Events

Rosslyn to Host Two-Day Holiday Festival, Five Mile Race

By ARLnow.com

Bonfire at the Rosslyn Holiday Market on FridayThe holiday season is well underway and Rosslyn is getting into the spirit with a free two-day festival this weekend.

Rosslyn’s Holiday Market Festival + Bonfire kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday with the opening of an artisan holiday market in Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway). The market will be feature more than 25 vendors with “a full variety of unique and high quality gifts.”

That will be followed at 5:30 p.m. by the opening of a number of local food trucks and a bar serving spiced red sangria, mulled cider, beer and wine. At 7 p.m. a bonfire will be lit and a DJ will start spinning. From 8-11 p.m. 80s cover band The Reflex will perform.

Great Chocolate Race logoOn Saturday, the Great Chocolate Race, a five mile chocolate-themed race, will start at 7:30 a.m. on N. Kent Street. That will be followed by a finish festival in Gateway Park, with food trucks and the bar opening early to serve hot chocolate and bloody marys.

The holiday market will open at 8 a.m. Saturday and continue until 3 p.m., with live musical performances, gingerbread house workshops and a visit from Santa in between.

A number of road closures are planned for Saturday’s race. From ACPD:

The Great Chocolate Race will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2016.  The following roadways will be closed for this event:

  • Wilson Blvd. between N. Lynn St. and Route 110 will be closed from 5:00am until 12:00pm.
  • Kent St. between Wilson Blvd. and N. 19th St. will be closed from 2:00am until 12:00pm.
  • Route 110 between Wilson Blvd. and I-395 will be closed from 6:00am until 11:00 am.
  • Route 27 from Route 110 to Columbia Pike (Westbound Only) will be closed from 6:00am until 11:00am.
  • Columbia Pike from Route 27 to the Air Force Memorial Entrance (Westbound Only) will be closed from 6:00am until 11:00am. Eastbound Columbia Pike will be routed to Joyce St.
  • Southgate Road will be closed at Columbia Pike from 6:00am to 11:00am.
  • Joyce Street heading north from Army Navy Drive will be closed from 6:00am until 11:00am.
  • Traffic from the Pentagon South Parking Lot will not be allowed west on Columbia Pike, all traffic will be routed on Route 27 toward the George Washington Parkway.

Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call 703-558-2222.

Arlington Agenda: Dec. 5-11

By ARLnow.com

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

Jhumpa LahiriConversations with Tyler: A Conversation with Jhumpa Lahiri*
George Mason University Founders Hall (3351 Fairfax Dr.)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Jhumpa Lahiri, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and commentator on the lives of immigrant families, will join Tyler Cowen for a discussion as part of the Conversations with Tyler event series.

 

Orange Line Living logoFree Home Buyer Seminar*
Orange Line Living Team (1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 101)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

The Orange Line Living Team is hosting a Home Buying Seminar event at their Rosslyn office. Drinks and appetizers will be provided and specialists will be on hand to give overviews of the buying process.

Tuesday

Shirlie Lights Up The Village Holiday Celebration
Update at 2 p.m. — The event has been cancelled due to rain in the forecast.

Wednesday

Hindsight-20_20_Instagram-03Hindsight 20/20
MakeOffices Clarendon (3100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 200)
Time: 8:30-10 a.m.

This free event features Anna Mason, Director of Investments for Revolutions’s LLC’s “Rise of the Rest” platform and Co-Director of The Vinetta Project. RSVP is required and a complimentary breakfast will be served.

Fill the Cruiser 2016Police Fill the Cruiser Holiday Toy Drive
Our Lady of Lourdes (830 23rd Street S.)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

The Arlington County Police Department is asking community members to help bring holiday cheer to local children in need by donating new and unwrapped toys. Donations will be distributed throughout the month of December.

Friday

In the Garden of Live FlowersIn the Garden Of Live Flowers
Wakefield High School (1325 S. Dinwiddie St.)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

This event will feature Attilio Favorini and Lynne Conner’s play based on Rachel Carson’s world-changing book, Silent Spring. Carson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer while writing her book, is at a crossroads where her own life story meets a landscape uplifted by cultural references that bring the revolutionary science of Silent Spring to the stage.

Second Citys Nutcracking Holiday RevueThe Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:15 and 1o p.m.

The Chicago sketch comedy troupe presents a blend of hysterical scenes, songs, improv and holiday mischief on Friday and Saturday, and from December 16-18. Second City is the famous training ground for legendary comedians like John Belushi, Mike Myers and Tina Fey.

Saturday

National Chamber Ensemble - Happy Holidays!National Chamber Ensemble — Happy Holidays!*
Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre (1611 N. Kent St.)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

This annual holiday concert features the music of Mozart, Bach and Schumann, as well as holiday favorites by Leroy Anderson’s Sleighride, a Hanukkah Fantasy and more. The concert concludes with Carol’s Sing-Along with a reception to follow.

Winter Wonderland 2016Winter Wonderland
Market Common Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Blvd.)
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

This annual community event will be held on Saturday and Sunday and celebrates the winter season with live carolers, crafts, face painting, holiday treats and more. Donating any unused toy can earn you a free picture with Santa through the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation.

Bistro 29 SwingThe Hot Club of DC at Bistro 29 Swing
Bistro 29 (3911 Lee Highway)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The Hot Club of DC celebrates the gypsy jazz music of the 1920s-1950s and features the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli and covers of the American Jazz Standards, Classic French songs and a few Eastern European Tunes.

Sunday

Nutcracker Tea at the Ritz 2016Nutcracker Tea at the Ritz
Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City (1250 S. Hayes St.)
Time: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Guests will enjoy a high tea, pictures with the Sugar Plum Fairy, crafts, prizes and a mini-performance from the Nutcracker. Single reservations and special VIP Tables are available and proceeds from this fundraiser will support BalletNova’s Free Ticket and Scholarship Programs.

Arlington Cinema Drafthouse sign at night in the fall (Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf)2016 Christmas Movie Festival
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 12 p.m.

Films include How The Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Scrooged and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Tickets are $8.

* Denotes featured (sponsored) content

Church to Hold Talk on ‘The End of White Christian America’

By ARLnow.com

'The End of White Christian America' author talk image

An author talk at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd) will examine Donald Trump’s election and the implications of the U.S. no longer being a majority white Christian nation.

The talk by Robert P. Jones, author of the “The End of White Christian America,”  is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.

From a press release:

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington will host a talk with Robert P. Jones, the CEO of Public Religion Research Institute on Sunday, December 11, at 1:00 p.m. Jones will discuss his new book, The End of White Christian America, which has been hailed by The New York Times Review of Books as “quite possibly the most illuminating text for this election year.” Drawing on decades of public opinion and demographic research, Jones challenges us to grasp a new reality — that America is no longer a majority white Christian nation — and examines what influence this had on the 2016 presidential election.

The presentation and discussion will provide unique insight into:

  • The ways both political parties are responding to these shifts, including Donald Trump’s surprising appeal to white conservative Christian voters;
  • The stark disagreements between white and black Americans over the fairness of the justice system and the #BlackLivesMatter movement;
  • The apocalyptic tone of arguments over same-sex marriage and LGBT rights;
  • How these recent demographic and cultural changes are shaping — and often distorting — our understanding of principles such as equality, fairness, and religious freedom.

Image courtesy Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington

‘Miracle on 23rd Street’ Holiday Event Planned for Friday

By ARLnow.com

Miracle on 23rd Street flyerSanta is coming to town — specifically, to the Aurora Highlands neighborhood, near Crystal City, on Friday.

Linden Business Resources (750 23rd Street S.) is again hosting its family-friendly Miracle on 23rd Street holiday event. It’s scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2.

The tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6:25, Santa is expected to arrive via fire truck at 6:30 and a 50/50 raffle will take place at 8 p.m. Unlike past years, this year’s event will be held completely outside.

There will also be food trucks and holiday music and entertainment. The event is free and open to the public.

Don Tito to Host Taco Eating Contest

By ARLnow.com

Tacos (photos via Don Tito/Facebook)

Clarendon watering hole Don Tito (3165 Wilson Blvd) will be hosting what it’s billing as the “first annual Arlington taco eating contest.”

The event is being held on Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

It will feature up to 100 contestants trying to eat as many chicken and beef tacos as they can in one minute. After 10 preliminary heats, each with 10 competitors, the winner of each heat will advance to a preliminary round in which the first person to eat 10 tacos with varying levels of spiciness will be crowned the “Taco King of Arlington.”

Said Taco King will receive a $150 Don Tito gift card and a championship belt. The second and third place winners will, respectively, get a $100 gift card and a $50 gift card.

The cost of entry is $20. Registration is available online. Spectators can attend for free.

Photo via Facebook

Artomatic Returning to Crystal City

By ARLnow.com
1/9

Artomatic, a free, unjuried creative arts event that invites artists to display their work — usually in large, vacant buildings — is returning to Crystal City.

The event, which was previously held in Crystal City in 2007 and 2012, will take place over the course of six weeks in the spring at 1800 S. Bell Street, the Crystal City Business Improvement District announced today. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to visit the 100,000-square-foot arts space over the course of the event.

“The return of Artomatic to Crystal City demonstrates the area’s continued growth and development as an artistic and innovative laboratory,” said Angela Fox, CEO of the Crystal City BID. “Artomatic’s mission aligns with the BID’s efforts to transform our community into a place where people are inspired to create their own masterpieces.”

Dubbed a “playground for artistic expression,” Artomatic is known for its massive size and range of often-eclectic creative works, including visual art, music, film, live performance, fashion and more.

From a press release:

The Crystal City BID made its first massive splash onto the creative stage in 2007 by luring Artomatic across the river and helping them host their biggest art happening up to that time…

The 2007 and 2012 editions attracted over 35,000 and 75,000 visitors, respectively, and over a thousand artists for each run. Artomatic 2017 will be in approximately 100,000 square feet of space provided by Vornado/Charles E. Smith at 1800 S. Bell Street. Artomatic is anticipated to attract another large and diverse crowd given its proximity to metro, free parking after 4 p.m., and location among dozens of restaurants and watering holes.

The new location also has the benefit of an entrance along the interior concourse of Crystal City and part of the Art Underground. Launched in 2013 to transform Crystal City’s interior concourse into a vibrant arts and cultural destination, the Art Underground includes Synetic Theater, the 1200-foot long FotoWalk Underground, ArtJamz Underground, the Gallery Underground, TechShop, and Studios Underground which provides work space for two dozen artists.

The dates for the 2017 installment of Artomatic are expected to be announced within a few weeks.

Signature Theatre’s ‘Titanic’ Starts Dec. 13

By ARLnow.com

Promotional image for 'Titanic' musical (photo via Signature Theatre)

Shirlington-based Signature Theatre is preparing to launch a new production of the musical “Titanic.”

It’s going down on Tuesday, Dec. 13, kicking off a seven-week run that will stretch through Jan. 29. The ambitious production features “a cast, crew and orchestra of more than 50 artists and an inventive new 360 degree staging in Signature Theatre’s intimate 330 seat MAX Theatre,” according to a press release.

Signature’s Artistic Director, Eric Schaeffer, promises a first-class experience.

“I’ve always loved the musical Titanic and I have felt that Signature should reinvent this musical for our audiences in an exciting new way,” said Schaeffer, in a statement. “Audiences will feel they are aboard this ‘ship of dreams’ surrounded by Maury Yeston’s beautifully haunting score. It truly will be the musical event of the season in Washington and an experience like none other.”

The epic disaster tale comes at a busy time in the Washington area — it will overlap with Christmas, New Year’s, president-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration and possibly a Redskins playoff run.

Those who want to get on board for the musical performance will need to take the plunge to the tune of $40 to $109 per ticket.

The full press release about “Titanic” and its casting is below.

(more…)

PSA: A Word on Submitting Events to Us

By ARLnow.com

Arlington Event Calendar(Updated at 4:05 p.m.) Arlington County is a big place. As a result, we hear from a lot of people who are trying to promote events.

In fact, there are far more events than we could possibly cover with individual articles. That’s why we launched an event calendar and a weekly events post called the Arlington Agenda.

Some organizations email us with formal press releases about events. That’s fine, and for certain unique, newsworthy or large public events, we will use the press release to help us cover the event. For the vast majority of events, however, a press release is not necessary and we would instead recommend submitting the event directly to our calendar.

As long as your event is in Arlington and the information is submitted according to our guidelines, a submission to the event calendar will virtually guarantee that it gets seen by our readers. In fact, in an ARLnow reader survey earlier this year, nearly 50 percent of respondents told us that they had made a purchase decision based on seeing an event in our event calendar.

Four other things to note about the event calendar:

  1. It’s for events in Arlington or just over the border. If your event is in D.C., it most likely will not be published.
  2. Review your submission — and the guidelines — carefully. Because of the aforementioned volume of events we receive, we do not have the resources to update events after they’re submitted. If you made an error in your submission, it will be removed (although you may re-submit the correct information after notifying us of the error).
  3. We will not type the information for you if you email it to us. This actually happens a lot, because organizations are used to sending their event information to print newspapers that publish event listings. You must submit the event using the online form.
  4. We recommend submitting an image with your event information, but please keep the size of the image below 500kb. Large images, and images with apostrophes in the file name, often cause server errors. If you get an error, please rename and/or resize your image, or leave the image out of the submission altogether.

Arlington Agenda (Nov. 28-Dec. 4)

By ARLnow.com

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

Oakland Park Design MeetingOakland Park (via Arlington County)
The Jefferson (900 N. Taylor Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

The Ballston/Virginia Square Civic Association will be discussing the draft design plans for Oakland Park. The meeting will be held at The Jefferson. For more information, visit projects.arlingtonva.us/types/parks.

Tuesday

Defining Arlington’s Digital DestinyArlington's Digital Destiny*
AUSA Building (2425 Wilson Boulevard)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Join Arlington County and industry experts as they engage in a conversation with the community about the impact of the digital revolution and what it will mean for mobility and the future of Arlington.

Shirlie Lights Up The Village Holiday Celebration
Update: This event has been postponed.

Wednesday

adminsA Night at the Indie Movies — Admins
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Drafthouse is hosting a local premiere for the Arlington-produced film Admins, about a day in the lives of two system administrators as they annoy users, discuss office politics and watch people at the coffee shop.

Thursday

The NutcrackerThe Nutcracker*
Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Old Glebe Road)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

BalletNova will be performing The Nutcracker, with its last performance on Sunday. The ballet, which debuted in 1892, is set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score and has been performed by professional ballet companies all over the world.

Friday

Kevin Heffernan and Steve LemmeSteve Lemme and Kevin Heffernan Live
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 and 10 p.m.

Stars from movies Super Troopers and Beerfest, and members of comedy troupe Broken Lizard, Kevin and Steve will be performing on Friday and Saturday. The show “is a mix of stand up, crowd interaction and stories about their wives and kids and the making of the movies.” Tickets are $25.

Saturday

Four Mile Run Valley WorkshopFour Mile Run Valley Hands-On Design Workshop
Drew Model School (3500 23rd Street S.)
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

There will be an interactive and hands-on workshop, as well as discussions among area community members about topics such as recreational improvements, parking and area character building. Refreshments will be provided.

CWP Holiday Bazaar 2016CWP Holiday Bazaar*
Children’s Weekday Program (716 S. Glebe Road)
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

This family-friendly holiday bazaar offers local crafts, activities for kids, holiday treats and a visit with Santa. There will be a silent auction featuring baskets from local businesses, so skip the mall and the web and join your neighbors for holiday fun.

Washington-Lee High School (photo via Google Maps)Washington-Lee Holiday Bazaar*
Washington-Lee High School (1301 North Stafford Street)
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This free holiday bazaar is sponsored by Washington-Lee’s class of 2017 and features over 70 local artisans. There will be gift items for sale and plenty of food. There will be live musical performances by The Madrigals and other musical groups.

Pentagon-Row-iceskatingFrostFest
Pentagon Row (1101 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 5-8 p.m.

This holiday event features live entertainment, food samples, a firework display, a $1,000 shopping spree giveaway and much more. Pentagon Row’s ice rink includes an outdoor stone fireplace for warming up during the cold evenings and nights.

Sunday

Annual Messiah Sing-Along 2016Annual Messiah Sing-Along
First Presbyterian Church (601 N. Vermont Street)
Time: 4-6 p.m.

The Arlington Chorale will be featured at this free sing-along and attendees are strongly encouraged to bring canned goods to benefit the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). This musical event will be conducted by Dr. Nancia D’Alimonte.

Photo via Facebook :Osteria da NinoWine Dinner
Osteria da Nino Cucina Italiana & Bar (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-11 p.m.

Osteria will be hosting a wine and dinner pairing that includes four courses with four wines. Prices start at $89 per person (not including tax and gratuity) and features wines from The Three Kings of Italy including Brunello, Barolo and Amarone.

* Denotes featured (sponsored) content

Arlington Agenda (Nov. 21-27)

By ARLnow.com

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

sweetgreen-opening-ad-1Sweetgreen opening to benefit FRESHFARM
Sweetgreen Pentagon City (575 12th Road South., Suite B2)
Time: 10:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Sweetgreen is opening in Pentagon City and is donating all proceeds to support the Matching Dollars, a FRESHFARM Food Access project. Matching Dollars helps farmers market shoppers using SNAP benefits access fresh foods at an affordable price.

Thanksgiving-food-drive-social-media-image-FOR-FRESHFARMThanksgiving FRESH food drive
FRESHFARM Crystal City Market (1825-1965 Crystal Drive)
Time: 3-7 p.m.

FRESHFARM Crystal City Market is holding a food drive to benefit the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Jaleo Crystal City will be doing a free demo so shoppers will be able to sample the food while they shop and donate.

Thursday

Copperwood Tavern logoThanksgiving Dinner At Copperwood Tavern
Copperwood Tavern (4021 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 4-10 p.m.

Copperwood Tavern is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner that includes turkey, sides and pie for $25. The restaurant is also serving food from its bar menu. Table reservations are available online.

Friday

Jerrod CarmichaelJerrod Carmichael Live at the Drafthouse
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: doors open at 6:15 p.m.

LA-based comic Jerrod Carmichael stars and produces NBC’s The Carmichael Show and starred in the summer hit Neighbors. He will be performing live standup comedy on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $25.

Sunday

christmas-tree-printableChristmas Tree Sale to Fight Hunger
Clarendon United Methodist Church (607 North Irving Street)
Time: 12-4 p.m.

United Methodist Church is donating 100% of its Christmas tree sales to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) and Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN). Sales will begin on Sunday and will end when the trees are sold out.

Arlington Agenda (Nov. 14-20)

By ARLnow.com

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.

Wednesday

ToastmastersLogo-ColorCACI Ballston Toastmasters Club Open House*
CACI International Inc. (1100 N. Glebe Rd.)
Time: 5:30-7:15 p.m.

The CACI Ballston Toastmasters Club is holding a fall open house for anyone who would like to find out what it’s like to participate in Toastmasters and network with other professionals in the area. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided.

Thursday

Hyatt 2014 Gingerbread House Winner (via FacebookHyatt Crystal City)Gingerbread House Challenge at Hyatt Regency Crystal City
Hyatt Regency Crystal City (2799 Jefferson Davis Highway)
Time: 4-6 p.m.

Teams from area businesses will compete to build and decorate the best gingerbread house. Decorating materials will be provided and the proceeds will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand. The winner will be announced on December 8.

Brian Posehn at the DrafthouseBrian Posehn Live at the Arlington Drafthouse
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Comedian, actor and writer Brian Posehn, most recently seen on The Sarah Silverman Program, is coming to the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. He is performing Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $25.

Saturday

Star-chords-banner“Star Chords: A Quest for Intergalactic Harmony”
Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Old Glebe Rd.)
Time: 3-5 p.m.

Award-winning Potomac Harmony Chorus is celebrating its 40th Anniversary by performing an original show featuring characters from classic space movies and TV shows joining forces to bring music back to the galaxy.

Clarendon Grill signLauralea & Tripp Fabulous
Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland St.)
Time: 9 p.m.

Party rock band Lauralea & Tripp Fabulous will be at Clarendon Grill on Saturday, November 19. This five-person band consists of LauraLea Taraskus, Nate Hall, Steve Miceli, Mike Joy and John Zadeh.

* Denotes featured (sponsored) content

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