Events

Arlington Agenda: January 7-13

By Alex Koma

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, Jan. 7

Arlington Democrats/Run for Something Open House for Prospective Political Candidates
Shirlington Public Library (4200 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Arlington Democrats will host their first open house for candidates interested in pursuing the committee’s nominations/endorsements in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 cycles, and beyond. Arlington Democrats will provide an overview of the party nomination and endorsement process, while Run for Something will offer a primer on the nuts and bolts of running a campaign.

Wednesday, Jan. 9

Arlington Committee of 100: Amazon HQ2
Marymount University (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Arlington landed Amazon’s HQ2. Now what? Victor Hoskins of Arlington Economic Development and Stephen Moret of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership join the discussion.

Info Session for Student Trip to Germany with Arlington/Aachen Sister City Exchange
Westover Library (1644 N. McKinley Road)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Students are invited to learn more about the July 2019 program, which includes a two-week homestay in Arlington’s sister city of Aachen plus three days in Berlin, the capital of Germany.

Friday, Jan. 11

Opening Reception at Cody Gallery: Hilda Shapiro Thorpe
Cody Gallery of Marymount University (1000 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Cody Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition of work by Baltimore native Hilda Shapiro Thorpe. Thorpe’s work, often investigating color, scale, physicality and fragility, speaks with great relevance to the contemporary work developed today.

Saturday, Jan. 12

Paint, Build, Create!
Fairlington Community Center (3308 S. Stafford Street)
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

This annual event is free and open to the public and will feature STEM-based projects for all ages and abilities, including bubble painting, mirror boxes, kaleidoscopes, kinetic sand, cup and string telephones, simple levers, slime and lots more.

Great Gift, But How Does this Gadget Work?
Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 2-4 p.m.

Got a gadget as a gift that you can’t figure out? Want to get started using your new eBook reader or Kindle? Drop in to get help with your newly gifted gadget.

Arlington Agenda: December 17-23

By Alex Koma

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, Dec. 17

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

Create a miniature painting inspired by Bob Ross as we follow along to an episode of “The Joy of Painting”. When you’re finished with your masterpiece give it as a gift or hang on a tree to let your creativity shine. All supplies provided.

In-Person Community Listening Session on Amazon
Gunston Middle School (2700 S. Lang Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Arlington leaders will host Amazon-focused town halls to let residents share their concerns about the tech giant, ahead of a planned February vote on the deal to bring the company’s new headquarters to the county.

Wednesday, Dec. 19

CACI Ballston Toastmasters Meeting
CACI International Building (1100 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Do you want to become a confident public speaker and strong leader? If so, Toastmasters is the place for you. You’ll find a supportive learn-by-doing environment that allows you to achieve your goals at your own pace.

Thursday, Dec. 20

Holiday Sing A Long
Market Common Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 6-9 p.m

Sing along to holiday favorites with live accompaniment and warm fire pits. And enjoy free warm libations from Heritage Brewing Company, free Nicecream hot cocoa, and free s’mores and roasted marshmallows from Williams-Sonoma.

Self-Defense Class: Raising Money for the Family of Steven Wilson
CrossFit South Arlington(607 S. Ball Street)
Time: 1:30-4 p.m.

The class will offer instruction on basic physical self-defense techniques for dealing with a variety of situations while using drills and simulated attack scenarios. All proceeds will go to the Steven Wilson Memorial Education Fund, honoring a Maryland realtor killed in a suburban Maryland model home earlier this month.

Friday, Dec. 21

Sound Check Music Bingo
Mister Days Sports Rock Cafe (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

It’s bingo with a twist as Mister Days tests your music knowledge. You have to figure out the song in 30 seconds and then match it to your bingo card. Get five in a row in any direction to win the game.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Holiday Market to Pop Up in Ballston Apartment Building Tomorrow

By Catherine Douglas Moran

Local retailers will set up shop for a holiday market pop-up tomorrow (Saturday) in The View at Liberty Center at 4000 Wilson Blvd.

Gifts from the clothing boutique Mission Edit, Wine Time Crafts, stationary shop Creations by Sasha and other local businesses will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoppers can also munch on holiday cookies with a cup of hot chocolate.

The first 300 people outside The View on the corner of N. Quincy Street and Wilson Blvd will get to take home a wreath from Merrifield Garden Center, which is located in Falls Church.

The View is encouraging visitors to bring new, unwrapped toys to support local Toys for Tots efforts by the U.S. Marine Corps. The apartment building also plans to raffle off holiday pies from D.C.-based bakery Whisked! to benefit Toys for Tots.

Arlington Agenda: December 10-16

By Alex Koma

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, Dec. 11

Electric Scooter Safety
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

With more and more dockless electric scooters popping up on the streets of Arlington, join Lime to learn the basics of safe scooter riding and test drive one of their dockless electric scooters in the library auditorium.

Wednesday, Dec. 12

Arlington Community Chorus Winter Concert
Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road)
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Celebrate the season with the Arlington Community Chorus at its concert, “Wintertide.” Directed by Melodie Henderson and accompanied by Laura Lindsay, the group will perform a wintery mix of songs, including the always crowd-pleasing “Winter Wonderland” and “Sleigh Ride.”

Thursday, Dec. 13

Amazon and Arlington with Real Estate Agent Natalie Vaughan
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Join Natalie Vaughan, associate broker at Compass Real Estate, to explore the “Amazon Effect.” Vaughan will discuss the possible implications of Amazon’s HQ2 (well, half of it anyway) for the region’s housing market: Will prices soar? Will rents skyrocket?

Friday, Dec. 14

Creative Coffee: Destress Doodles
Connection: Crystal City Library (2100 Crystal Drive)
Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Bring your favorite art materials, sketchbook, and a cup of coffee or tea. Play with ‘Zentangles’ and learn how to draw away the frustration of the holidays. This program is designed for adults, but art-loving mature high schoolers are also welcome.

Saturday, Dec. 15

Virginia Bronze Handbells – The First Noel*
Clarendon UMC (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

The Virginia Bronze handbell ensemble will present a holiday concert, The First Noel. Tickets are available online at vabronze.org. Advance tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and children. At the door, tickets are $15 for all ages.

National Chamber Ensemble – Holiday Time Warp*
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

NCE’s holiday concert will bring classical masterpieces and holiday favorites from the Baroque to the present together on one program for all. The concert concludes with a carols sing-along led by beloved tenor and media personality Patrick D. McCoy.

Sunday, Dec. 16

Equality Virginia: Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau
Congregation Etz Hayim (2920 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

Engage in dialogue with a member of the Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau. The speaker will help listeners build a better understanding of transgender life experiences through storytelling and open, candid discussion.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Sheriff’s Office to Host Holiday Events for Imprisoned Parents

By Catherine Douglas Moran

Incarcerated mothers and fathers can celebrate the holidays with their children next week as part of events hosted by the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office.

Incarcerated parents must meet certain requirements for the opportunity to have dinner with their children and make themed crafts.

The recently released holiday movie “The Grinch” served as the inspiration for this year’s theme.

“The events aim to foster positive relationships between parents and children and lessen the effects of separation,” a county press release said.

The events will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arlington County Detention Facility (1435 N. Courthouse Road). The fathers-only event takes place on Monday (Dec. 10), followed by the mothers-only event on Tuesday (Dec. 11).

The Sheriff’s Office plans to host similar events when summer comes along, according to the press release.

Arlington Agenda: December 3-9

By Alex Koma

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, Dec. 4

CrafTEA
Connection: Crystal City Library (2100 Crystal Drive)
Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Bring the art or craft you’re working on from home and the library will supply the tea. No craft? No problem – there will be supplies on hand so you can start something new. Free parking in the 2100 Crystal Drive garage after 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

Clarendon Chanukah Menorah Lighting*
Clarendon Central Park (3140 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Experience the festival of lights. Sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria Arlington, the event includes the lighting of a giant, six-foot menorah, with hot potato latkes, chocolate gelt and dreidels available for all.

Thursday, Dec. 6

Chanukah On Ice!*
Pentagon Row Ice Rink (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Skate with family and friends, enter a free raffle and stay for the lighting of a six-foot menorah. Dinner offerings include hot latkes and kosher hot dogs. Admission is $10, then $13 starting tomorrow (Dec. 4).

Rosslyn Holiday Cheer
Central Place Plaza (1800 N. Lynn Street)
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 5-8 p.m.

A holiday celebration in Rosslyn featuring holiday-themed food, drinks, activities, music and an opportunity to take your picture in front of Rosslyn’s big Christmas tree. During the evening time slot you can buy a ticket to taste Belle Isle Moonshine products for $10.

Friday, Dec. 7

“Winter Wonderland” Opening Reception for Art Exhibit
Gallery Underground (2100 Crystal Drive)
Time: 5-8 p.m.

Come start the winter season at Gallery Underground with a fun, festive “Winter Wonderland,” a seasonally-themed show of new work by gallery members during December. Also featured are works by multiple award-winning painter George Bowels.

Saturday, Dec. 8

St. Agnes Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration*
St. Agnes Catholic Church Parish Hall (1910 N. Randolph Street)
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

All are invited to join for one of the church’s biggest annual celebrations. Meet outside the church, after the 5 p.m. mass, for a candlelit procession to the Parish Hall, where there will be a potluck dinner and an evening of live music from a mariachi band.

Punch Bowl Social Grand Opening Party
Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

The experiential food and beverage concept will celebrate its newest location in Ballston Quarter. The party’s $20 entrance fee — the proceeds of which will be donated to local charity So Others Might Eat — grants guests an evening of free food and drinks, plus live music by local rock band Wanted Man.

Sunday, Dec. 9

An Unexpected Christmas*
Memorial Baptist Church (3455 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 3-4 p.m., 6-7 p.m.

The Music Ministry of Memorial Baptist Church will present An Unexpected Christmas by Donna VanLiere. The Sanctuary Choir, Drama Team, MBC Instrumental Ensemble, Youth and Children’s Choirs will perform this fun and thought provoking musical drama.

Service of Lessons and Carols*
Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (3901 Cathedral Lane)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

Come and join Cathedral clergy, lay readers, combined Cathedral Choirs, in this cherished and prayerful Cathedral tradition. Free and ample parking available. A reception will follow in Burke Hall.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Hanukkah Celebrations Planned Around Arlington Next Week

By Catherine Douglas Moran

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Hanukkah celebrations are right around the corner.

This year, the Jewish holiday begins at sunset on Sunday (Dec. 2) and ends the following Monday, Dec. 10.

Arlington is ready for the festivities to begin, with seven events planned in the area for locals to attend during Hanukkah.

  • Dec. 2: Chanukah at Kol Ami — The Northern Virginia affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Movement is set to sing and play dreidel at its potluck. Attendees are asked bring their menorahs, candles and pre-cooked food.
  • Dec. 2: Light Up Your Shabbanukkah Table — OneTable will be at the Crate & Barrel on Clarendon Blvd to learn how to get your table ready for the Festival of Lights.
  • Dec. 4: Chanukah in Clarendon — Spider Kelly’s will have a menorah lighting and dreidel tournament. The $18 admission includes a drink ticket, latkes and unlimited darts, pool and shuffleboard.
  • Dec. 5: Clarendon Chanukah Menorah Lighting — The free event at Clarendon Central Park will include the lighting of a six-foot menorah and hot potato latkes, chocolate gelt and dreidels.
  • Dec. 6: Chanukah on Ice — Head to the Pentagon Row Ice Rink for the lighting of a six-foot menorah, a free raffle, ice skating and kosher hot dogs. Tickets, which include the skate rental, bought before Monday (Dec. 3) are $10 and $13 after.
  • Dec. 6: Festival of Lasers — Compete in laser tag to celebrate Hanukkah at the Ultrazone Laser Tag in Falls Church. Tickets are $25.
  • Dec. 7: Shabbat-Hanukkah Party — The Congregation Etz Hayim’s monthly potluck will turn into a Hanukkah party after Shabbat services at 6:15 p.m. After kiddush and motzi, the group will serve latkes alongside the potluck, sing songs and play Hanukkah games.

File photo

County Set to Officially Open New Washington Blvd Bike Trail Today

By Catherine Douglas Moran

(Updated at 12:22 a.m.) Arlington County is set to celebrate the opening of a new section of the Washington Blvd Bike Trail today (Nov. 30).

The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. along the new bike trail on the east side of Towers Park (801 S. Scott Street). Capital Bikeshare bikes will be available for attendees to try out the trail after remarks from the speakers.

Construction on the trail began in January. Work zipped along over the last few months to complete it before the end of fall.

The new 10-foot-wide trail runs between Towers Park and 2nd Street S. in Penrose, to provide more seamless access for cyclists and pedestrians to a previously constructed trail between Arlington Blvd and Walter Reed Drive.

https://twitter.com/BikeArlington/status/1064897660421758977

This story has been updated

Arlington Agenda: November 27-December 2

By Alex Koma
Parking zone sign (via Arlington County)

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.

Thursday, Nov. 29

Public Forum on the Residential Permit Parking Program
Aurora Hills Community & Senior Center (735 18th Street S.)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Arlington County is conducting an extensive review of the purpose and function of its Residential Permit Parking (RPP) Program, seeking ways to improve the user experience, efficiency in its administration and fairness. The county is kicking off an in-person phase of engagement on the program.

Friday, Nov. 30

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

Linden Resources in Arlington merged with Melwood, and in the spirit of the holiday, Melwood is proud to continue the Miracle on 23rd Street tradition. Activities include the tree lighting, pictures with Santa, face painting, and a new virtual reality sleigh ride.

World AIDS Day 2018: Zero HIV
Sequoia 1 Building (2100 Washington Blvd, Lower Level)
Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Speakers present an update on the revolutionary advances in the science and treatment of HIV/AIDS, which are allowing persons with the illness to live a lifespan similar to those without the illness.

Ms. Peacock’s Champagne Lounge Anniversary Party
Ms. Peacock’s Champagne Lounge (929 N. Garfield Street)
Time: 5 p.m.-12 a.m.

Celebrate the lounge’s first year in Clarendon. The party include a complimentary glass of sparkling, special bottle discounts all night, food specials and a raffle.

Peter and the Starcatcher
Wakefield High School (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 7 p.m.

The Wakefield Players are proud to present the highly inventive play, written by Rick Elice and based on the 2004 novel by humorist Dave Barry and suspense writer Ridley Pearson. Performances are also set for Dec. 1, Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for adults, and are available at the door.

Saturday, Dec. 1

Washington-Lee HS Holiday Bazaar
Washington-Lee High School (1301 N. Stafford Street)
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Over 70 local artisans will be displaying for sale quality handcrafted and other gift items such as jewelry, ceramics, glassware, pet items, accessories, and more. Live musical performances by The Madrigals and other school musical groups.

Pentagon Row Frost Fest
Pentagon Row (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 5-8 p.m.

The holiday celebration will feature an on-ice firework display with a special Santa Claus appearance, live entertainment, music played by the popular DJ Har-V, food samples, a $500 shopping spree giveaway and more.

Sunday, Dec. 2

Grace Community Church Hunger to Hope Meal Pack
Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road)
Time: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The church’s goal for 2018 is to pack over 200,000 meals in one day. That is enough food to feed 553 children for an entire year. There will be three two-hour shifts you can volunteer for and kids five and older can even help pack on the assembly line.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

‘Santa Bowl’ Flag Football Games to Touch Down in Long Bridge Park

By Catherine Douglas Moran

DC Fray, a social sports organization in DC, will host its fourth annual Santa Bowl Flag Football Tournament Saturday at Long Bridge Park.

Players can head to 475 Long Bridge Drive on Dec. 1 to play in the seven-on-seven co-ed tournament. Registration — $49 per player and $450 per team of at least 12 players — closes on Wednesday (Nov. 28), or when the tournament fills up.

The Santa Bowl will benefit the local non-profit Bridges to Independence, which offers assistance to help people out of homelessness.

Teams are asked to donate at least five grocery bags worth of the items, including:

  • nonperishable food, excluding peanut butter
  • new, full-size toiletries
  • diapers and wipes
  • paper products including toilet paper and paper towels
  • gift cards to Giant, Shoppers, Safeway or Target
  • Metro SmartTrip cards

Prizes will be given to the top placing tournament winners and also to the team that collects the most donations.

Photo via DC Fray/Facebook

‘Winter Festival of Lights’ Comes to Lee Highway Saturday

By Catherine Douglas Moran

The Winter Festival of Lights is set to brighten up various spots along Lee Highway with 10,000 lights on Saturday (Dec. 1).

From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., locals can check out the free festival’s four different venues, which will have holiday music, shopping, performances, art, food and photos with Santa.

The first stop at the Lee Arts Center (5722 Lee Highway) includes a kid-friendly crafting area in the artists’ studios where families can make buttons, watch local artists make ceramic bowls for the AFAC Empty Bowls fundraiser and learn how to make a holiday card with the printing press.

Kids can sing holiday favorites with “Sing Books with Emily” from noon to 2 p.m. Pizza from Joe’s Place Pizza & Pasta and a tasting by LaMoo Creamery will be available.

The second spot along the corridor, next to the Petco at 5400 Lee Highway, features magic and puppies. Attendees can meet Marymount University’s Pattern Makers and Fashion Club, chat with Arlington County library staff and learn from Arlington planners about the upcoming Lee Highway Planning Study while munching on food from Peter Chang and Harris Teeter.

The schedule includes:

  • Christmas trees and wreaths available at the All Seasons Farm Market
  • Performance by magician Steve Kish from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Performance by Jack Russell terriers Mario and Bella, who will show off a variety of tricks during the Jacks are Wild Dog Show
  • A donation box for pet food from the Arlington Animal Welfare League
  • How-to workshop for “cloved oranges” and Mt. Vernon-style natural wreaths with Melanie Welles Creamer from Mt. Vernon’s Greenhouse

Holiday enthusiasts can also head to the Langston-Brown Community Center (2121 N. Culpeper Street) to learn about local history and take photos with Santa and firefighters. Food from the Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe and Joe’s Place Pizza & Pasta will be available.

Other activities there include:

  • Face-painting
  • Compete for prizes in the Amazing Passport Race
  • Book signing by local author Wilma Jones for “My Halls Hill Family, More Than a Neighborhood”
  • Exhibition from the winners of a biennial program that recognizes excellence in architecture, historic preservation, landscape architecture and public art
  • Toy charitable dropbox from the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH)
  • Music from the Celestial Voices, The Arlington Chorale and Clarinestique Clarinet Choir

Finally, the “Shop Like a Local Holiday Market” at the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House (3900 Lee Highway) tops off the festivities.

Photo via Lee Highway Alliance

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