning for another year of all-you-can-eat Rocky Mountain oysters in Virginia Square.

Tickets for the event, which also offers copious amounts of beer and Crown Royal with which to wash down the deep-fried bull nethers, are $25 online or $30 at the door.

As usual, the Montana group behind the event has a euphemistic title for this year’s edition: “The Baller Report.”

Testicle Festival will run from 6-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at American Legion Post 139 (3445 N. Washington Blvd).

Arlington’s Latest Energy Plan Up for Public Review Tonight

By Vernon Miles

Arlington is looking for public input on a plan to use energy more efficiently.

Tonight (June 4) from 7-9 p.m. at the Central Library Auditorium (1015 N Quincy Street), county staff plan to host an open house during which the community can ask questions or offer feedback on an update to the county’s Community Energy Plan (CEP).

Goals for the project include:

  • Increase the energy and operational efficiency of all buildings: By 2050, the plan aims to have total building energy usage in Arlington be 38 percent lower than in 2007. In the report, staff says both code-required reductions for buildings and incentives for voluntary efficiencies — a carrot and stick approach — will be required.
  • Ensure Arlington’s energy resilience: The report notes — and anyone in Ballston two weeks ago can confirm — Arlington’s energy infrastructure is vulnerable to extreme weather and other factors. The report says Arlington will need to use new technologies to rely on more local sources of energy and potentially establish “microgrids” to make critical pieces of infrastructure like Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and the Virginia Hospital Center more independent from blackouts across the county.
  • Increase locally generated energy supply: The plan aims to have Arlington County follow the example of Discovery Elementary, which won accolades for using all its energy generated on-site, and establish more solar energy collectors and other green energy sites across Arlington.
  • Move more people with fewer greenhouse gas emissions: The goal here is fairly self-explanatory, but the general idea is to get more Arlingtonians using buses, bicycles, and other non-car means of transportation, while encouraging those who are required to use cars to shift toward hybrid and energy-efficient vehicles.
  • Integrate energy goals into all county government activities: The report says Arlington should aim at having government facilities reduce CO2 emissions to 71 percent below their 2007 levels by 2040. The approach would involve a mix of smaller efficiencies in energy and water usage and larger shifts in making new government facilities more energy efficient from a design standpoint.
  • Support residents and businesses that reduce energy usage: The final goal of the report involves using county staff and resources to help encourage locals — from individuals to business owners — find ways to rethink energy usage in their own lives.

“We invite the community to drop in and spend as much time as needed to learn about the draft CEP update, CEP implementation details, and provide feedback on the proposed changes to the 2013 CEP,” Rich Dooley, Arlington’s community energy coordinator, said in an email.

Arlington Agenda: June 3-9

By Michael O'Connell

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, June 4

Rethink Energy: Community Energy Plan Open House
Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Our lives are increasingly reliant on ever more energy. Air conditioning and heating, lighting, electric cars, tablets and smartphones, TVs and game consoles, and so much more. Energy is a key enabler of humanity’s progress.

Pilates in the Park
Pentagon Row Plaza (1101 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Join Club Pilates for a free mat class every Tuesday in the plaza at Pentagon Row. #BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) — we’ll provide fabulous and knowledgeable instructors.

Friday, June 7

Charlotte’s Web (The Musical)*
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Lane)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The St. Andrew’s Players are proud to present their 47th annual production. Suggested donations: $20 (adult); $10 (12 and under). There will be no tickets sold in advance.

Saturday, June 8

Rock-n-Recycle Open House
Arlington County’s Solid Waste Bureau (4300 29th Street S.)
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Go behind the scenes with the County’s Solid Waste Bureau. Big trucks and machines, more than 30 hands-on learning stations, and creative fun for kids, music, food trucks, more.

History Lecture on WWI Paris Peace Conference
Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 3-5 p.m.

The Arlington Sister City Association is pleased to invite you to a lecture by Professor Steve Brady, author of “Versailles at 100: Lessons and Legacies.”

Walk for the Animals
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 5-9 p.m.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington invites you to Walk for the Animals and celebrate our 75th anniversary of improving the lives of animals in our community.

Arlington Arts Center Rated Art 2019
Arlington Arts Center (3550 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8-11 p.m.

Join Arlington Arts Center for a festive evening of art-inspired cocktails and delicacies from the area’s finest restaurants, along with exceptional art and creative happenings.

Sunday, June 9

2019 Arlington Triathlon*
Washington-Lee Aquatic Center (1301 N. Stafford Street)
Time: 7:30-10:30 a.m.

Calling all kids for the 6th Arlington Triathlon, a youth-only swim-bike-run event for ages 7-15. It features a pool swim, circuit bike course on closed streets and an off-road run to the finish on the track.

Aikido in the park
Glencarlyn Park (301 S. Harrison Street)
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

Once a month, weather permitting, we hold a aiki-weapons class followed by a cookout. Extra bokken and jos should be available if you do not have your own. Please wear street clothes.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Live Video: Preparations for the Armed Forces Cycling Classic in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Update at 1 p.m. on 6/2/19 — The live feed has ended. 

Above is a live webcam from the rooftop of Don Tito in Clarendon.

Crews are are getting ready for the 22nd Annual Armed Forces Cycling Classic and its Clarendon Cup Pro/Am Races, which will kick off at 8 a.m. Sunday (June 2) and run through the streets of Clarendon.

If you’re unable to make it to watch the excitement in person, you can see a live broadcast on the Monumental Sports Network, airing from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m Sunday.

Additional rides and races will take place in Crystal City on Saturday.

Note: the Armed Forces Cycling Classic is an ARLnow advertiser

Road Closures Planned for Weekend Armed Forces Cycling Races

By Airey
1/2

(Updated at 11:00 a.m.) The Armed Forces Cycling Classic is returning to Arlington this weekend, prompting several road closures.

Teams will compete in a series of races sponsored by the the Boeing Company on Saturday, June 1, to win the “Crystal Cup.” The teams will then return on Sunday, June 2, for a chance to win the “Clarendon Cup.” This series marks the 22nd year for the annual event.

This Saturday, the race will open with an all ages “Challenge Ride” from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 2100 Crystal Drive along a 10 kilometer track. Afterwards, the event will shift gear to line up the day’s professional and amateur races.

ACPD said police will close several streets in Crystal City and Rosslyn from 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, including:

  • Crystal Drive, from S. 15th Street through S. 23rd Street
  • Wilson Boulevard, from N. Kent Street to the Route 110 ramp
  • Route 110, from Rosslyn to Crystal City
  • S. Clark Street, from S. 20th Street to S. 23rd Street
  • S. 20th Street, from Crystal Drive to S. Clark Street
  • S. 18th Street, from Crystal Drive to S. Bell Street
  • S. 23rd Street from Crystal Drive to S. Clark Street
  • Crystal Drive (West side), from S. 23rd St to the Central Center Parking Garage
  • S. 12th Street and Long Bridge Drive

Competitors will roll into the Clarendon Cup Cycling Classic on Sunday. Professional teams will race 100-laps around a 1 kilometer area. Police said they plan to close the following roads from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate the event:

  • Wilson Blvd, from N. Fillmore Street to Washington Blvd
  • Clarendon Blvd, from Washington Blvd to N. Fillmore Street
  • Washington Blvd, from Wilson Blvd to N. Highland Street
  • North Highland Street, from Wilson Blvd to Washington Blvd
  • North Garfield Street / N. Fillmore Street, from Wilson Blvd to Washington Blvd

Organizers recommend attendees park at the Crystal City underground at 1600 Crystal Drive but warn them to remove bicycle roof racks from vehicles before driving down into the parking garage.

The county said in a press release that parking near both races is limited, and is encouraging attendees to use Metro or ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. Metro-goers can access the Armed Forces Cycling Classic from the Crystal City Metro station, and the Clarendon Cup race via the Clarendon Metro station. Both stations are open during Metro’s summer shutdown south of Reagan National Airport.

For both events, police are warning drivers to keep on the lookout for additional road closures and “no parking” signs in around the events.

Flickr pool photos by Michael Coffman

Firefly Festival to Light Up the Night at Fort C.F. Smith Park Next Month

By Michael O'Connell

Families looking to enjoy the spectacle of bioluminescent beetles can check out the Firefly Festival next month at Fort C.F. Smith Park (2411 24th Street N.) in Arlington.

The annual event is being held Sunday, June 30 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and will include games, bug hunts, crafts, nature walks and talks about fireflies.

Families with children ages 3 and up are encouraged to bring a blanket and dinner, as they wait for the fireflies to make their appearance at sunset. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is required and a $7 fee will be collected upon registration, according to the county’s website. Interested residents can contact Long Branch Nature Center or call 703-228-6535 for more information.

Photo by Bruce Marlin, via Wikimedia Commons

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