Events | ARLnow.com

Arlington Agenda: Oct. 3-9

Published October 3, 2016 at 3:00PM

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

White House Behind the Scenes: the Press Office with Connie Gerrard
Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 S. 18th Street)
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Connie Gerrard will share tales from her time working in the White House press office during five presidential administrations. Listen to her fascinating stories about joining a hectic office right after Kennedy was assassinated through Watergate and beyond.

Tuesday

Pumpkin Patch
Arlington Forest United Methodist Church (4701 Arlington Boulevard)
Time: 9 a.m.

Arlington Forest United Methodist Church will begin selling pumpkins Tuesday morning. The pumpkin patch at the church will close on Halloween, Oct. 31.

2016 Arlington Employment Center Fall Career Fair Registration
GMU Founders Hall (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

The Arlington Employment Center will hold a career fair for job seekers. BB&T Bank, Macy’s, PBS and about 50 other area employers are expected to attend. Registration is free.

Wednesday

Wine Tasting*
Osteria da Nino Cucina Italiana & Bar (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

Local Italian eatery Osteria Da Nino in Shirlington Village is holding a tasting event with Italian wines. The restaurant also has happy hour wine, beer and appetizer specials from 3 to 7 p.m.

Friday

Ronny Chieng Live
Arlington Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 10 p.m.

Ronny Chieng, who is a comedian and “Daily Show” correspondent, will perform two nights of stand-up comedy at Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, starting Friday. Tickets to the performances are $20 and are still available online.

Saturday

Free Concert Benefiting Refugee Resettlement*
Trinity Presbyterian Church (5533 N. 16th Street)
Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

SoulFire will cover songs from The Beatles, The Killers, Dire Straits and other groups to help raise money to sponsor a refugee family. The concert is free, but donations are appreciated. Food will be available from local food trucks.

Sunday

Latino American Festival
Arlington Mill Community Center (909 S. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 1-5 p.m.

The Arlington Mill Community Center will have Latino food, art and children’s games as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event is free and open to all.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

Rosslyn’s Barley Mac to Host All-You-Can-Eat Oyster Fest Tomorrow

By Tim Regan

Published September 30, 2016 at 3:30PM | Updated September 30, 2016 at 4:16PM

A neighborhood bourbon bar in Rosslyn is set to host a “celebration of all things oyster” on its patio tomorrow.

Barley Mac (1600 Wilson Blvd) will kick off its first annual Oyster Fest this Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m.

The bar and restaurant will turn its patio into “a big, beautiful outdoor raw bar” for the party, which will include all-you-can-eat oysters and an oyster eating contest, live music, a cigar rolling station, instructions on how to properly shuck oysters and free giveaways.

During the event, attendees can sip on chilled white wine, beer and whiskey while noshing on a variety of dishes including oysters Rockefeller, oyster po’boy sandwiches and oyster ceviche. The shellfish will also be available grilled, fried, stewed, raw and in made-to-order shooters.

Tickets cost $49 online and $59 at the door.

#Rosslyn

Arlington Agenda: Sept. 26-Oct. 2

By Tim Regan

Published September 26, 2016 at 3:45PM | Updated September 26, 2016 at 4:48PM

Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. In case you’d like to watch tonight’s presidential debates with a drink in your hand but don’t know where to go, we’ve included some last-minute suggestions.

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

Presidential Debate on the Big Screen
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 8 p.m.

Arlington Drafthouse will screen the first of three televised debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The event is free and lasts until the debate ends.

Phone Banking and Presidential Debate Watch Party
Cafe Sazon (4704 Columbia Pike)
Time: 6-10:30 p.m.

Groups Latinos con Hillary and Mujeres in Politics are scheduled to host a volunteer phone bank and debate watch party for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Cafe Sazon is opening exclusively for volunteers and will have specials such as a soda or beer and two empanadas for $11, tax and tip included.

Northern Virginia for45 Presidential Debate Watch Party
Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Young professionals who support Hillary Clinton are set to gather at Mad Rose Tavern for a grassroots fundraiser. The event will include an appearance by Adam Parkhomenko, who is the national field director for the Democratic National Committee and a longtime Clinton aide. Tickets start at $45.

Tuesday

Home Buyer’s Seminar *
Army Navy Country Club (1700 Army Navy Drive)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Attendees can bring their questions and concerns to this home buyer’s seminar at the Army Navy Country Club. The seminar will include light food and drinks, a door prize and free credit reports.

Wednesday

ACA Over Drinks
WeWork Crystal Palace (2221 S Clark Street)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

The Affordable Care Act comes with new regulations, requirements, and deadlines. Is your company is in compliance? TriNet’s experts will educate attendees about the ins and outs of the health care law during this informational session. The event will also include drinks, food and networking.

Bar Olympics
Spider Kelly’s (3181 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Go for the gold and support the Arlington Food Assistance Center at the same time during this bar game competition. Attendees will face off in a variety of events such as skee ball, shuffleboard and arcade basketball. The entry fee is $10 per individual or $20 for a team of two.

Friday

New Tools for the New, Digital Economy
Arlington Independent Media (2701 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 7 p.m.

This free event includes a talk about Arlington’s new open data programs, tours of Arlington Independent Media’s video, podcasting and radio courses alongside information on web and graphic design, coding, DIY app building and more.

Saturday

Operation Turbo BBQ Dinner*
Lyon Park Community Center (414 North Fillmore Street)
Time: 6-10 p.m.

Support a local nonprofit while eating barbecue from Big Bully BBQ, dancing to music, participating in raffles and drinking beer and wine. Tickets are $35 per person at the door.

Sunday

Kinhaven School 5k and 1K Kids Fun Run
Bluemont Park South Shelter (523 North Manchester Street)
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.

Kinhaven kids and their families will provide encouragement and cheer on runners and walkers as they travel along the W&OD bike trail. Strollers and walkers are welcome.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

Clarendon Bar to Join ‘Concert Across America to End Gun Violence’

By Andrew Ramonas

Published September 23, 2016 at 11:25AM

Sehkraft concert (Image via Facebook/Concert Across America) A Clarendon bar this weekend is set to take part in a nationwide concert series that aims to promote efforts to curb gun violence.

Sehkraft Brewing (925 N. Garfield Street) is scheduled to host singer-songwriter Jeff Smith and the Human Wilderness as part of the “Concert Across America to End Gun Violence” Sunday. The free show is from 6 to 8 p.m.

“The power of music has fueled countless important movements throughout history,” a Facebook event page says. “Now we want to use music as a balance to the hateful and divisive rhetoric that’s become a hallmark of the gun debate.”

About 350 events are scheduled throughout the country for the concert series, according to organizers. The day will culminate with performances by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash and other musicians in New York.

Image via Facebook/Concert Across America

Arlington Agenda: Sept. 19-25

By ARLnow.com

Published September 19, 2016 at 12:30PM | Updated September 19, 2016 at 12:57PM

(Updated at 12:55 p.m.) 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

Acoustic Cafe*
Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th Street S.)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Singer-songwriters Doug Alan Wilcox and Mike P. Ryan will come to South Arlington for an acoustic set. Wilcox’s music is a “tasty stew of bluesy folk, smooth acoustic soul,” while Ryan plays “heartfelt songs about the emotions and experiences of real people,” according to an event description.

Thursday

Check Your Prep
Sugar Shack (1014 S. Glebe Road)
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

In recognition of National Preparedness Month, Arlington residents who have three of the items on the county’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist get $5 to spend at Sugar Shack.

Mike Isabella’s Back-to-School Block Party
4000 Wilson Boulevard
Time: 5-8 p.m.

Chef Mike Isabella will have all-you-can-eat food and drinks from Kapnos Taverna, Pepita and Yona in celebration of fall. The party also will include live music, DJs and karaoke. Tickets are $35.

David Koechner Live
Arlington Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:45 p.m.

David Koechner, a comedian known for his roles on “The Office” and in “Anchorman,” will give three nights of stand-up comedy at Arlington Drafthouse, starting Thursday. Tickets are $25.

Friday

Vintage Crystal: Wine in the Water Park
1750 Crystal Drive
Time: 5-10 p.m.

Crystal City’s outdoor beer and wine garden is back with a cash bar, live music and painting sessions from art studio ArtJamz. Admission is free.

“Hey Frase” Live Podcast Show
Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Boulevard)
Time: 6-10 p.m.

“Hey Frase” hosts Sarah Fraser and Samy K will have a live taping of their pop culture podcast, with special guest Scott Parker.

Saturday

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

Arlington Thrive, a nonprofit organization that helps locals in need, will have a picnic with moon bounces, a climbing wall, face painting, bingo, music and food. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids and $50 for families.

Sunday

Wine 101*
Twisted Vines Bistro & Bottleshop (2803 Columbia Pike)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

Twisted Vine will give a class on how to taste wine properly. Tickets are $40 per person for non-wine club members and $34 for wine club members. The admission will include a cheese plate paired with the wines.

Wine Dinner Veneto Region*
Cucina Italiana & Bar (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-10 p.m.

The restaurant will host a dinner that explores Italy’s Veneto region through food and Begali wine. Tickets are $65.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

Millennial-Centric Political Group to Hold Social Security Reform Event in Clarendon

By Tim Regan

Published September 15, 2016 at 3:30PM | Updated September 15, 2016 at 3:55PM

A political organization “focused on educating young Americans on the benefits of a free society” is scheduled to educate young Arlington residents about the apparent inefficiency of Social Security during a free event in Clarendon tonight.

The informational session will take place at Clarendon Grill (1101 N Highland Street) this evening at 5 p.m., according to an event page.

During the event, members with Generation Opportunity Institute — the group behind this year’s “State of the Millennial Report” — will share why the Social Security program is stuck in the past:

Join our Virginia Team to learn more about how we’re banding together to Claim Our Future. Young Americans know we are not going to benefit from Social Security. Our generation is paying the government to address a problem we’ve already solved. Millennials are saving for retirement 13 years earlier than previous generations, saving more, and have specific savings goals. We, not government, should be in control of our money, our savings, our retirement, and our financial futures. Social Security is outdated, going bankrupt, and doesn’t work for the 21st century.

The event will also include complimentary appetizers despite the group’s disdain for “free stuff.”

Image via Generation Opportunity Institute

Arlington Agenda: Sept. 12-18

By Tim Regan

Published September 12, 2016 at 1:30PM | Updated September 12, 2016 at 2:46PM

(Updated at 2:46 p.m.) 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

Free Home Buyer Seminar*
Optime Realty (1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 101)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Optime Realty will host a home buying seminar with lenders and buyer agents. Elysia Stobbe of NFM Lending will give tips on how to get the best mortgage during the event. Stobbe will also raffle copies of her book, “How To Get Approved for the Best Mortgage Without Sticking a Fork in Your Eye.”

Wednesday

Is “SafeTrack” the “New Normal?”*
Marymount University Phelan Hall (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 8-9 p.m.

Is Metro’s “Safetrack” initiative the new normal? The Arlington Committee of 100 will hold a discussion about the transit agency’s transportation challenges and how they’re being addressed. Panelists will include Christian Dorsey, who serves on the Arlington County Board and WMATA’s board of directors.

Conversation With a Cop
Spider Kelly’s (3181 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

ACPD officers will chat with residents and get to know them better over complimentary appetizers from Spider Kelly’s. The event is a chance for locals to “share your ideas on how we can work together to maintain Clarendon as a safe area to enjoy nightlife and entertainment,” organizers said.

Friday

Jon Lovitz Live at the Arlington Drafthouse
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Comedian Jon Lovitz, who once played a “master thespian” and a devil on “Saturday Night Live,” is scheduled to bring his stand-up show to Arlington. In addition to Friday’s show, Arlington Cinema Drafthouse will hold performances Saturday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.

Saturday

Wine Tasting*
Osteria da Nino Cucina Italiana (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 2-5 p.m.

The Italian restaurant and bar will serve samples of 20 wines from across the world and light hors d’oeuvres during a tasting event this weekend. As an added bonus, patrons who stay for dinner get 10 percent off their check.

Dogfest Walk ‘n Roll Benefiting Canine Companions for Independence
Pentagon Row (1101 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

This community dog walk supports Canine Companions for Independence. Locals can register solo or with a team of friends, family or coworkers, then raise money to help the good cause.

Clarendon Day
Clarendon Metro Plaza (3100 Block of Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The annual Clarendon Day street festival is set to include music, food and drink, vendors and a kids area, in addition to a 5K/10K race before the event. Organizers say they’re expecting more than 30,000 attendees.

Sunday

Pups and Pilsners
12th Street S. and Crystal Drive
Time: 2-6 p.m.

Pups and people are welcome at this outdoor beer festival in Crystal City. The festival will feature a beer garden with craft brews and snacks from local food trucks. Though the event is free to attend, tasting tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

Crystal City Sip and Salsa Event Returns Sunday

By ARLnow.com

Published September 9, 2016 at 1:15PM

Crystal City’s annual outdoor food and wine festival, Sip and Salsa, will return on Sunday.

The event, held from 2-6 p.m. in the parking lot next to 220 20th Street S., features “delicious wines from Spain, Portugal, and Argentina together with food tastes from restaurants in Crystal City and the region.”

There’s also live Latin jazz, wine lessons from the Washington Wine Academy, and free salsa dancing lessons from Columbia Pike’s Salsa Room.

Crystal City says Sip and Salsa ” is the D.C. region’s only inside the Beltway, outdoor wine festival with the ease of safe and responsible transit access.”

Food and drink tickets are $20 online, while food-only tickets are $10.

The local professional football team, it should be noted, won’t be playing Sunday — the Redskins will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.

Disclosure: Crystal City BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser

Arlington Agenda: Sept. 6-11

By ARLnow.com

Published September 6, 2016 at 12:30PM | Updated September 6, 2016 at 1:35PM

(Updated at 12:55 p.m.) 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

Willy Wonka
1901 S. Bell Street
Time: 30 minutes after sunset

Crystal City will host an outdoor screening of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” with the late Gene Wilder as part of its “Sweets and Sips” film series. Moviegoers can get wine and Schakolad Chocolate Factory candy during the showing.

Arlington County Civic Federation Candidate Forums
Virginia Hospital Center Hazel Auditorium (1701 N. George Mason Drive)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Candidates for Congress, the Arlington County Board and the Arlington School Board will make their cases for why Arlington residents should vote for them in November.

Wednesday

The Death Penalty: An Artist’s View*
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Boulevard)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Yvette Allen will talk about what she sees as flaws in the criminal justice system as she discuses her brother, Billie, a death row inmate who creates art.

Thursday

Rocklands: Pig Roast & Hot Sauce Competition
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company (3471 Washington Boulevard)
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

The BBQ restaurant will throw an all-you-can-eat-and-drink pig roast for $25 to raise money for the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping burn victims. The eatery also will have its third annual hot sauce competition.

9/11: Fifteen Years Later
Kenmore Middle School Black Box Theater (200 S. Carlin Springs Road)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m

Arlington’s Emergency Preparedness Advisory Commission will host a discussion with Arlington County Deputy County Manager James Schwartz and Major General James Jackson, who will reflect on the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Saturday

Rosslyn Jazz Fest 2016
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway)
Time: 1-7 p.m.

Jazz bands will take the stage in a Rosslyn park for the neighborhood’s annual jazz festival. The day also will include a “Jazz Art Jam” with poets and visual artists, along with a “Kids’ Jazz Zone.”

Free Home Buyer Seminar*
Optime Realty (1600 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 101)
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Optime Realty will host a home buying seminar with lenders and buyer agents. Elysia Stobbe of NFM Lending will give tips on how to get the best mortgage during the event.

Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial Race
DoubleTree Hotel (300 Army Navy Drive)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Arlington County’s police, fire and sheriff’s office officials will have a 5K race to raise money for people who were affected by the War on Terror and the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Sunday

Beckett’s Celtic Festival
The Village at Shirlington on Campbell Avenue
Time: Noon-7 p.m.

Campbell Avenue will close down for the fourth annual Beckett’s Celtic Festival. The day will include live music, dancers, bagpipers, food and drinks.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

Grammy-Winning Group to Headline Rosslyn Jazz Festival Next Weekend

By Adrian Cruz

Published September 1, 2016 at 11:15AM

A Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz ensemble is slated to headline the 26th annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival next week.

The festival will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 10 at Gateway Park. Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, according to the Rosslyn BID, which helps organize the festival.

Grupo Fantasma, a Latin funk ensemble from Austin, Texas, is this year’s headlining act. The band’s 2010 album, “El Existentia,” won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album in 2011.

Other acts scheduled to perform in the festival include vocalist Akua Allrich, guitarist Vieux Farka Touré and the Glen David Andrews Band.

“The Rosslyn Jazz Festival has something for everyone in the community,” said Mary-Claire Burick, president of the Rosslyn BID. “The festival takes a very modern and accessible approach to jazz with musical groups that have a strong millennial following.”

Along with musical performances, this year’s festival will feature a special where kids can create their own musical instruments and an “art jam” session where attendees can draw, paint or write poems inspired by the festival.

The event will also have beer and wine from local bars and a variety of snacks from area food trucks.

The Arlington County Police Department says it will shut down some roads in the area, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., for the jazz festival. Those road closures include:

Eastbound lanes of Lee Hwy between Fort Myer Drive and Lynn Street
19th Street N. between Fort Myer and N. Moore Street

“Heavy pedestrian traffic is anticipated between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.,” the police department said. “Be prepared for delays if you do not detour prior to Fort Myer Drive.”

Photo courtesy Rosslyn BID

Clarendon Day Set for Sept. 17

By ARLnow.com

Published August 30, 2016 at 11:20AM

The annual Clarendon Day street festival will take place a week earlier than usual this year.

Clarendon Day is now taking place on the third Saturday in September — Sept. 17 — from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. That permanent change follows last year’s extension of the event hours by one hour.

This year’s event will include music, food and drink, vendors and a kids area, in addition to a 5K/10K race before the event.

“Clarendon Day is Arlington’s biggest street festival,” the event’s website says. “With four music stages, craft beer and wine, the Clarendon Chili Cookoff, scores of local restaurants, a great kids area, a terrific VIP tent, arts and crafts vendors, plus local businesses and nonprofits, this free event has something for everyone.”

Organizers say they’re expecting more than 30,000 attendees.

Registration is now open for the Clarendon Day Run, which offers both 5K and 10K distances. The race follows a “seriously fast” downhill course from Clarendon to Rosslyn.

This year, however, runners will have to find their own way back to Clarendon following the race.

“Unlike in previous years we are unable to provide Metro cards back to the start line due to Safetrack work and change in WMATA policy for paper Metro cards,” the race’s website says. “Please consider walking or running back to the start (and stopping at Four Courts on the way!) or parking in Rosslyn or Courthouse (be mindful of parking restrictions).”

Clarendon Day is free to attend. Race registration starts at $40, while a separate “Kids Dash” is only $10.