Events

Meet Our Opinion Columnists and Enjoy a Pint on Columbia Pike Later This Month

By ARLnow.com

The Celtic HouseDevelopment, affordable housing, school crowding, Metro’s woes. Those are just a few of the local issues we’ll discuss during ARLnow Presents: Hot Topics on the Pike on Wednesday, April 27.

The event is taking place at Celtic House, at 2500 Columbia Pike, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

(Feel free to take advantage of the $5 Wednesday wing special or stick around afterward for Celtic House’s weekly trivia night at 8:30.)

The first half of the event will be a debate among our opinion columnists — Mark Kelly (The Right Note), Peter Rousselot (Peter’s Take) and Lawrence Roberts (Progressive Voice) — on countywide issues.

Next up is a discussion of the future of Columbia Pike. It’s been more than a year since the cancellation of the streetcar, yet development has continued on the Pike seemingly unabated. So what does the future hold for the corridor? Among those joining us for the conversation are County Board member Katie Cristol and Arlington Transportation Committee Chair Chris Slatt.

Doorways for Women and Families logoRSVP is required — tickets are only $5 online.

April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month. All of ARLnow’s proceeds from the event will be donated Doorways for Women and Families, an Arlington-based nonprofit that creates pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault.

Local Officials to Participate in ‘Muslim Town Hall Meeting’

By ARLnow.com

Arlington Central Library(Updated at 11:15 a.m.) Confronting a wave of national Islamophobia in the wake of high-profile terror attacks, community leaders in Arlington are aiming to tackle bigotry via civic engagement.

A “Muslim Town Hall Meeting” has been organized and is scheduled to take place from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street).

The town hall, described as a “non-partisan community event,” is being hosted by the groups NOVA Muslim Americans and Veterans Challenge Islamophobia. It will take place in three parts:

  1. “Civic engagement panel discussion”
  2. “Political engagement panel discussion”
  3. “Tackling Islamophobia”

Scheduled speakers at the event include:

  • State Sen. Adam Ebbin
  • Arlington County Board members Katie Cristol and Christian Dorsey
  • Arlington School Board member Nancy Van Doren
  • Arlington Police Chief Jay Farr
  • Baroness Pola Uddin of the British House of Lords
  • Jim Driscoll of Veterans Challenge Islamophobia
  • Kip Malinosky, Chair of the Arlington County Democratic Committee
  • Eric Brescia of the Arlington County Republican Committee
  • Ghizlane Moustaid, Chair of GMU Muslim Association
  • Yasmine Taeb, co-author of “Fear, Inc. 2.0”

Arlington Agenda: April 4-10

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

Crystal City FRESHFARM MarketOpening of FRESHFARM Crystal City Farmers Market*
1823-1965 Crystal Drive
Time: 3-7 p.m.

The popular Crystal City farmers market returns to weekly operations along Crystal Drive between 18th and 20th Streets. Stop by early and pick up a free banner bag from the market’s information table.

Wednesday

Thrive-YP-Networking-HH-Poster-2016-04-06Young Professional Networking Happy Hour*
Sehkraft Brewing (925 N. Garfield Street)
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Arlington Thrive’s Young Professionals Group is hosting a Networking Happy Hour. Enjoy food and drink specials, a raffle and learn about ways to help our neighbors in need.

Taste of KentuckyTaste of Kentucky Whiskey Tasting
Marble & Rye (2501 Columbia Pike)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Whiskey tasting featuring Bernheim, Elijah Craig 12 year, Evan Williams Single Barrel and Larceny. Brand ambassadors will be on site with swag, pouring flights and answering any of your questions about Kentucky whiskey. $25 per person.

Friday

GMU Toast to December 2013 GradsGMU New Zealand Wine Tasting & Policy Event
George Mason University Founders Hall (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The community is invited to this 5th annual policy discussion and wine tasting event. The Honorable Tim Groser, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States, will discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership and other issues.

2014 Tom Arnold Headshot by Gremly MediaLive Comedy: Tom Arnold
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Actor, writer and comedian Tom Arnold brings his standup comedy act to the Pike. Arnold has four scheduled performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are available online for $25.

Saturday

Bishop O'Connell High School (Photo via Facebook)5K and Kids’ Fun Run*
Bishop O’Connell High School (6600 Little Falls Road)
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon

Join the DJO community for the inaugural O’Connell 5K and Kids’ Fun Run. Run or walk our Arlington-friendly course and stick around for a fun block party type atmosphere on the campus afterwards.

12593655_1222047001143345_9143569338174610233_oGet Fierce About Your Finances Expo 2016*
Westin Crystal City (1800 Jefferson Davis Highway)
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Get Fierce About Your Finances Expo will bring financial experts together under one roof. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your financial concerns one-on-one with industry experts in a comfortable environment.

Sunday

Sig Sauer handgun (photo via Sig Sauer)Documentary Screening: Making a Killing – Guns, Greed and the NRA*
Lyon Park Community Center (414 N. Fillmore Street)
Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

This film explores how guns, and the billions of dollars made off them, affect the lives of everyday Americans. It features personal stories from people across the country affected by gun violence. RSVP to [email protected].

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

Crystal City Farmers Market and Other Seasonal Events Returning Soon

By ARLnow.com

Crystal City Farmers MarketSpring has sprung and Crystal City is gearing up to take full advantage of the warming weather.

On Tuesday, April 5, the Crystal City FRESHFARM Market will open for the season. The farmers market is held from 3-7 p.m. every Tuesday, along Crystal Drive between 18th and 20th Streets S.

“Shop from nearly 20 local farmers and producers with seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, container plants and herbs, farm-raised eggs, all-natural meats, artisan baked goods, specialty foods and much more,” organizer Crystal City BID said in a press release. “Stop by early and pick-up a free Crystal City banner bag from the market’s information table (while supplies last).”

Two days later, the BID will hold its first Food Truck Thursday of the season. The lunchtime event is held on Thursdays from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and features a flotilla of food trucks in two locations: the corner of 18th Street and Crystal Drive and at 12th Street and Long Bridge Drive.

Also coming soon to Crystal City: the first 5K Friday race of April, this coming Friday (April 1), and the neighborhood’s weekly Mobile Bike Repair Station will open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the corner of 18th and Crystal.

Crystal City isn’t the only local community with seasonal events and amenities that have opened or are opening soon. Among the others:

A number of other farmers markets around Arlington are held year-round.

Arlington Agenda: March 28-April 3

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

Arlington tech eventArlington Tech: Networking and Discussion*
Highline RxR (2010 Crystal Drive)
Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Join ARLnow.com for an evening of networking and conversation about Arlington’s tech scene. Starting at 6:30 p.m., host Sarah Fraser will lead a discussion with some notable local innovators. Tickets are $10 online or at the door. There will be free food and drink, plus a free ARLnow t-shirt for the first five attendees through the door.

Crayons / coloring (photo courtesy Arlington Public Library)Coloring Party for Adults
Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 18th Street S.)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Studies show coloring can have a calming effect on the adult mind and helps promote overall wellness. We will supply coloring pages featuring intricate designs. We’ll also have crayons and colored pencils but feel free to bring your own.

Thursday

adamcoverjpeglowerres-copyPermissionless Innovation Book Launch and Happy Hour
Mercatus Center at George Mason University (3434 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

Join Adam Thierer, senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, for a discussion of the intersection of government policy and innovation, as explored in the expanded edition of his book, Permissionless Innovation.

Carlos MenciaLive Comedy: Carlos Mencia
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:45 p.m.

Standup comedian Carlos Mencia, of TV’s “In Living Color” and “Mind of Mencia,” performs at the Drafthouse this week. In addition to Thursday’s show, he will also be performing twice on Friday and Saturday.

Saturday

HandmadeArlingtonHandmade Arlington Arts and Crafts Fair*
Swanson Middle School (5800 Washington Blvd)
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Handmade Arlington 2016 — arts and crafts show — returns to Swanson Middle School for its 4th year. The annual event will feature a record number of artisans debuting a range of arts and crafts including photography, pottery, jewelry, stationary, purses and other works made from fabrics.

Ball-Sellers HouseBall-Sellers House 2016 Opening Day
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Ball-Sellers House (5620 3rd Street S.)

The Ball-Sellers House Museum opens its 2016 season. Join our costumed docent for a free tour of the oldest building in Arlington. See how farm families really lived in colonial Virginia. There will also be colonial era beverages and sweet treats!

PAN_logoVegan Pledge Program*
Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th Street S.)
Time: 1:45-4:45 p.m.

Are you vegan-curious? For health, environmental, or ethical reasons? The Vegan Pledge Program gives you a mentor, a cooking demo, tips from a registered dietitian, a farm sanctuary tour, an acclaimed film screening and more.

Sunday

Marymount University logoA Journey Through History
Marymount University Reinsch Library Auditorium (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 4 p.m.

Sponsored by Marymount’s Black Student Alliance, this free event features an afternoon of music, poetry and dance. The program will highlight historical figures and key events in African American history, including the Civil Rights Movement and such contemporary issues as Black Lives Matter.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

Gun Store to Hold Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony While Opponents Hold ‘Community Celebration’

By ARLnow.com

Nova Armory t-shirtThe new gun store in Lyon Park is planning a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday morning. At the same time, opponents of the store will be holding some counter-programming: a “community celebration” in the park.

The grand opening for Nova Armory is scheduled for 9 a.m., at the store on 2300 N. Pershing Drive. Among those scheduled to be in attendance are Del. Rich Anderson (R-Prince William), Virginia Citizens Defense League President Philip Van Cleave and “distinguished members” of the National Rifle Association.

The event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, some free Nova Armory schwag, a “gun coupon give-away,” and free coffee and pastries, according to the store’s website.

The anti-gun store group Act4LyonPark, meanwhile, is planning to host a number of local lawmakers during their “family-focused event,” from 9-10:30 a.m. in Lyon Park (414 N. Fillmore Street).

Nova Armory in Lyon ParkScheduled speakers at the event include a trio of Democratic state lawmakers who represent Arlington — Sen. Barbara Favola, Del. Alfonso Lopez and Del. Mark Levine — along with Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington.

The Lyon Park event will also feature children’s activities, refreshments and “ways to stay involved.” From an Act4LyonPark press release:

We are gathering in our community park to demonstrate what Lyon Park, Ashton Heights, and Arlington are all about. We are civic-minded, community-oriented, and family-focused and we choose to live and work in a region and county that is safe, friendly, and fun. This is a celebration of our home.

“As members of the community, we have the right to protect the well-being of our families and our recently revitalized business area,” says a member of Act4LyonPark. “A gun dealership close to schools, parks and residential homes does not add any value to our community. Our issue is not with the 2nd Amendment. If people choose to own guns, that’s their business. When people start carrying guns around our homes and children, that’s our business.”

Signature Theatre’s 2016-2017 Season to Include Freaky Friday, Jesus Christ Superstar

By ARLnow.com

Springtime in Shirlington, in front of Signature Theater and the Shirlington Branch LibraryShirlington’s Signature Theatre has unveiled the lineup for its 2016-2017 season.

Among the productions scheduled are the Tony Award-winning Titanic: The Musical, Freaky Friday based on the novel and Disney movies and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic Jesus Chris Superstar.

Here’s the full list:

  • Jelly’s Last Jam (Aug. 2-Sept. 11) — A musical about “famed and notorious jazz entertainer Jelly Roll Morton,” featuring his music.
  • The Gulf (Sept. 13-Nov. 6) — The world premiere of a “provocative new comedy” set in the Alabama Delta, written by D.C. playwright Audrey Cefaly.
  • Freaky Friday (Oct. 4-Nov. 6) — The world premiere of the body-swapping musical comedy based on the Disney films.
  • Silver Belles (Nov. 22-Dec. 24) — Another world premiere musical comedy that’s billed as “a raucous send up of small town Christmas pageantry.”
  • Titanic: The Musical (Dec. 13-Jan. 29) — A new production of the 20-year-old musical, featuring “a cast, crew and orchestra of over 50 artists and an inventive new 360 degree staging.”
  • Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing (Feb. 28-March 26) — A new comedy written and directed by Pulitzer Prize winner James Lapine and starring Emmy and Tony Award winner Debra Monk.
  • Midwestern Gothic (March 14-April 30) — A new musical that “paints a vivid portrait of a young woman whose imagination runs wild in a desperate to escape her desolate surroundings.”
  • Jesus Christ Superstar (May 9-July 2) — Signature’s season concludes with the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Signature is also planning a cabaret series featuring “Woodstock,” with music from the music festival, in addition to its annual open house on Saturday, July 23.

Arlington Agenda: March 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.

Monday

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

Our team is hosting a Home Buying Seminar at our Rosslyn office. We will have specialists on hand (including lenders and buyer agents) to give you an overview of the buying process. The event is free but registration is required.

Thursday

Cool CowCool Cow Comedy Showcase
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 8 p.m.

Join your host, Rahmein Mostafavi, in the Drafthouse’s Green Room to see some of the hottest comedy acts for just $5. The tickets are cash only and can only be purchased at the event. All guests must be 21 or older.

Saturday

Tax form (photo via Arlington Public Library)Free Tax Prep Assistance
Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Arlington Public Library, in partnership with AARP, is offering free tax preparation assistance to people of low and moderate income during tax season, through April 16. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments may be made by calling 703-829-6192.

Mind Your Body Oasis logoLibrary-Hosted Yoga Class Near Pentagon City
Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 18th Street S.)
Time: 11 a.m.-Noon

In partnership with Mind Your Body Oasis in Crystal City, the Aurora Hills Branch Library is offering an hour-long yoga class. Stretch into spring and start your Saturday off right. Participants must register in advance and bring their own mats. (The class is sold out but there is a waiting list.)

Sunday

Sunrise over the Potomac on 5/26/10Easter Sunrise Service
Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery
Time: 6:15 a.m.

The non-denominational Christian worship service will begin with a musical prelude at 6:15 a.m. The service is scheduled to begin with a call to worship at 6:30 a.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

ACPD to Hold Anti-Drunk Driving Event During Clarendon Bar Crawl

By ARLnow.com

2015 Shamrock Crawl in Clarendon (photo courtesy ACPD)Over the past year or so, the Arlington County Police Department has boosted its presence at bar crawls, in part to prevent wild scenes like this one.

This weekend’s Shamrock Crawl in Clarendon will be no exception.

The police department will hold a “Pass the Keys Anti-Drunk Driving Event” from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, during the bar crawl. Expect a mix of fun activities and serious public education, along with some live tweeting.

As a result of the anti-DUI event, police will be closing 11th Street N. from N. Highland Street to N. Garfield Street.

Here’s the Lineup for ARLnow’s Tech Event on March 29

By ARLnow.com

Arlington tech eventIn less than two weeks, ARLnow.com will be holding a networking event and discussion about Arlington’s growing tech industry.

With tech firms moving to Arlington, expanding in Arlington and the continued growth of incubators, co-working spaces and even tech-inspired co-living spaces, there’s a lot happening here.

Here’s the current lineup of innovators who will be discussing their business and their take on the local tech scene:

The event will be hosted by Sarah Fraser, Fox 5 contributor and founder of the Hey Frase podcast. Representatives from Arlington Economic Development will also be on hand to discuss the resources available to startups in Arlington.

Details about the event are below.

Day: Tuesday, March 29
Time: 5:30-8 p.m. (program runs from 6:30-7:30)
Venue: Highline RxR (2010 Crystal Drive)
Tickets: $10 online, includes food and drink ticket

Thank you to our co-sponsors, Vornado and the Crystal City Business Improvement District.

Arlington St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness Guide 2016

By ARLnow.com

St. Patrick's Day guide (yes, we reused this old graphic)

If you like sports, beer and corned beef, tomorrow just may be the best day of the year.

Tomorrow is both St. Patrick’s Day and the start of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness.

There will be more basketball and green beer this weekend, including the annual Shamrock Crawl bar crawl in Clarendon on Saturday, but below are a sampling of ten St. Paddy’s Day and March Madness-related events happening Thursday at bars and restaurants around Arlington.

  • Celtic House (2500 Columbia Pike) — The festivities start at 9 a.m. with a traditional Irish breakfast and lasts all day with Irish music from Pat Garvey, Irish dancers and March Madness on the TVs.
  • Ireland’s Four Courts (2051 Wilson Blvd) — As previously reported, Four Courts, which celebrated its 20th anniversary on Wednesday, will open at 9 a.m. for the usual St. Daddy’s festivities: live music all day and a heated tent in the back to help accommodate the crowds.
  • Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd) — Mad Rose will be open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. and will be showing NCAA basketball games, serving green beer and giving away green beads. DJs will start spinning at 7 p.m. and the happy hour will run until 8.
  • A-Town Bar and Grill (4100 Fairfax Drive) —  A-Town will be open at 11 a.m. for St. Patrick’s Day. NCAA games will be on TVs all around the establishment.
  • Iota Club and Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd) — Iota will be opening at 5 p.m. for their St. Patrick’s Day party, with rock and blues band Westmain taking the stage at 8 p.m.
  • O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub (3207 Washington Blvd) — O’Sullivan’s St. Paddy’s party will be kicking off bright and early at 8 a.m. with Irish dancers and a full live music lineup until 1:30 a.m.
  • P. Brennan’s Irish Pub (2910 Columbia Pike) — P. Brennan’s will be opening at 10 a.m. with all-day music and Irish dance.
  • Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub (2800 S. Randolph Street) — Shirlington’s airy Irish bar will open from 11 a.m.-2 a.m., with performances by Michael Darcy and the ShamrockRs.
  • Don Tito (3165 Wilson Blvd) — The party at the Don begins at 11 a.m. for brunch. NCAA basketball games will be on and a live DJ will be performing.
  • Copperwood Tavern (4021 Campbell Avenue) — Copperwood Tavern will be hosting a farm-to-table St. Patrick’s Day featuring special Irish menu items and gourmet craft cocktails.

Excluding Ri Ra, which has since closed, our list of Irish bars in Arlington should still be applicable for further St. Paddy’s research.

Update at 4 p.m. — Addition to the list above, Whitlow’s in Clarendon (2854 Wilson Blvd) will be holding a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The roof opened at 2 p.m., live Irish music started at 4, bagpipes will be played at 9 and a DJ will start spinning at 9:30. 

Justin Funkhouser contributed to this report

View More Stories