Events

Arlington Agenda: September 12-17

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

Rooftop Core Class and Peloton Bike Demo
Ten at Clarendon (3110 10th Street N.)
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

A free 30-minute core workout class on the Ten at Clarendon’s rooftop lounge, followed by the chance to try out a state-of-the-art Peloton bike, which allow you to take cycling classes at home. Building representatives will also be on hand with leasing deals.

Cosplay: Meet the 501st Legion
Westover Library (1644 N. McKinley Road)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Meet the 501st Legion as part of Arlington libraries’ “Cosplay Month.” The legion spreads the magic of Star Wars worldwide with its authentic costumes and fan-based charity events. Attendance is on a first-come, first served basis.

Wednesday

Starting a Business 1.0
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

A workshop on everything required to start a new business, from licensing requirements to marketing to financing options, and including how to get a business license, acquire a certificate of occupancy and complete state registration.

How Will Immigration Changes Affect Arlington? *
Marymount University Phelan Hall (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

The Arlington Committee of 100 will explore changes to immigration policy in a two-part series in September and November. A meet and greet begins at 7 p.m., ahead of the optional dinner at 7:25 p.m. The discussion begins at 8 p.m.

Thursday

Another Side of School Desegregation
Marymount University Reinsch Library (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

A panel of Arlingtonians will discuss their perspectives on Arlington’s efforts to desegregate since the 1950s. Panel participants will include students, parents, and school administrators from the county’s African-American community.

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

BBQ, Boots and Bingo Fall Fundraiser *
Columbus Club of Arlington (5115 Little Falls Road)
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

A family-friendly picnic fundraiser with moon bounces, music, lawn games, selfie-station, spin art, face painting, bingo and more. Tickets cost $10 for children, $20 for adults and $50 for a family pass. All proceeds go to Arlington Thrive.

Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day *
Ireland’s Four Courts (2051 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Celebrate the first annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Guinness and oyster festival at Ireland’s Four Courts. Raw oysters, oysters stew, fried oysters & Po boy will be served, with Irish music, bagpipers and dancers providing all-day entertainment.

Sunday

Bluemont 5K and 10K
Bluemont Park (329 N. Manchester Street)
Time: 8:45-11 a.m.

A 5k and 10k race benefitting the EOD Warrior Foundation, starting from Bluemont Park. The event will take place on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, with runners and walkers encouraged. A virtual run option is also available.

Pups & Pilsners
The Green (12th Street S. and Crystal Drive)
Time: 2-6 p.m.

Crystal City’s dog-friendly beer festival featuring a beer garden with craft brew and offerings from local breweries. On-site food trucks and nearby restaurants will provide food. Admission is free, but tasting tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

County to Host Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Monday

By Chris Teale

Arlington County will remember the 184 victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at a memorial ceremony on Monday morning.

The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. on September 11 at Courthouse Plaza (2100 Clarendon Blvd), at the outdoor flagpoles above the Metro station.

A moment of silence will be observed at 9:37 a.m., marking the time that American Airlines Flight 77 flew into the Pentagon, where 184 people died. The silence will be followed by a playing of “Taps” and a lowering of the flag to half-staff.

The event will also feature a wreath-laying and the presentation of colors.

Capt. David Santini of the Arlington County Fire Department will give welcoming remarks, while local officials including County Manager Mark Schwartz, Fire Chief James Bonzano, Police Chief Jay Farr and Sheriff Beth Arthur will all attend. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is also set to be present at the commemorations.

Courtesy photo.

Unitarian Universalist Church to Host Two Anti-Racism Workshops

By Chris Teale

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington will host two workshops this weekend to help participants combat racism in their communities.

The first workshop at the church at 4444 Arlington Blvd in Barcroft is tomorrow (Saturday) from 1-5 p.m. Multicultural consultant Paula Cole Jones hosts a free session entitled, “How do we engage in racial justice as UUs?”

Then on Sunday, the church hosts a training in partnership with Rosslyn-based nonprofit Service Never Sleeps on the organization’s signature program, Allyship.

“Allyship is about moving people to a new paradigm of thinking about privilege and marginalized communities,” the event registration page reads. “Allyship promotes the idea that we can be bridge-builders who work together, and support each other toward the common purpose of ensuring equality, equity, and inclusion for everyone.”

The workshop lasts from 1-6 p.m. at the church, and says it will “teach you about the causes of social injustice, how to be an effective ally for marginalized communities, and how to actively influence and educate others.” It is one of four Allyship trainings to be hosted at UUCA this fall, and registration online is required.

Other Allyship trainings at the church are set for October 11, October 18, November 2 and November 5.

March Against White Supremacy Will Rally in Rosslyn This Afternoon

By Chris Teale

A march from Charlottesville to D.C. against the “toxic ideology of white supremacy in our nation” is set to reach Arlington County this afternoon (Wednesday) before heading onto its final leg.

The March to Confront White Supremacy was organized by local religious leaders and social justice advocates. It began in Charlottesville on August 28 , following the death of Heather Heyer while protesting a white supremacist rally in the city.

Marchers are set to arrive at Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway) in Rosslyn at 3 p.m. today, then leave for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial for a 4 p.m. rally.

Arlington police said there are no planned road closures to accommodate the march, though ACPD and Virginia State Police will monitor it. Organizers said the march has attracted nearly 1,000 people for its final stages from Fairfax into D.C.

Since beginning in Charlottesville, organizers said they have overcome “inclement weather and threats to stop the march from state police,” on a route that took them 118 miles through “the largely white and rural Virginia countryside.” Today, the march is encountering rainy weather as it arrives at its destination.

In addition to countering the message of the white supremacists who rallied in Charlottesville, march organizers say they are calling “for the removal of President Trump and all other elected officials who embolden and support white supremacists and the end of white supremacist public policies.”

Arlington Public Libraries Celebrate First Ever Cosplay Month

By Chris Teale

Arlington County’s public libraries are celebrating “Cosplay Month” for the first time with a series of events at the Westover Branch Library, starting tonight (Monday).

Cosplay is a hobby where participants dress up to represent characters from books, comics, television shows or movies, and now Arlingtonians can learn more with four free events.

“It’s about empowering our patrons through a hybrid of art, fashion, role play, books and sub (geek) culture,” a library spokesman said. “We provide our patrons with the opportunity to transform themselves into their favorite characters from their favorite shows.”

Tonight, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Westover Branch Library (1644 N. McKinley Road), photographer Ashley Loth and cosplay model Jillian Ryan will teach cosplayers how to pose their models, set a storyline and bring their cosplay to life in photographs. The event is aimed at adults and mature high schoolers.

On Tuesday, September 12 at the Westover Branch Library, Star Wars fans can meet the 501st Legion from 7-8:30 p.m. The legion has “spread the magic of the Star Wars genre worldwide” by wearing authentic costumes and hosting charity events, according to an event listing.

September’s Casual Monthly Drawing Meet-Up on Tuesday, September 19 will be themed around cosplay from 6:30-8:30 p.m., while on Saturday, September 30, the Westover Branch Library will host a panel discussion on what it’s like to cosplay when you are a “minority nerd.” The discussion lasts from 1-2:30 p.m., with panelists expected to share their diverse perspectives.

The month of events comes hot on the heels of International Cosplay Day, which took place on the weekend of August 26 and 27 and saw themed events held across the world.

Photo via Twitter

Arlington Agenda: September 5-10

By Chris Teale
Runners lined up for the 9/11 Memorial 5K Run on Saturday (courtesy photo)

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

Candidate Forums
Virginia Hospital Center (1701 N. George Mason Drive)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

The Arlington County Civic Federation hosts the official kick-off of the fall campaign season, with debates between the candidates for Arlington County Board, School Board and the 49th District of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Tuesday

Wine Tasting *
Osteria Da Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

A complimentary wine tasting hosted by Robert W. Kennedy, wine director of R.W.K Imports. Five wines will be paired with food selections for $5 each, while oysters will be available at the restaurant both fried and raw for $1 each.

Wind Down Wednesday
Market Common Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy shopping specials, free wine tasting and live music during Wind Down Wednesdays in Clarendon. Check in at the gazebo to receive your silver pass for discounts. Attendees must be 21 or older to receive a silver pass.

Thursday

Jon Lovitz Live
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:45 p.m.

Versatile comedic actor Jon Lovitz performs his stand-up show at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, having previously starred on television and in movies. Lovitz also performs Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 and 10 p.m.

Saturday

Art With a Heart Fundraiser *
Market Common Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 1-6 p.m.

Raise money for children in foster care in the county. Watch children bring art to life and hone their painting techniques, purchase a unique piece of art or bid on an item from a silent auction, or have your face painted or a caricature drawn.

Sahaja Yoga *
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 2:30-4 p.m.

Learn how to meditate and about its benefits at this free workshop with experts who will guide you through. Find out more about this ancient solution to modern problems, how to manage and reduce stress and take care of your wellness.

Truck & Toss *
Grace Christian Academy (3233 Annandale Road)
Time: 5-9 p.m.

Northern Virginia’s premier food truck, cornhole and craft beer tasting festival. Enjoy unlimited tastings and sample dishes, and join the Cornhole for a Cause tournament. The Old Dominion Corvette Club will also be on hand to show their classic cars.

9/11 Memorial 5K Race *
DoubleTree by Hilton (300 Army Navy Drive)
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

The annual 9/11 memorial race, organized by the Arlington Police, Fire and Sheriff Departments. The race begins and ends at the DoubleTree, with runners following a route along Army Navy Drive, S. Joyce Street, Washington Blvd and around the Pentagon.

Sunday

Sip & Salsa
220 Twentieth Street (220 20th Street S.)
Time: 2-6 p.m.

Crystal City’s signature food and wine tasting event. The festival brings wines from Spain, Portugal and Argentina and pairs them with food from neighborhood restaurants. Columbia Pike’s Salsa Room will provide salsa dancing.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Crystal City to Hold Meeting on Pedestrian Link to Reagan National Airport

By Chris Teale

(Updated at 12:30 p.m.) A series of public meetings will be held next week to discuss a possible new pedestrian connection between Crystal City and Reagan National Airport.

The meetings are scheduled to take place Tuesday, September 5 on the 11th floor of 2011 Crystal Drive, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. Both meetings will have the same agenda, with staff from the Crystal City Business Improvement District looking to gather public feedback on the proposed pedestrian link.

RSVPs for either meeting are requested but not required.

“Imagine walking from Crystal City’s main street to the airport in just under 5 minutes,” the meetings’ event page says. “The CC2DCA Pedestrian Connection Feasibility Study that is investigating this possibility.”

Earlier this year, the BID issued a Request for Proposals asking for consultants to study a possible connection. The deadline for sending those proposals, which included the studying of optimal alignments, real estate, regulations, costs and necessary approvals, has since passed.

BID officials say a new pedestrian crossing would help leverage various transportation improvements in Crystal City, including the revamped VRE station and a proposed new Metro station entrance on Crystal Drive. Reagan National is also set for a $1 billion refresh, with construction there expected to conclude in 2021.

Anyone unable to attend in person can watch the presentation on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/crystalcityva or send comments and feedback by email to [email protected].

Map via Google Maps

Speed Pitch Event For Local Inventors Coming to Arlington Next Month

By Chris Teale

A company that markets “As Seen on TV” products will come to Arlington next month to hear local inventors’ ideas on the next big thing.

Top Dog Direct will hold a “Speed Pitch” event at TechShop (2100-B Crystal Drive) in Crystal City on Monday, September 18 starting at 9:30 a.m.

The company is known for products like the Sobakawa Cloud Pillow, Stream Clean stain remover, Tag Away skin tag remover, the Futzuki pain relieving reflexology mat.

The event will be held in conjunction with the Inventors Network of the Capital Area, a nonprofit that helps inventors of all experience levels network and share information.

Anyone who wants to pitch their ideas at the event must fill out and send an application form beforehand. The form asks for a short description of the product, and has the following requirements for the pitch itself:

  • Prototype or final product available to present
  • Consumer product
  • Reach a mass audience
  • Can retail from $9.99-39.99
  • Demonstrable
  • Easy to understand
  • New product that is not on the market
  • Short, two-minute pitch

Forms must be sent to [email protected], with the subject line, “Sept 18 Arlington, VA Pitch.” Top Dog will review applications and then select the contenders for the pitch-a-thon.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest Set For Early September

By Chris Teale
1/3

Several thousand people are expected to descend on Rosslyn’s Gateway Park on Saturday, September 9 for this year’s Rosslyn Jazz Fest.

The free event at the park at 1300 Lee Highway regularly draws more than 5,000 people for jazz music, local food trucks and a beer and wine garden from 1-7 p.m.

This year’s lineup, with timings, is as follows:

Food trucks Tacos Matadores, Rocklands BBQ, Mangia Tutti, Chix N Stix, Tapas Truck, Bon Bonni and Healthy Food Fool will be on site.

And for the second year, the Rosslyn Business Improvement District is partnering with neighborhood restaurants to offer discounts at to those attending this event. Customers must mention the code “Rosslyn Retail” at participating restaurants and receive 15 percent off their bill all day long.

The offer is available at Barley Mac, Bistro 360, Heavy Seas Alehouse, Kona Grill, Pancho Villa, Piola, Ben’s Chili Bowl, cityhouse, Key Bridge Terrace, Jimmy John’s, Continental Pool Lounge and The Perfect Pita.

Organizers said parking nearby will be limited. Public parking is available on N. Moore Street between 19th Street N. and Lee Highway for a $5 flat fee, while parking around Rosslyn will likely be limited too. Instead, organizers said they “strongly encourage” attendees to take Metro or bike to the festival, with the park a few blocks away from the Rosslyn Metro station.

Photos via Rosslyn BID.

Arlington Agenda: August 28-September 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

Arlington Home Buyer Class *
Orange Line Living (1600 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

An exclusive home buying class with tips on how to succeed buying real estate. Learn about the home purchasing process, including how to negotiate a lower price, the loans available, acronyms and more. Admission is free.

Tuesday

Free Sing
Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street)
Time: 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Come and sing karaoke from a catalog of 27,000 songs, or enjoy listening to people from the local neighborhood sing. Those who take their karaoke more seriously can also register for a Championship League Karaoke fall season.

Wednesday

“Awake: A Dream From Standing Rock”
Busboys and Poets Shirlington (4251 Campbell Ave)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

A screening of a documentary that explores 2016’s opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline, hosted by Our Revolution Arlington and ARL ReInvest. The screening is followed by a panel discussion and question and answer session. Admission is free.

Saturday

Pike Movie Night: “The Princess Bride”
Penrose Square (2503 Columbia Pike)
Time: 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization presents the movie series “30 Years: Celebrating the Great Movies of 1987 (ish),” featuring the PG-rated “The Princess Bride.” In case of inclement weather, check social media for cancellation news.

Sunday

Nelson Reeves 117th Birthday Celebration
Reevesland Farmhouse (400 N. Manchester Street)
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.

Remember Nelson Reeves, celebrate his 117th birthday and learn about his legacy of growing food, knowledge and community. Stories will be told of his life and various refreshments provided to kick off the fall growing season.

Labor Day (Monday, September 4)

Arlington Home Buyer Class *
Orange Line Living (1600 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

An exclusive home buying class with tips on how to succeed buying real estate. Learn about the home purchasing process, including how to negotiate a lower price, the loans available, acronyms and more. Admission is free.

Arlington Dems Labor Day Chili Cookoff
Lyon Park Community Center (414 N. Fillmore Street)
Time: 2-5 p.m.

Join former Rep. Tom Perriello and the Arlington Democrats to decide who has the best chili. Perriello will give remarks alongside other local candidates, while the event will also include live music and fun for all the family.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

League of Women Voters to Screen Zach Galifianakis Film

By ARLnow.com

The Arlington League of Women Voters is hosting a free screening of a new Zach Galifianakis film.

Better known for comedies like The Hangover and The Campaign, Galifianakis tackled the serious topic of gerrymandering and money in politics in his new film, “Democracy for Sale.”

The League is sponsoring the film’s screening at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

More from an email from LWV:

A border and barbeque aren’t the only things Virginia and North Carolina have in common. The two states also have some of the most gerrymandered districts in the country. Cozy relationships between regulators and industry are another commonality. A new film called Democracy for Sale featuring NC native and comedian Zach Galifianakis puts a spotlight on the ways big money political interests have influenced the drawing of district lines and led to a lack of environmental protection and tax cuts for the upper class and corporations, education cuts, gerrymandering, and laws designed to decrease voter turnout.

After a successful tour of Democracy for Sale in North Carolina, we’re excited to bring the film to Virginia on a statewide tour beginning on September 19th. The showings are presented by the Virginia Civic Engagement Table in partnership with local organizations throughout the state. Each screening event will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with local leaders.

While the film focuses on NC as a case study, the parallels to Virginia are innumerable. We hope these screenings will shed light on the similarities and show audiences how to get involved in demanding reform.

Come and bring your friends!

Photo via League of Women Voters

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