Events | ARLnow.com

Arlington Agenda: Feb. 22-28

Published February 23, 2016 at 12:30PM

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

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

Join AFAC for a night of fun and fundraising. Two-person teams compete in six bar games in a tournament-style competition. Entry fee is $10 per person ($20 per team). Top five teams qualify for cash prizes or gift cards.

Thursday

Wine Pairing Dinner*
Osteria da Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6:30-11 p.m.

Join Nino for a Campania wine pairing dinner at Osteria da Nino in Shirlington. The event will feature five courses and five wines for only $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

Saturday

Feel the Heritage Festival
Drew Community Center (3500 23rd Street S.)
Time: 1-6 p.m.

Celebrate Black History Month at the 24th annual Feel the Heritage Festival. This FREE event features live music and dance, a “Hall of History,” free children’s activities, delicious soul food and a great selection of vendors.

Sunday

PAL Block Party
Duck Donuts (2511 N. Harrison Street)
Time: 3 p.m.

A bike-centric event in a car-heavy spot. Take a couple seconds from a stressful day and chat with ambassadors from Arlington’s PAL (Predictable, Alert, Lawful) program. There will be chairs, hot cocoa and incense.

And the Winner Is… Oscars Party
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7 p.m.

Watch the Oscars broadcast live on the big screen at the D.C. Film Society’s 24th annual party. There will be a predict the winners contest, trivia contests, giveaways and a silent auction. Tickets are $20.

Author Anthony Doerr Coming to Town for ‘Arlington Reads 2016’

By ARLnow.com

Published February 23, 2016 at 11:30AM

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anthony Doerr will be the featured speaker for Arlington Reads 2016.

Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” earned him widespread literary fame after it was published in 2014. The New York Times bestseller won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction last year.

The novel tells the story of “a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.”

Doerr is scheduled to speak at Washington-Lee High School’s auditorium on Thursday, April 7 from 7-8:30 p.m. Doors will open to the public at 6 p.m.

Two other authors will speak as part Arlington Reads 2016, the theme of which is “the human displacement of World War II.”

Julie Otsuka, author of “When the Empire Was Divine,” will speak on Thursday, May 5 and author Richard Reeves of “Infamy: The Shocking Story of the Japanese American Internment in World War II” will speak on Thursday, May 19. Both events will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street).

Pentagon Row to Host 80’s Night on Saturday

By ARLnow.com

Published February 19, 2016 at 1:30PM

Pentagon Row will be bringing the 80s back Saturday night.

The shopping center will host an “80’s Night” event from 6-10 p.m. at its outdoor skating rink. The event will include a costume contest and a live DJ.

Warm weather is expected Saturday, with forecasters predicting a high temperature of 61 degrees.

Join us THIS SATURDAY and dress up! You could win gift cards to @BonefishGrill, @Sine_pub, and @capitalteas! pic.twitter.com/YP745LBq66

— Pentagon Row (@PentagonRow) February 17, 2016

Shamrock Crawl Returns to Clarendon Next Month

By ARLnow.com

Published February 12, 2016 at 10:15AM

The Shamrock Crawl, dubbed Arlington’s biggest bar crawl, will return to Clarendon next month.

The bar crawl is scheduled to take place from 1-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 19. Tickets are $15 through the end of the month, $20 starting March 1 and $30 at the door.

“The Shamrock Crawl is a time of festive jubilation, so let your Irish cheer run free!” says the event’s website. “Join thousands of fellow beer lovers in celebrating a day full of green revelry at some of Arlington’s most popular bars.”

Attendees will get a refillable Shamrock mug, party favors, green beads, drink specials at each stop and free photos of the event. Participating bars include Clarendon Ballroom, Clarendon Grill, Mad Rose, Hunan One, Whitlow’s, Spider Kelly’s, Hard Times Cafe, IOTA Club, Mister Days and American Tap Room.

Last year, some 3,700 people participated in the Shamrock Crawl. That’s down from 5,000 revelers in 2014, but crime was also down — two arrests compared to more than two dozen arrests in 2014 — as a new bar crawl policy provided funds from organizers for a stepped-up police presence.

Arlington bar crawls may not be as wild and crazy as they once were, but they still rankle some business owners, as well as residents of surrounding neighborhoods, who sometimes complain of parking issues and the occasional drunk who shows up on their lawn.

We asked new County Board members Katie Cristol and Christian Dorsey about that our ARLnow Presents event Wednesday night. (Video below.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyxQZR7UcQc&feature=youtu.be&t=28m15s

Crystal City Parking Garage to Host Bicycle Races Next Month

By Andrew Ramonas

Published February 11, 2016 at 4:30PM

Tandem bicycle riders, fixed-gear aficionados and other cyclists are set to have the chance to race inside a Crystal City parking garage next month.

The “Wednesday Night Spins” indoor race series in the garage at 2345 Crystal Drive is scheduled to kick off March 2 for bicyclists of all abilities, without restrictions on bike types.

According to the Crystal City Business Improvement District, the races include:

Beginners’ Race Series (Cat5/Novice/Junior)
March 2, 9, 16, 23 (Finale)
6:30 PM
Details: The race is for the garage race beginners, novices and juniors. It’s the perfect way to get your adrenaline fix or warm up for the Open Race. Points are awarded each week with the series finale during week 4 (March 23).
Women’s Open Series (All Women/Junior)
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Finale)
7:25 PM
Details: New for 2016 due to popular demand, this women’s only race is open to all experience levels. Points are awarded each week with the series finale during week 5 (March 30).
Open Race Series (All Categories Welcome)
March 2, 9, 16, 23 (Finale)
8:25 PM
Details: If you are an experienced racer, this is where you’ll want to compete. Expect intense speed and competition, but all categories are welcome. Points are awarded each week with the series finale during week 4 (March 23).

But those aren’t the only races. In addition to the Women’s Open Series finale, the other March 30 competitions include:

Beginner/Intermediate/Junior Open Race (All Categories Welcome)
8:25 PM
Details: The Beginner’s and Open Race Series Finales both end during week 4 to make way for the Cargo Bike/Tandem Showdown and the Fixed Gear Finale. The winner may still want to defend his title or the number two may be seeking a rematch in this combined Open Race.
Cargo Bike/Tandem/Bikeshare Showdown
8:00 PM
Details: Prizes, but most importantly, bragging rights are on the line. This 20-minute race is for cargo and tandem haulers only but will also include Bikeshare Parade Laps. Be prepared for special cargo carrying requirements in order to make the podium. This one is sure to be entertaining.
Fixed Gear Finale (Fixed-Gear Bikes Only. No SS Freewheel or Gears.)
8:25 PM
Details: If you are fixin’ for a real rush then the Fixed Gear Finale might be for you. Added by popular demand, this race is the only race of the series that allows fixed gears. No single-speed freewheels nor gears are allowed.

Interested bicyclists can sign up online. Registration is $3 to $15 per race online, depending on the match.

The race is free for spectators, who will have access to a cash bar.

Photo via Crystal City Business Improvement District

‘Love the Run You’re With’ 5K, Party Set for Valentine’s Day

By Andrew Ramonas

Published February 11, 2016 at 9:05AM

Singles, couples and members of the “it’s complicated” crowd are set to converge on Pentagon City for a Valentine’s Day-themed 5K and party this weekend.

Pacers Running’s “Love the Run You’re With” race is scheduled to take over parts of S. Joyce Street and Army Navy Drive Sunday morning. The 5K kicks off at 9 a.m. and begins and ends at Pentagon Row.

Doubling as a matchmaking affair, the race uses bib numbers that correspond to runners’ relationship statuses. Racers can register as single (“Stupid Cupid”), it’s complicated (“Love ’em or Leave ’em”) or in a relationship (“Co-Dependent”).

From 7 to 11 a.m., the Arlington County Police Department plans to close:

S. Joyce Street between S. 15th Street and Army Navy Drive.
Army Navy Drive between S. Joyce Street and S. 25th Street.

Registration is $45 online and includes a blanket — one you’ll probably need with the frigid temperatures. Following the 5K, runners can head to Champps at 1201 S. Joyce Street for a post-race party that will have an awards presentation and a karaoke contest.

Photo via Pacers Running

Here’s What We’re Going to Be Asking the New County Board Members Tonight

By ARLnow.com

Published February 10, 2016 at 3:55PM

Tonight ARLnow.com and Sarah Fraser are hosting new Arlington County Board members Katie Cristol and Christian Dorsey for a discussion about local issues at Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd).

The event is being held tonight (Wednesday) from 6:30-8 p.m. There’s still time to get your tickets online, or you can get it at the door.

Each ticket is only six bucks and is good for a drink and a guaranteed seat at Mad Rose.

We’ll be asking Cristol and Dorsey about a variety of local issues, including:

The compromise deal to widen I-66
The change they hope to bring to Arlington
Millennial and minority participation in county government
Bar crawls
Post-streetcar plans for Columbia Pike
How they managed to win last year in a very competitive Democratic primary

We’ll also be asking three questions suggested by readers, which had the most upvotes as of Tuesday:

Moo 2.0: “Why do we have to pay $33 for a car sticker even though we already pay personal property tax on the vehicle and registration fees?”
Obvious Troll: “The county board has repeatedly shown a willingness to approve new high density developments without accounting for the increased stress the added students living in those developments will place on nearby schools. Will you start requiring builders to make direct contributions towards new PERMANENT student seats in the county (not just trailers), rather than settling for ‘public art’ concessions? If not, why not?”
Arlington Guy: “What is your plan for lowering the tax burden on existing residents? Isn’t that the best way to keep our seniors in their homes and get the younger folks to stay here instead of moving further out when it comes time to start a family?

Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask their own questions during the latter half of the event.

Locals Can Vent About Snow Removal at Public Forum This Month

By Andrew Ramonas

Published February 10, 2016 at 1:15PM

Arlington residents unhappy with the county’s snow removal efforts during last month’s blizzard are getting an opportunity to share their frustration with local officials.

The county is set to host a public “Snow Forum” at Key Elementary (2300 Key Blvd) in two weeks on Wednesday, Feb. 24. The discussion is scheduled to run from 7 to 9 p.m.

“We’re asking people to tell us about their experiences during and after Snowzilla, and to offer suggestions for how we can improve our efforts to quickly recover from snow and ice events,” Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz said in a statement.

Those who were happy with the snow removal effort can, of course, also weigh in.

In addition to the event, the county is also asking locals to fill out its online snow survey by next Friday, Feb. 19. Officials will share results from the questionnaire at the meeting.

Residents can register for the forum online.

Photo via Arlington County

Pentagon City Mall, Eden Center to Celebrate Lunar New Year

By Andrew Ramonas

Published February 9, 2016 at 4:45PM

Lion dances and other Lunar New Year customs are slated to take center stage at Eden Center and the Pentagon City mall this weekend as Northern Virginians mark the Year of the Monkey.

The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (1100 S. Hayes Street) and Eden Center (6751 Wilson Blvd in Falls Church) both are scheduled to host Lunar New Year celebrations Saturday. But only Eden Center plans to keep the party going on Sunday.

At Pentagon City, visitors can catch lion and dragon dances, along with interactive games, Asian-inspired fashion shows and live music, according to a news release from the mall. The party is set to run from noon to 6 p.m. on the ground level of the Nordstrom wing.

As for Eden Center, the Vietnamese shopping destination will have lion dances, face painting, balloon animals and a magician, a Facebook post says. The festivities are slated to begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Image via Eden Center

Mardi Gras Revelers to Parade Through Clarendon This Evening

By Andrew Ramonas

Published February 9, 2016 at 3:30PM | Updated February 9, 2016 at 4:48PM

Masked characters, dogs in costumes, marching bands and other Mardi Gras partiers are set to make their way through Clarendon tonight.

After dodging the threat of snow following two years of weather delays and cancellations, the 17th Annual Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade is slated to kick off at 7 p.m. on Wilson Boulevard, making its way from N. Barton Street to N. Irving Street.

After the parade, revelers then can head to the first-ever Clarendon Mardi Gras Ball at the Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd.) The party is scheduled to run from 7 to 11 p.m.

More than 30 groups are expected to march in the parade, which is organized by the Clarendon Alliance. The non-profit organization has billed the parade as a “family-friendly event” that is “big fun.”

“Participating in the parade is a great way to have fun — participants can wear masks, dress completely inappropriately, and throw stuff at people,” the Clarendon Alliance says on its website. “What’s not to like?”

Except maybe traffic.

Some roads will shut down starting at 4:30 p.m. due to the parade. According to the Arlington County Police Department, the street closures include:

Wilson Blvd from Veitch Street to Barton Street will be closed from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Adams Street and Wayne Street, between Clarendon Blvd and Wilson Blvd, will be closed from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wilson Blvd from Barton Street to Irving Street will be closed from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m.

Clarendon Ballroom will host the Yamomanem Jazz Band and the 8 Ohms Jazz Band and serve traditional Louisiana food, with wine, beer and punch, as part of the Clarendon Mardi Gras Ball.

Ball guests under the age of 21 are welcome to attend, but must have a parent or guardian with them. Tickets to the party cost $20 online and $25 at the door.

Iota Club (2832 Wilson Blvd), meanwhile, will be hosting its own Mardi Gras celebration starting at 8:00 p.m. The free event features a rock-blues band and $3 gumbo shots.

Photo courtesy Jason Dixson Photography

Arlington Agenda: Feb. 8-14

By ARLnow.com

Published February 8, 2016 at 6:55PM

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

Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade and Ball*
Wilson Blvd from N. Barton to N. Irving Street
Time: 7-11 p.m.

When the weather cooperates, the Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade is a fun, free family friendly event with bands, floats, marchers, dogs and horses, and who knows what else. This year’s event will feature a Mardi Gras Ball at Clarendon Ballroom.

New Hampshire Primary Results Watch Party
GMU Founders Hall (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 7-10 p.m.

Come watch coverage of the first-in-the-nation 2016 presidential primary at GMU’s School of Policy, Government and International Affairs. Pizza and drinks will be provided as the results roll in from New Hampshire. RSVP requested.

Wednesday

ARLnow Presents: The County Board Young Bloods*
Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

ARLnow.com and Mad Rose Tavern present a discussion with the newest County Board members, Katie Cristol and Christian Dorsey. Hosted by Sarah Fraser, this discussion will focus on the change Cristol and Dorsey hope to bring to the Board.

Thursday

Sweetgreen Opening in Crystal City*
Sweetgreen (2200 Crystal Drive)
Time: 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sweetgreen is opening a new store in Crystal City and is donating 100% of proceeds to support FRESHFARM Matching Dollars. The program helps make fresh foods more affordable to shoppers using SNAP benefits by doubling what they spend.

Arlington Philharmonic’s Exclusive Screening of ‘Maestro’*
Rosslyn Spectrum Theater (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 6-10 p.m.

For its 10th anniversary, the Arlington Philharmonic will host an exclusive screening of the new documentary “Maestro” about storied conductor Paavo Jarvi. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with film director and producer David Donnelly.

‘The Girls Who Glow’ Historical Drama*
Yorktown High School (5200 Yorktown Blvd)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Free performance and “talkback” about little known historical injustice: the “Radium Girls,” teenage factory workers in the 1920s who were slowly poisoned while painting glow-in-the-dark watches with toxic radium.

Sunday

Valentine’s Day Comedy and ‘The Princess Bride’ Movie Night
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 12:30, 3:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Live comedy featuring Drafthouse favorite Randolph Terrance, followed by a screening of one of the best movies ever made, “The Princess Bride.” The 12:30 p.m. showing is a family-friendly event with a live magic show. Only $10 — inconceivable!

“Cucina Italiana” Valentine’s Day Dinner*
Osteria da Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 4-9:45 p.m.

Owner Antonio Pino invites couples to enjoy a cozy, three-course prix fixe dinner at Osteria da Nino in Shirlington for Valentine’s Day. Includes a complimentary bottle of Prosecco, red roses and romantic live music.

Love Stinks, the Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8 p.m.-Closing

Hate Valentine’s Day? You’re not alone. Celebrate this Hallmark-created “holiday” on the dancefloor with DJs Little Fos and INov8 while imbibing $5 specialty cocktails and meeting like-minded singles.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda