Events

Weekly 5K Races Return To Crystal City In April

By Chris Teale

The region’s “fittest happy hour” will return to Crystal City next month.

Each Friday in April beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Crystal City 5K Fridays series will take runners on a USA Track & Field-certified course along Crystal Drive and past Long Bridge Park. The start and finish line is located at 2121 Crystal Drive.

And after the race, runners can enjoy area bar and restaurant specials exclusively for them.

The series is presented by the Crystal City Business Improvement District in partnership with developer Vornado/Charles E. Smith and the Pacers Running store.

Through tomorrow, attendees can register for $20 per race or $75 for the four-race series. After today, registration costs $25 per race or $90 for the series. All registration fees include a technical T-shirt.

Those interested can learn more and register online.

Arlington County police will close some roads in the neighborhood to accommodate the events, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. every Friday.

Between those times, northbound lanes of Crystal Drive between 26th Street S. and 12th Street S., northbound and southbound lanes of Long Bridge Drive as well as all traffic around 6th Street S, 10th Street S. and S. Ball Street will be closed. Southbound lanes of Crystal Drive will remain open.

In addition to closures, street parking will also be restricted. Illegally parked cars may be ticketed or towed.

Taste of Arlington To Be Ticketed Event For First Time

By Chris Teale

(Updated at 2:30 p.m. on 3/29/17) You’ll need a paid wristband to get into Taste of Arlington this year.

Previously a free event, attendees at this year’s festival on May 21 will need to pay $5-15 for admission ($5 is the current early bird price) then pay an additional $5 for each drink ticket and $1-5 for each taste, paid directly to the restaurant or food truck.

Tickets can be bought online or on the BallstonConnect mobile app before the festival, or in person on the day. Admission to the event’s Family Zone will be free.

Many restaurants and food trucks will accept cash and credit cards, although some may only take cash. A number of ATMs will be on site.

Previously, attendees had to buy a $30-40 book of tickets to sample the food at the various restaurant booths; now it’s a la carte. The drink ticket is $1-3 less expensive than an equivalent pour last year, a spokesman pointed out.

Also a change from previous years is the Family Zone, which will combine the once separate KidZone and BarkPark into one area at Oakland Park. Admission fees will be charged for both.

More than 50 restaurants, food trucks and chefs are expected to participate, including international cuisine.

Restaurants will compete in the “Best of the Best” food competition in the following categories: Best Appetizer, Best Brunch, Best Fast Casual Entrée, Best Fine Dining Entrée, Best Dessert and Fan Favorite. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m. on the main concert stage.

This year’s festival has also moved closer to the Virginia Square Metro station on Wilson Boulevard, and stretches along Wilson from N. Randolph Street to N. Nelson Street. It will last from noon to 6 p.m.

Among the musicians performing are His Dream Of Lions, Jeff From Accounting, Burnt Sienna and the Jack Diamond-Jim Steed Band.

Last year, Taste of Arlington raised $40,000 for BallstonGives, the charitable arm of the Ballston Business Improvement District, and the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

Arlington Agenda: March 27-April 2

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

Hospitality Awards
Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel (2800 S. Potomac Avenue)
Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Honor exceptional members of Arlington’s hospitality industry. The event recognizes front-line workers in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, tourist attractions and hotels.

Thursday

Carlos Mencia Live
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: Thursday 7:45 p.m.; Friday 7:30 and 10 p.m.; Saturday 7 and 10 p.m.

Entertainer and comic Carlos Mencia goes back to his comedic roots, performing at a number of comedy stores throughout the country and sharing his newest material with smaller audiences.

Yorktown High School Theatre’s Pippin*
Yorktown High School Auditorium (5200 Yorktown Blvd.)
Time: Thursday 7 p.m.; Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 7 p.m.

Yorktown High School presents a spectacular show that tells the story of young prince Pippin, who searches for the secret to true happiness and fulfillment – on the battlefield, in relationships and among the intrigues of political power.

Friday

Washington-Lee International Night
Washington-Lee High School (1301 N. Stafford Street)
Time: 6:30-10 p.m.

Washington-Lee High School’s International Club will be hosting its second annual International Night. There will be performances from numerous cultures, followed by free food, music and a fashion show in which all guests can participate.

Saturday

Handmade Arlington 2017 *
Swanson Middle School (5800 Washington Blvd.)
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

A record number of artisans debut a range of arts and crafts including photography; pottery; jewelry; stationary; home accessories and cleaning products; bags, purses, scarves and other works made from fabrics.

Nova Fencing Club Open House *
Nova Fencing Club (3431 Carlin Springs Road, Suite E)
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

All ages can try the sport of fencing. Take free mini-classes, get discounts for future lessons and more. The event will be split into two separate floors, with classes including a general introduction to fencing, epee, saber and foil classes.

Sunday

Crescendo Concert *
The Jefferson (900 N. Taylor Street)
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.

A concert as a part of the Arlington Philharmonic’s “Music in Your Home” initiative. Trios and quartets will perform Mendelssohn and Beethoven, followed by the entire ensemble playing several popular John Williams pieces.

2017 Sharon McGowan Breast Health Fund Benefit *
Mercedes-Benz Arlington (585 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 5-8 p.m.

A fundraising event that includes live music, local food and drink, unique silent auction items from local businesses and more. All money raised supports the fund’s work to prevent breast cancer among uninsured men and women.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Artomatic Opens Tonight In Crystal City With Heavy Political Influence

By Chris Teale
1/9

The national political climate and art are colliding this year at Artomatic.

The free six-week art extravaganza debuts tonight in Crystal City. Among the politically-inspired pieces: a large paper mache President Trump with a Russian flag lapel pin and a Gollum-like Vladimir Putin on his shoulder.

Meanwhile, a display that gained national attention during the 2016 campaign season encourages attendees to take photographs of their own backsides in a cut-out “Rump” poster. And dueling portraits feature two politicians holding their fingers to their lips, telling each other to be quiet.

By and large, however, the event is more eclectic than political. Other works include giant plywood street art rabbits and a painting of a nude woman wielding a sword.

Artomatic kicks off tonight for its third stint in Crystal City. The event includes the work of 600 artists across seven floors of vacant office space at 1800 S. Bell Street — 100,000 square feet of visual artwork, film, performance art, three stages of live music and free art workshops. It will also host the first Artomatic wedding on April 22.

“Artomatic has a very simple mission: to build community among artists,” Artomatic board chair emeritus George Koch said at a preview event Friday morning.

Among the collaborators this year is the Crystal City Business Improvement District, which partnered with Artomatic and developer Vornado to make the space available. Crystal City previously hosted Artomatic in 2007 and 2012.

Crystal City BID president and CEO Angela Fox said that as the neighborhood evolves, such events help “give it a soul.”

“We pave the way, then get out the way and Artomatic comes in here, all volunteers and transforms this space,” Fox said.

Artomatic begins Friday with its opening night party, starting at 7 p.m. It will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to midnight. The exhibits are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Arlington Agenda: March 20-26

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

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

The Orange Line Living and Keri Shull Team will have specialists on hand, including lenders and buyer agents, to give you an overview of the buying process. Attendees will learn valuable home buying strategies that will save 3 percent or more.

Wednesday

Help Design The New Lubber Run Community Center
Barrett Elementary School (4401 N. Henderson Road)
Time: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday; 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday

The process to design the new Lubber Run Community Center began in February, with nearly 200 children, adults and seniors. See how the design has evolved, and help the project move forward. Childcare offered during Saturday’s work session.

Ways To Support Your Anxious Child
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

This free lecture will feature an expert speaker who will address the modern day parenting challenge of supporting an anxious child. The expert is Christina Tripodi Mitchell, founder and clinical director of The Child & Family Practice in D.C.

Thursday

Community Meeting on Homelessness
Marymount University Reinsch Library Building (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Join the partners of Arlington’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness for this annual informational session on homelessness in the community.

Saturday

25th Annual Tossed and Found Rummage Sale *
Crystal City (2200 Crystal Drive, 6th Floor)
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Shop thousands of quality pre-owned housewares, fashions, books, sporting goods, electronics and furniture. Free garage parking is available at the Crystal City Shops. Cash or check only will be accepted for merchandise purchases.

Move me festival8th Annual Move Me Festival *
Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road)
Time: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

A free family-friendly celebration of arts and culture. This festival promotes healthy lifestyles through movement and a love for dance. More than 20 artists and dance groups will perform to a culturally diverse audience.

National Chamber Ensemble – The Four Seasons of Vivaldi and Piazzolla *
Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The National Chamber Ensemble presents The Four Seasons of Vivaldi and Piazzolla. The evening will include readings by County Board Chairman Jay Fisette.

Sunday

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party
St. John’s Episcopal Church (415 S. Lexington Street)
Time: 2:30-4 p.m.

A gathering featuring Dr. Seuss stories, crafts and games, along with ice cream and cake to say happy birthday to the beloved children’s author. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent.

Wine Dinner: Emilia-Romagna *
Osteria da Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

With wine provided by Tre Monti, enjoy pairings with food from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, including Vigna Rocca, Thea Bianco, Thea Rosso and Vitalba. Admission costs $75 per person, and includes all five course of food and wine.

Evil Cyborg Sea Monsters
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7 p.m.

Cartoonist Mike Capozzola presents a “live multimedia nerd comedy” show about superheroes, action movies, sci-fi, monsters and secret agents. The show is “PG-14,” runs about an hour and tickets are on sale for $10.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Event Series Coming To Underused Rosslyn Spaces

By Chris Teale

Rosslyn CAFE eventsSome of Rosslyn’s lesser-known venues will be transformed into active community spaces with food, drink and art as part of a new event series.

Rosslyn CAFE — Community, Arts, Food and Entertainment — is being produced by the Rosslyn BID. The free events are part of the business improvement district’s goal to create community events that take advantage of “unknown or unused spaces in the neighborhood.”

Next month’s series, known as April Arts & Beats, will take place on Fridays and feature a happy hour with new local artists each week, complimentary small plates and cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase.

The Bennett Park Art Atrium at 1601 Clarendon Blvd will host each Friday night. The space already has several pieces of public art by the likes of Virginia sculptors Foon Sham and Kendall Buster, and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Entrance is free, but space is limited. More information is available on the Rosslyn BID website.

Rally to Provide Information on Welcoming, Advocating For Refugees

By Chris Teale

Syrian Refugee Blanket and Coat Drive (via Arlington County)A rally Saturday will teach attendees how to advocate for the region’s growing refugee population.

The Raise Your Voice! Refugee Advocacy Workshop and Volunteer Fair will take place from 2-4 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church (910 N. Oakland Street).

It is organized by a group called NOVA Friends of Refugees.

The event will contain three components: speeches by refugee and religious leaders; panel discussions on how attendees can influence friends, family and elected officials on refugee issues; followed by a session of advocacy through postcard-writing and a refugee volunteering fair.

Speakers will include state Sen. Barbara Favola; representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-8); Anne Richard, former assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration; Imam Johari, director of outreach at the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church; Nadeem Khokhar, associate pastor at Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon; Ann Beltran of nonprofit advocacy group RESULTS; and Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University.

Earlier this year, Beyer and dozens of his congressional colleagues re-introduced the Freedom of Religion Act, in response to President Trump’s executive order barring refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States.

Previously, Arlington County has said it is ready and willing to help resettle Syrian refugees.

Those interested in attending can RSVP online.

Arlington Agenda: March 14-19

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.

Thursday

B.F.F. Happy Hour
MakeOffices Clarendon (3100 Clarendon Blvd.)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

The Sharon McGowan Breast Health Fund’s annual “Breast Friends Forever” Young Professionals’ Happy Hour. Network and raise awareness about breast health while enjoying cocktails, beer, wine and appetizers.

Friday

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Arlington Community Chorus
Kenmore Middle School (220 S. Carlin Springs Road)
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

“St. Patrick’s Day Pops: ACC Celebrates the Gift of Gab,” directed by Mary-Hannah Klontz and accompanied by Diane Carsten-Pelak. Enjoy Irish favorites and popular, jazz and show tunes.

Carly Aquilino Live
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday; 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday

Carly Aquilino is a stand up comedian and TV personality best known for her appearance on MTVs Girl Code. She has also been featured on TV land, AXS TV, and can be heard regularly on Sirius XM as well as her nationwide tour.

Saturday

A Morning For Me *
Marymount University Gerard Hall (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Hear about new tools to make the most of your finances, to optimize your health awareness and to nurture your skin and body. Gain helpful ideas to manage your finances, simple ways to live healthier and the latest in today’s anti-aging products.

The Blarney Blowout – Arlington
A-Town Bar & Grill and other locations (4100 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Clink beers, wear green, and jig to the sound of bagpipes at this county-wide event for St. Patrick’s Day. Attendees will be provided a delicious breakfast to start the morning, while pouring beers and bumping tunes from the area’s top DJs.

Spring Garden Kickoff
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Arlington Food Assistance Center’s Plot against Hunger Program will feature a free spring garden kickoff program. The program will include gardening displays, lectures and free seeds for attendees. RSVP to [email protected].

Sunday

Shirlington Library 10th Birthday Party
Shirlington Branch Library (4200 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 3-4 p.m.

Celebrate 10 years of the Shirlington Branch Library. The Wakefield High School Band will perform, and there will be cake, birthday hats and balloons for all. Birthday cake provided by Shirlington Harris Teeter.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Roads Closed Tomorrow For Four Courts Four Miler

By Chris Teale

Four-Courts-Four-Miler-2017If you’re out and about in Courthouse and Rosslyn tomorrow morning, be prepared for some road closures and restricted parking.

Pacers is hosting its annual Four Courts Four Miler on Saturday. The race takes runners from the start at Ireland’s Four Courts along Wilson Boulevard and Jefferson Davis Highway before returning to the finish line outside the pub.

The starting gun will sound at 9 a.m.

Arlington police said they will close Wilson Boulevard from Courthouse Road to N. Rhodes Street from 6:30 to 11 a.m.

Wilson Boulevard also will be closed from Route 110 to N. Courthouse Road from 8:45 to 11 a.m., while Route 110 will be closed between Interstate 395 to Interstate 66 at the same time.

Police said street parking will be restricted, and vehicles parked illegally where there are temporary “No Parking” signs could be ticketed or towed.

The Safeway at 1525 Wilson Boulevard can be still be accessed at N. Nash Street or N. Oak Street, while southbound Route 110 will stay open. Metrobuses will detour from N. Moore Street west onto Wilson Boulevard and north on N. Nash Street from their regularly scheduled routes.

Happy Hour in Clarendon to Raise Money to Fight Breast Cancer

By Chris Teale

BFF Happy Hour

A happy hour event that combines networking with raising money to help combat breast cancer is coming to Clarendon next week.

The third annual “Breast Friends Forever” event, a young professionals’ happy hour that raises money for the Sharon McGowan Breast Health Fund, is taking place on Thursday, March 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at MakeOffices Clarendon (3100 Clarendon Blvd, Ste. 200).

The event will feature cocktails, beer, wine and appetizers, plus a bra decorating contest and raffle.

All donations from the event will go towards funding SMBHF’s efforts to provide uninsured women and men in Arlington and Falls Church with life-saving and preventative breast cancer treatment and tests, giving free access to mammograms, sonograms, biopsies, medical devices and medications.

“We are proud to be sponsoring this event for its third year,” said MakeOffices CEO Raymond Rahbar. “The Sharon McGowan Breast Health fund works hard all year to support our community and this evening allows us to celebrate their efforts.”

The event is also sponsored by TTR Sotheby’s International Realtors. Those interested in attending can RSVP online.

Arlington Agenda: March 6-12

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

The Complacent Class: The Self-Defeating Quest for the American Dream *
GMU Arlington, Founders Hall Auditorium (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 6-7 p.m.

A live interview with “Reason Magazine’s” Katherine Mangu-Ward and Tyler Cowen, author of “The Complacent Class” on our desire to be more insulated, comfortable and accepting of the status quo, and what it means for the future of politics, the economy and the very foundation of our culture.

Wednesday

Free First Time Home Buyers Seminar *
Liberty Properties (888 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Liberty Properties, Arlington’s premier real estate broker, will cover the entire process of buying a home in this free seminar. The company will also have its preferred lender on hand to explain the pre-approval process, interest rates and get attendees pre-approved if ready.

Wine Dinner: California vs. Italy *
Osteria da Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco to start the evening, before sampling wines and small plate foods from California and Italy paired together. The event will feature a number of classic varietals from distinctive regions. Tickets cost $95 per person for admission.

Helping Arlington Seniors Stay in Their Homes *
Marymount University Phelan Hall (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

The Arlington Committee of 100’s next meeting focuses on helping county seniors remain in their homes. The hall opens at 7pm, dinner ($28 for members, $30 for non-members) begins at 7:25pm, and the program begins at 8pm.

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

A traveling film festival of award-winning short films by, for and about women. This season’s program of nine films – filled with stories of reflection, hope and humor – will travel to over 175 cities and screen in front of 25,000 people.

Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment 39th Annual Meeting
Navy League Building (3200 Wilson Blvd.)
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.

The meeting, “What It Means to Be Greener: Ecolabels and Standards for Environmentally Preferable Products” will include a panel presentation about the standards and labels used in the marketplace to guide consumer choices. Featured speakers will be Alison Kinn Bennett from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Jason Holstine from Amicus Green Building.

Saturday

29th Annual Four Mile Run Stream Cleanup
Four Mile Run Valley (5 Locations)
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Arlington County Park Rangers are calling on volunteers for the 29th annual stream cleanup for Four Mile Run at Madison Manor, Glencarlyn, Barcroft and Shirlington Parks and by Arlington Mill Community Center.

Sunday

Arlington Philharmonic Concert *
Wakefield High School Auditorium (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.

Join the Arlington Philharmonic for a delightful family friendly concert featuring acclaimed pianist Michael Sheppard and a program of orchestral music inspired by the rich tradition of storytelling.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

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