Events | ARLnow.com

Arlington Agenda: September 25-October 1

Published September 25, 2017 at 5:30PM

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

Hidden History of Arlington
One More Page Books (2201 N. Westmoreland Street #101)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Local author, historian and writer Charlie Clark discusses his book, “Hidden History of Arlington County.” Clark uncovered some vivid history of the community, explores those who once lived in Arlington and looked back at other notable moments.

Wednesday

Conversations with Tyler: Mary Roach *
George Mason University Founder’s Hall (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Best-selling science author Mary Roach joints Tyler Cowen for the Mercatus Center’s “Conversations with Tyler” series. Roach has published eight books, and explores taboo topics such as sex, life in space and dead bodies.

Thursday

Hurricane Irma Relief Happy Hour
Don Tito (3165 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 5 p.m. to midnight

A percentage of all drink purchases and all raffle proceeds will be donated directly to Don Tito’s partners at SBP and matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000. Activities include special priced mix drinks and a raffle of gift cards and other items.

Friday

Rosslyn Cinema & Pub in the Park
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway)
Time: 6-11 p.m.

Beer, wine and seasonal sangria will be served along with food trucks on site every Friday evening. All movies will begin at dusk and be subtitled. The Popped Republic! food truck will sell popcorn, while nearby restaurants will offer dinner deals.

Fancy Pants Fall Sale *
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (4250 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

A selection of second-hand and boutique children’s clothing is available at this sale, from sizes NB – 12. All items are $25 or less, and include brands such as Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Mini Boden, Little English and more.

Saturday

Boundary Stones Bike Tour
East Falls Church Metro station (2014 N. Sycamore Street)
Time: 9:15 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

A 35-mile bike tour of historic places. The tour includes traveling along streets in Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax County and Alexandria, with many stops including historic places and 11 boundary stones that once marked the D.C. border.

Cosplay: Represent!
Westover Library (1644 N. McKinley Road, Suite 3)
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

Panelists will share their diverse perspectives of cosplaying as a “minority nerd.” Kimono Jones, Jacqueline Boxx, Cherie Sweetbottom and Cherokee Rose will take part in the discussion as part of the library’s Cosplay Month.

Sunday

Winemaker Series *
Osteria da Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-10:30 p.m.

A wine pairing with dinner featuring five wines and five courses from the Sicily region of Italy with owner Salvino Benanti. Admission costs $85 per person, and bottles of the wines featured will be available for purchase after the dinner.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

County to Host Town Hall Discussion on Drug Awareness Next Month

By Chris Teale

Published September 25, 2017 at 11:00AM

“Arlington has a drug problem.”

That’s the message from a flyer for a community town hall event next month focused on “how drugs and the opioid epidemic are affecting our community.” Arlington County may be in many ways a unique community, but it is not immune to the scourge of drugs.

Attendees at the town hall, set for Thursday, October 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street), will hear from those “serving on the front lines,” including local law enforcement, community leaders and health care providers.

It will include a panel discussion moderated by NBC 4 anchor Jim Handley, a question and answer session with the audience and a keynote address by Virginia Beach School Board member Carolyn Weems, whose daughter died from a prescription drug overdose in 2013.

County government, Arlington Public Schools, the Arlington County Police Department and the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney are collaborating to host the town hall.

It comes after ACPD started conducting K-9 drug searches after hours in APS high schools and later said there had been 18 drug arrests on APS grounds during the first five months of the year.

Prio Bangla Multicultural Street Festival Set for Saturday

By Chris Teale

Published September 21, 2017 at 4:30PM

An annual multicultural street festival this Saturday (September 23) will bring together members of various immigrant populations that live throughout Arlington County.

Local nonprofit Prio Bangla will host its sixth annual free street festival from 1-7:30 p.m. at 880 S. Walter Reed Drive, near Columbia Pike. Its motto this year, according to organizers, is “Let’s Celebrate the Cultural Diversity.” They expect between 5,000 and 8,000 attendees.

The event includes vendors of traditional foods, handcrafts, arts, jewelry and art as well as local businesses. Other highlights will be a parade and live music and dancing at the county’s mobile stage.

“During this event, our goal is not only to promote any specific culture and heritage, but also to participate in a cultural exchange by giving opportunity to other communities living and growing here with our rich cultural beauty and performances,” organizers wrote.

The nonprofit received a Space & Service Grant from the county in July for FY 2018, which provides it with performance and rehearsal space as well as technical services.

Arlington County Police will close 9th Street S. from S. Walter Reed Drive to S. Highland Street from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to accommodate the event. Street parking will be restricted, and drivers should look out for temporary “No Parking” signs.

Photo via Prio Bangla.

Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest Returns to Shirlington Next Weekend

By Chris Teale

Published September 21, 2017 at 11:00AM

Shirlington Oktoberfest serving beer (courtesy photo)

Capitol City Brewing Company in Shirlington is preparing to host its 18th annual Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 30.

The Teutonic, beer-filled festivities last from noon to 7 p.m. at The Village at Shirlington and close Campbell Avenue to traffic for most of the day.

For those imbibing, the cost of admission is $30, which includes a wristband, tasting glass and 10 drink tickets. Additional drink tickets are available for $2 each, with a five-ticket minimum. Admission is free for children and non-drinkers.

More than 65 breweries from around the region and 30 local restaurants will offer German food, more than 100 beers on tap, traditional music and Alpine dancing, according to organizers. And Capitol City will host its “Best Fest” competition, where a panel of judges will crown the best Oktoberfest-style beer.

Arlington Drafthouse Packs More Stars Onto Schedule

By ARLnow.com

Published September 19, 2017 at 10:15AM

It’s going to be a star-studded fall and winter on Columbia Pike as the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse is continuing to add boldfaced names to its standup comedy schedule.

As previously reported, Aasif Mandvi from the Daily Show will perform this coming Friday and Saturday, trying out new material and showing the audience “how the sausage is made.” He joins a fall lineup that includes Rhys Darby, Pauly Shore and Steve-O.

The recently-announced additions to the schedule include:

Shawn Wayans of Scary Movie and In Living Color (Nov. 10-11)
Joel McHale of The Soup and Community (Nov. 17-18)
Darrell Hammond from Saturday Night Live (Jan. 5-6)
Brian Posehn of The Five Year Engagement and Netflix specials (Jan. 18-20)
Jay Mohr of Saturday Night Live (Jan. 25-27)
Steve Rannazzisi of The League (Feb. 9-10)
Michael Ian Black of Wet Hot American Summer (March 2-3)

Arlington Agenda: September 19-24

By Chris Teale

Published September 18, 2017 at 4:30PM

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

Scholar’s Cup
Upton Hills Regional Park (6060 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 3:30-7 p.m.

An annual mini-golf tournament hosted by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce offering a family-friendly way to network among fellow members. All proceeds from the afternoon will benefit the Arlington Young Entrepreneurs Academy.

Wednesday

Local History Talks: The Little Tea House
Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 18th Street S.)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Mark Benbow of the Arlington Historical Society will discuss the history of The Little Tea House on S. Arlington Ridge Road. It was a favorite spot for people visiting D.C. from the 1920s to 1950s, and was somewhere racially mixed groups could gather.

Thursday

Celebrating Lafayette Federal Membership in Crystal City *
Lafayette Federal Credit Union (220 20th Street S.)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Crystal City Membership Appreciation Party hosted by Lafayette Federal Credit Union. Members will receive a limited-time certificate offer for higher interest rates for up to three years on any new account opened. New members can also join.

Friday

Rosslyn Cinema & Pub in the Park
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway)
Time: 6-11 p.m.

Beer, wine and seasonal sangria will be served along with food trucks on site every Friday evening. All movies will begin at dusk and be subtitled. The Popped Republic! food truck will sell popcorn, while nearby restaurants will offer dinner deals.

Saturday

Clarendon Day 2017 *
Clarendon Metro station (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

One of Arlington’s biggest street festivals, with several music stages, a play area for children, arts and crafts vendors, local business and nonprofit exhibitors, food from local restaurants, craft beer, Virginia wines and more.

Prio Bangla Multicultural Street Festival
880 S. Walter Reed Drive
Time: 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

The sixth annual street festival for Arlington’s various ethnic groups. The event includes vendors of traditional foods, handcrafts, arts, jewelry and art as well as local businesses. Other highlights include a parade and live entertainment.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Local NOW Chapter to Host Charity Spin Class for Doorways

By Chris Teale

Published September 15, 2017 at 3:45PM | Updated September 15, 2017 at 6:11PM

(Updated at 6:10 p.m.) The Arlington Chapter of the National Organization for Women will host a charity indoor bike ride later this month to raise money for local nonprofit Doorways for Women and Families.

The 50-minute ride takes place from 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 23 at Cyclebar, an indoor cycling center at 3400 Columbia Pike. Online reservations are required.

For a $25 donation, participants receive a 50-minute spin class accompanied by a “Girl Power” playlist, as well as cycling shoes, a towel and a water bottle. The local NOW chapter is also asking for song suggestions for its ride playlist.

The event will raise money for Doorways, which works to transform the lives of those who are homeless or face abuse in the community.

Since its founding in 1966, NOW looks to take action to “promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life.” NOW’s national organization describes itself as a nonprofit that is the “grassroots arm of the women’s movement.”

New Harvest Festival Highlights Rosslyn Fall Calendar

By Chris Teale

Published September 15, 2017 at 1:45PM

Central Place Plaza (1800 N. Lynn Street) in Rosslyn will host a harvest festival next month during Halloween weekend, the neighborhood’s first.

On Friday, October 27 from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 20 vendors will sell various crafts and gifts, while there will be live entertainment and activities including a pie eating contest, cornhole, a pumpkin toss, costumes contests for children and pets.

The event is part of a series of autumnal happenings in Rosslyn.

The neighborhood’s Business Improvement District is hosting Cinema & Pub in the Park at Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway) tonight — extending its summer film festival into September.

From 6-11 p.m. for the next three Fridays, beer, wine and sangria will be on offer, with food available from on-site food trucks. September 22 will be a family night, with activities beginning at 5 p.m.

The movie schedule is as follows:

September 15: “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy”
September 22: “Lego Batman”
September 29: “Golden Eye”

On Tuesdays beginning September 19, Gateway Park will host Yoga in the Park, a yoga class for all experience levels from 6-7:30 p.m. The entire session of five classes costs $20 per person, and attendees should bring a yoga mat.

And on Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. starting September 21, Gateway Park will host Bonfire Concerts around its bonfire pit. Seasonal beers, ciders and wines will be available for purchase, with a different fashion truck on site each week as well as donuts from Mama’s Donut Bites and s’mores from Capital Candy Jar.

The following acts will perform:

September 21: Trailer Grass Orchestra
September 28 Scott Kurt & Memphis 59
October 5: Moose Jaw
October 12: Justin Trawick and The Common Good

Photos via Rosslyn BID.

Clarendon Day Returns Next Saturday

By Chris Teale

Published September 15, 2017 at 10:45AM

Clarendon Day, one of Arlington’s biggest street festivals, is set to return next weekend.

The day-long event is scheduled for Saturday, September 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., centered around the Clarendon Metro station at Clarendon Blvd and N. Highland Street. Organizers said they expect 30,000 visitors if the weather is good.

It will feature several live music stages, a play area for children, arts and crafts vendors and exhibitors from local businesses and nonprofits. Local restaurants will also provide food, with local craft beers and wines also available.

“Clarendon Day is one of Arlington’s best loved and most diverse street festival, with several music stages, a large Kid’s Area, Arts and Crafts vendors, Business and Nonprofit Exhibitors from Clarendon and the region, plenty of great food from local and regional restaurants, Craft beers and Virginia wines, and more,” the event’s website reads.

The traditional International Chili Society Chili Cookoff will also return, with winners qualifying to advance to the World Championship Chili Cookoff next month. Entrants must be ICS members, and can compete in four categories: Red, Chili Verde, Salsa and Homestyle.

Organizers have made some changes for this year’s festival, which is now more than 30 years old. This year, the traditional Clarendon Day 5K and 10K race will be held the following day, Sunday, September 24, starting at 8 a.m.

The course takes runners east along Wilson Blvd and south past Arlington National Cemetery, before runners turn back and finish in Rosslyn.

“This change creates an opportunity for the CA to examine the event layout and logistics,” Clarendon Day organizers wrote.

Clarendon Day itself will benefit local nonprofits Portico Church Arlington and Arlington Independent Media, which are providing volunteer assistance for the event.

Those in the area can expect significant street closures all day Saturday. Organizers recommended biking, walking or taking Metro to the festival.

Bishop of Arlington to Celebrate ‘Blue Mass’ on Saturday

By Chris Teale

Published September 14, 2017 at 5:30PM | Updated January 16, 2018 at 2:56PM

Bishop Michael Burbidge, leader of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, will celebrate mass in honor of all first responders on Saturday afternoon.

The service, set for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 16 at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (3901 N. Cathedral Lane), is known as the Blue Mass, a tradition that began in 1934 in D.C.

All police departments and fire and rescue departments in the Diocese of Arlington — comprised of 69 parishes in Northern Virginia — are expected to attend to remember colleagues fallen in the line of duty and pray for those on duty.

“Our first responders offer daily and dedicated service to protect us and our community,” Burbidge said in a statement. “We are most grateful for the selfless sacrifices they make and pray that God will bless and watch over them always.”

Deputy Chief Daniel Murray of the Arlington County Police Department said he will attend, alongside other directors, chiefs, officers and family members.

“We are very appreciative of the diocese recognizing the important functions the first responder community performs,” Murray said in a statement.

Photo courtesy Arlington Catholic Herald

Rosslyn ‘Parklet’ to be One of Six Arlington PARK(ing) Day Sites

By Chris Teale

Published September 14, 2017 at 4:45PM

An on-street parking space in Rosslyn will become one of six pop-up parks in Arlington County tomorrow (Friday) as part of the worldwide PARK(ing) Day event.

The space at the intersection of Wilson Blvd and N. Oak Street will be transformed into a “parklet,” a sidewalk extension installed in parking spaces that acts as a mini-park. A spokeswoman for the Rosslyn Business Improvement District said the site will be the location of the county’s first permanent “parklet” in spring next year.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can stop by and have free bagels and coffee from Allspice Cafe, enjoy the outdoor seating and play games like corn hole and foosball in the afternoon. The Rosslyn BID is also offering free giveaways and discount cards for nearby restaurants.

Other “parklets” in Arlington will be found in the parking lot at 15th Street N. (Courthouse) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at 500 12th Street S. (Pentagon City), 2400 Wilson Blvd (Courthouse), 2900 Clarendon Blvd (Clarendon) and 1000 N. Taylor Street (Ballston) from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

More will spring up across the region, with 28 sites set for D.C. and at least seven for Alexandria. PARK(ing) Day began in San Francisco in 2005 when Rebar, an art and design studio in the city, turned a metered parking space into a temporary public park.

Photo No. 1 via Google Maps, photo No. 2 via Arlington County.