Events

Theme Chosen for Columbia Pike’s Summer Movie Series

By Anna Merod

(Updated at 6 p.m.) A free movie series is returning to Columbia Pike this summer, with a showing of a music-oriented film every weekend from June 1 through Sept. 1.

The series, called “The Music of the Movies: Oscar Scores and Classic Musicals,” will screen the films outdoors on Fridays at the Arlington Mill Community Center and Saturdays at Penrose Square.

The film series is sponsored by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) and the Signature Theatre.

“Signature is thrilled to support the 2018 Columbia Pike Movie Nights, which will bring the magic of great classic musicals to the big screen for free to the Arlington community this summer,” said Eric Schaeffer, the Signature Theatre’s artistic director, through a CPRO press release.

Several movies will be classics like Grease, West Side Story, and The Sound of Music, but movies as recently-released as the Pixar-produced Coco will be screened as well.

Here’s the 2018 movie series schedule:

  • June 1 — Grease (Arlington Mill)
  • June 2 — Hairspray (Penrose Square)
  • June 8 — Chicago (Arlington Mill)
  • June 9 — The Color Purple (Penrose Square)
  • June 15 — Into the Woods (Arlington Mill)
  • June 16 — Dreamgirls (Penrose Square)
  • June 22 — Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (Arlington Mill)
  • June 23 — O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Penrose Square)
  • June 29 — Batman (1999) (Arlington Mill)
  • June 30 — Batman (1989) (Penrose Square)
  • July 6 — Mary Poppins (Arlington Mill)
  • July 7 — Dick Tracy (Penrose Square)
  • July 13 — The Sound of Music (Arlington Mill)
  • July 14 — The Sound of Music (Penrose Square)
  • July 20 — Toy Story (Arlington Mill)
  • July 21 — Singin’ in the Rain (Penrose Square)
  • July 27 — Coco (Arlington Mill)
  • July 28 — Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Penrose Square)
  • Aug. 3 — Jailhouse Rock (Arlington Mill)
  • Aug. 4 — The Music Man (Penrose Square)
  • Aug. 10 — Beauty and The Beast (1991) (Arlington Mill)
  • Aug. 11 — Beauty and The Beast (1991) (Penrose Square)
  • Aug. 17 — Young Frankenstein (Arlington Mill)
  • Aug. 18 — Young Frankenstein (Penrose Square)
  • Aug. 24 — West Side Story (Arlington Mill)
  • Aug. 25 — West Side Story (Penrose Square)
  • Aug. 31 — The Wizard of Oz (Arlington Mill)
  • Sept. 1 — The Wizard of Oz (Penrose Square)

Photo via Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization

Underground Bike Races Return to Crystal City With New Name

By Anna Merod

Registration is now open for Crosshairs Garage Races, formerly known as Wednesday Night Spins, in Crystal City.

The underground bike races will begin in March. The course will be set up on the G4 level of the parking garage at 201 12th Street S., Designed as a “dry criterium” course, it will feature plenty of turns and no dismounts.

In addition to the new name for the series, there’s also a new competition to see who can rack up the most points over the first four races.

“Crosshairs Garage Races challenges amateur and elite cyclists alike to compete weekly for prizes and points in pursuit of the ‘Petty Cup.’ Named in honor of Joseph Petty, the former Crystal City BID employee and Crosshairs racing team member who conceptualized the event, the Petty Cup is awarded to the racer in each category with the most points earned over the course of the first four weeks of the series (March 7th to 28th),” the Crystal City Business Improvement District said in a press release.

The event is free for spectators and $15 for most bicyclist race registrations. There will also be a pop-up bar.

Here’s the list of upcoming races:

  • March 7
    • Beginners’ Race Series, 6:30 p.m.
    • Women’s Open Series, 7:25 p.m.
    • Open Race Series, 8:25 p.m.
  • March 14
    • Beginners’ Race Series, 6:30 p.m.
    • Women’s Open Series, 7:25 p.m.
    • Open Race Series, 8:25 p.m.
  • March 21
    • Beginners’ Race Series, 6:30 p.m.
    • Women’s Open Series, 7:25 p.m.
    • Open Race Series, 8:25 p.m.
  • March 28
    • Beginners’ Race Series, 6:30 p.m.
    • Women’s Open Series, 7:25 p.m.
    • Open Race Series, 8:25 p.m.
  • April 4
    • Beginner/Intermediate/Junior Open Race, 6:30 p.m.
    • Feds v. Contractors Race, 7:25 p.m.
    • Cargo Bike/Tandem/Bikeshare Showdown, 8 p.m.
    • Fixed Gear Finale, 8:25 p.m.

Crosshairs Garage Races is hosted by the Crystal City BID in partnership with JBG Smith and In The Crosshairs.

Photo courtesy Crystal City/Bruce Buckley Photography

UPDATE: The Clarendon Alliance Cancels Mardi Gras Ball, Jester Jaunt

By Bridget Reed Morawski
1/6

Update on 2/6/18: The Clarendon Alliance has issued an update to their plans. Citing “a large Mardi Gras ball with major sponsors” in Union Market and a Mardi Gras parade planned for the same time at Washington’s District Wharf development, the Mardi Gras Ball and the Jester Jaunt have been cancelled. The parade will still go on as scheduled.

“They’ve got marketing dollars and fireworks,” said Matt Hussman, The Clarendon Alliance’s executive director. “It’s a different market than it used to be. But I wish the Wharf and Union Market the best of luck [with their own Mardi Gras activities].”

According to Hussman, approximately 60% of previous years’ Mardi Gras Ball tickets were sold either the day before or day of the event. He cited the difficulty in prepaying for beer and food expenses without knowing the exact number of participants as a major consideration in the decision. Another factor was the quantity of ball attendees: Hussman noted that the vast majority of ball ticket holders were Batalá Washington performers or Louisiana State University alumni. Both groups, he said, would be parading at the Wharf instead of in Clarendon.

Currently there are approximately 20 registered parade floats or groups, and registration is still open for additional marchers. 

Earlier: Clarendon’s annual Mardi Gras procession of dressed-up dogs, cyclists, floats, and revelers is quickly approaching, and registration for several events has opened.

The festivities will kick off on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. on Wilson Boulevard at N. Barton Street, following along Wilson Boulevard before ending at by The Liberty Tavern at N. Irving Street.

Parade registration fees range from $50 for a nonprofit or community organization to $250 for a business outside of the Clarendon-Courthouse corridor. Revelers can also preorder a box of 720 beaded necklaces for $75.

Though few want it to rain on their parade, last year’s Mardi Gras procession went on despite the downpour.

The following street closures have been reported for the parade and fun run:

  • Wilson Boulevard, from Veitch Street to Barton Street, will be closed from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Adams Street and Wayne Street, between Clarendon Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard, will be closed from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Wilson Boulevard, from Barton Street to Irving Street, will be closed from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Photos (as marked) courtesy of Jason Dixson Photography

Drafthouse to Show ‘The Princess Bride’ on Valentine’s Day

By Anna Merod

Next week the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse will be hosting an alternative to the traditional Valentine’s Day sit-down dinner: stand-up comedy and a showing of “The Princess Bride”

There will be two showings of both on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Doors will first open at 6 p.m., with the stand-up starting at 7 p.m. and the movie beginning at 7:30 p.m. For the second showing, doors will open at 9:30 p.m., the stand-up will start at 9:45 p.m. and the screening will begin at 10:15 p.m.

Tickets are value-priced, according to the Drafthouse’s website.

“Only $10 — inconceivable!” the website says.

Arlington Agenda: Feb. 5-11

By Bridget Reed Morawski

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, Feb. 6

Winemaker Dinner
Osteria da Nino Cucina Italiana (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-10:30 p.m.

Enjoy a four-course meal paired with four Italian wines from the Piedmont-based Azelia winery. Hosted by winery owner Lorenzo Scavino and Robert W. Kennedy. Wine selection includes Dolcetto d’Alba Bricco del Oriolo 2015 and Barolo DOCG 2013.

Faith on Tap: Conversation on Racial Justice
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub (3207 Washington Boulevard)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

A evening of conversation focusing on issues surrounding the intersections of racial justice and faith. Hosted by local Christian community Arlington Commons. Come mingle with participants at 6 p.m., discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.

 Wednesday, Feb. 7

TSR Home Trivia Night
Keller Williams Realty at Courthouse (2101 Wilson Boulevard)
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Whether you are wondering which neighborhood is right for you or are questioning whether or not you can afford to buy a home, come talk with real estate professionals about the home buying process, and enjoy a complimentary dinner and drinks.

 Friday, Feb. 9

Music With A View
The Waterview Conference Center (1919 N. Lynn Street)
Time: 7:30 – 9 p.m.

The Arlington Philharmonic presents Music With a View, a collage concert where the audience will be surrounded by the ensemble. A cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres available. Linger after the concert for a conversation with the philharmonic’s performers.

Yorktown Theatre: Voices Out Of Chaos
Yorktown High School (5200 Yorktown Boulevard)
Time: 7 – 8:15 p.m.

A original play written by students from the theatre III/IV class, focusing on a young girl’s attempt to understand the daily news. Question and answer session will follow the free performance at the high school’s auditorium.

Steve Rannazzisi Live
Arlington Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Steve Rannazzisi, a big screen and television comedy actor whose credits include FX’s The League and Paul Blart: Mall Cop, brings the laughs over with four performances over two nights at the Arlington Drafthouse. Through Feb. 10.

 Saturday, Feb. 10

National Chamber Ensemble Valentine’s Day Violin Concert
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Boulevard)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The National Chamber Ensemble’s 11th Valentine’s Day Violin Concert brings violinists Leo Sushansky and James Stern and pianist Kathryn Brake for a romantic evening of Mozart and more.

Arlington League of Women Voters: Redistricting Planning
Arlington Mill Community Center (909 S. Dinwiddle Street)
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.

The Arlington League of Women Voters and One Virginia 2021 discuss fair redistricting practices in Virginia and solicit volunteers for grassroots educational work. Free admission, but advance notice of attendance is requested.

 Sunday, Feb. 11

Giant Used Book Fair
Saint Ann Church (5300 10th Street N.)
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hundreds of books for sale, from religious and history titles to travel, DIY, and teen novels. A Valentine’s Day-themed bake sale and free coffee will be on site.

Chocolate & Wine: The Perfect Pair
Twisted Vines Bistro & Bottleshop (2803 Columbia Pike)
Time: 5 – 9 p.m.

An evening of chocolate and wine tasting, with eight different, chocolates curated by Kingsbury Chocolates available to try. Wines and chocolates will be available for purchase, and the bistro will be open after the tasting for a late dinner.

Love The Run You’re With 5K
Pentagon City Mall (1100 S. Hayes Street)
Time: 9  – 11 a.m.

Come for a run or cheer on your loved ones in this Sunday morning 5K. Coordinate your clothing to signal whether you’re a single runner, on a couples team, or somewhere in-between.

Arlington Agenda: January 29-February 4

By Chris Teale

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. 29

First-Time Home Buyer Workshop *
Orange Line Living (1600 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Get a comprehensive explanation of the home purchasing process. Learn the acronyms and definitions you will need, what happens at each stage of your transaction, how to negotiate a lower purchase price, the different loans available and more.

Thursday, Feb. 1

Harry Potter Night
One More Page Books (2200 N. Westmoreland Street)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

An evening exploring the magic of the hit young adult novel series, where children and adults alike can make their own wants, compete in a trivia night, and indulge in some themed snacks. This year’s theme will be fantastic beasts.

Friday, Feb. 2

Creative Coffee | Ink Brushes
Connection: Crystal City (2100 Crystal Drive)
Time: 11 a.m. to noon

A casual weekly meet-up for creatives to work on their art or craft, play with new mediums and socialize. Bring your favorite materials and snacks, as well as any non-messy art supplies to work on any projects to bring along.

Dana Gould LIVE
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Standup comedian, podcaster, and Comedy Central alum Dana Gould comes to the stage on February 2 (7:30 p.m.) and February 3 (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) for three performances of his standup show. Gould has six solo specials already.

Crystal Couture Show & Sale
Crystal City Shops (1750 Crystal Drive)
Time: 5-9 p.m.

The designer discount bargain pop-up sale and fashion show returns for two days, bringing over 30 regional boutiques, designers and retailers together. Entry includes five minute makeovers; a $20 ticket option is available for additional perks.

Saturday, Feb. 3

Toastmasters International Language and Culture Clubs *
Westover Library (1644 N. McKinley Road)
Time: 2:30-4:30 p.m.

District 27 Toastmasters hosts two separate meetings, each focused on organizing Toastmasters foreign language clubs. The 2:30 p.m. meeting will focus on Portuguese, while the 3:30 p.m. meeting will discuss African languages and culture.

Cycle for Second Chances
CycleBar Columbia Pike (3400 Columbia Pike)
Time: 1:30-2:50 p.m.

Join Offender Aid and Restoration, an organization dedicated to supporting previously incarcerated men and women as they rejoin the community, for an indoor cycling ride and fundraising event. Class admission starts at a suggested $25 donation.

Sunday, Feb. 4

WineMaker Dinner *
(This event has been rescheduled)

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Event to Teach How to Make Your Pet Instagram Famous

By Chris Teale

Anyone who wants their pet to get more followers on social media can learn how to do just that at a panel discussion next week.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington will host a panel discussion called “Insta-Pets: How To Make Your Pets Instagram Famous,” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31 at its 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive headquarters.

Speaking will be the owners of some of the most popular animal Instagram accounts in the D.C. area, including Izzy the Chow, Sebastian and Luna, and Navy the Corgi.

“Is your dog the cutest thing since sliced bread, but they still only have 15 followers on Instagram?” organizers wrote. “Does your cat do more tricks than Penn & Teller, but only your mom and dad are seeing the amazing feats? Have you set up the cutest Instagram account ever for your animal, but you can’t get over your follower plateau? AWLA is here to help!”

Tickets are $15 and are available online.

Photo via Facebook

Rosebud Film Festival Set For This Weekend

By Anna Merod

The Rosebud Film Festival, which honors the “innovative, unusual, experimental, and deeply personal” in film, will run Friday (January 26) through Sunday (January 28).

The festival, put on by Arlington Independent Media, will screen 34 films across three different showings — Friday at 7:15 p.m. and Saturday at 8:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for one film screening block cost $15, or viewers can pay $40 for the whole weekend. The screenings will be held at the Miracle Theater in Washington, D.C. (535 8th Street SE).

On Sunday, AIM will host two free panel discussions, entitled “Student Filmmaking: From the Classroom to the Real World!” at 12 p.m. and “What Critics Look For?” at 2 p.m. An awards ceremony at the Clarendon Ballroom will follow that day, with the top five films set to each receive a $1,000 cash prize.

This year was a bit different for the festival as it expanded accepted entries from the world. Before, it only accepted films from people living in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

As a result, festival director Kevin Sampson said the submissions nearly doubled. Some of the themes in this year’s films include politics, identity, gender and sexuality.

One film titled “A Name that I Admire” follows a seventh-generation dairy farmer in Virginia as he decides who to vote for in 2016 election. An animated film also reflects on today’s politics in a project titled “Trump’s Got No Tact.”

Another film “Spectrum” is a documentary focusing on the social, political and spiritual world of 10 transgender people living in Israel.

Sampson said one of the best things about Rosebud is that it’s different from other mainstream festivals and movie viewings.

“Coming out to Rosebud you really get to hear from these artists that are speaking from their hearts,” he said. “I think if people want to be entertained as well as challenged that Rosebud is the perfect fit in terms as a festival to come out to and check out.”

Photo via Rosebud Film Festival

Arlington Agenda: January 22-28

By Chris Teale

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. 22

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 p.m.

A screening of the movie “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. The movie follows a woman who leaves a message on billboards looking for a suspect in her daughter’s murder.

Tuesday, Jan. 23

The Myth of Equality
Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

Clarendon UMC will have its regular Social Justice Book Club with discussion of Ken Wytsma’s book “The Myth of Equality: Uncovering the Roots in Injustice and Privilege,” which shows realities in present society and our role as witnesses of the gospel.

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Extreme Weather Trends
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Jason Samenow of The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang will discuss extreme weather trends in the D.C. area, how to prepare for them and what could be in the future of the region’s weather in this free lecture.

Thursday, Jan. 25

New Year, New You
Latitude Apartments (3601 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Keep your New Year’s resolutions with Latitude Apartments and Xtend Barre Arlington with an evening featuring a complimentary barre and circuit 7 class, juice tasting by South Block Juice Company and free apartment tours.

Friday, Jan. 26

Library Happy Hour and Open House
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

An event featuring fun activities, informational tables, librarians, music by the Three Man Soul Machine and drinks provided by the Ballston BID. Attendees can learn about library programs and resources in an informal setting.

Saturday, Jan. 27

Urban Agriculture: Seeds
Westover Library (1644 N. McKinley Road)
Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon

Learn to integrate space-friendly gardening techniques into your urban environment, whether a backyard, rooftop, balcony, community garden or other site. Attendees will learn to make starter pots and about simple lighting systems.

Sunday, Jan. 28

2018 Campaign Kickoff
Lyon Village Community House (1920 N. Highland Street)
Time: 4-6 p.m.

Independent County Board member John Vihstadt kicks off his 2018 re-election campaign at the Lyon Village Community House. Contributions to the campaign are appreciated, but the event is free and open to the public.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Arlington Agenda: January 16-21

By Chris Teale

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, Jan. 16

Community Forum on Helicopter Noise
Abingdon Elementary School (3035 S. Abingdon Street)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

Rep. Don Beyer will host a community forum to discuss helicopter noise from the nearby Pentagon. The forum is part of a study Beyer had included in last year’s Defense Authorization Act after frequent complaints from neighbors.

Thursday, Jan. 18

Home Selling Seminar *
Heavy Seas Alehouse (1501 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Learn about the process of selling your home, how staging can improve sales price, how to structure a loan, tips to fix commonly flagged issues found during a home inspection before listing your home. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Meet the Chair
GMU Arlington Campus (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Hear new County Board chair Katie Cristol’s 2018 initiatives, then ask questions in a town hall forum. This special event connects Arlington residents and community citizens directly to one of their representatives.

Brian Posehn Live
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings

Comedian, actor and writer Brian Posehn brings his stand-up show to the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. Posehn has starred in film and television shows as well as his own stand-up performances, including 2013’s “The Fartist.”

Friday, Jan. 19

Voices Out of Chaos
Yorktown High School (5200 Yorktown Blvd)
Time: 7-8:15 p.m.

Yorktown High School’s Theatre III & IV class performs “Voices Out of Chaos” again, so audience members can see how the original play created in response to current events has evolved. A Q&A will follow the free performance.

Saturday, Jan. 20

Aligning Your Real Estate New Year’s Resolutions *
Washington Golf & Country Club (3017 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 9-11 a.m.

A workshop for those wondering if their current home aligns with their lifestyle, financial, quality of life and other goals, or if it might be time for a change. It combines elements of life coaching, change facilitation and real estate.

Sunday, Jan. 21

Feast of St. Agnes Celebration *
St. Agnes Catholic Church (1910 N. Randolph Street)
Time: 1-3 p.m.

Join St. Agnes Catholic Church as they celebrate the feast of their patron saint. After the noon Mass, there will be a choir-led procession to the Parish Hall for lunch sponsored by the parish, featuring a music ensemble. All are welcome, RSVP required.

Free Weekly Bingo
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub (3201 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

D.C. Fray hosts a free weekly bingo night at O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in Clarendon with plenty of opportunities to win various prizes. Attendees can expect laid-back games, jokes and the occasional drink special.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Closures, Celebrations Planned for MLK Day

By Fatimah Waseem

Most Arlington County facilities and services are slated to close or operate on altered schedules on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Arlington County government offices, courts, libraries and other facilities will be closed next Monday, Jan. 15, the county said. Though metered parking will not be enforced on those days, recycling and trash pickup is scheduled to go ahead per normal. The call center will also be closed.

ART buses will operate on a Saturday schedule on routes 41, 42, 43, 45, 51, 55, 77 and 87. Park grounds will remain open, although administrative offices, classes and centers will be closed.

Arlington will hold its annual tribute to Dr. King, titled “Martin Luther King, Jr: The Man and the Mission,” on Sunday at Wakefield High School from 5-6:30 p.m. The program features musical and dance performances from Duke Ellington School of Arts, spoken word artist Kim Miller and students from local schools.

On Monday, Volunteer Arlington is organizing a community-wide day of service at the Arlington Career Center (816 S. Walter Reed Drive). Interested participants can register to take part in community service activities from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The inaugural event encourages people from all walks of life to work together to find solutions to pressing problems of the day.

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