Events | ARLnow.com

Outdoor Movies Coming to Clarendon, Columbia Pike

Published June 15, 2015 at 5:00PM

Arlington residents willing to brave the summer heat have a few more options for outdoor entertainment starting this month.

Outdoor movie festivals at Market Common Clarendon and Penrose Square on Columbia Pike have both announced their weekly lineups.

“Dinner and a Movie on the Loop” will take place on four consecutive Thursday evenings at Market Common Clarendon (2700 Clarendon Blvd), starting this week. The event was started last year as Now Playing at the Loop.

Market Common has added dinner to the mix this year, with a different local restaurant is providing a fixed-price meal before each movie, beginning at 7:45 p.m. In addition, guests can round out their family-friendly cinematic experience with free candy, popcorn and water.

All movies start at 8:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. The schedule is as follows:

June 18 — How To Train Your Dragon 2
June 25 — Grown Ups
July 2 — The Sandlot
July 9 — The Wizard of Oz

Summer Movies @Penrose Square, a free outdoor movie series at Penrose Square (2597 Columbia Pike), started last Saturday (June 13).

The event, sponsored by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, will continue into September. The schedule is as follows:

June 20 — The Hundred Foot Journey (8:45 p.m.)
June 27 — Now You See Me (8:45 p.m.)
July 11 — The Imitation Game (8:45 p.m.)
July 18 — Enough Said (8:45 p.m.)
July 25 — The Grand Budapest Hotel (8:30 p.m.)
Aug 1 — Life of Pi (8:30 p.m.)
Aug 8 — Chef (8:15 p.m.)
Aug 15 — Birdman (8:15 p.m.)
Aug 22 — The Second Best Marigold Hotel (8:15 p.m.)
Aug 29 — How to Train Your Dragon (8:00 p.m.)
Sept 5 — Big Hero 6 (7:45 p.m.)
Sept 12 — X-men: Days of Future Past (7:30 p.m.)
Sept 19 — Interstellar (7:15 p.m.)

Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to both festivals.

CPRO is also sponsoring another movie festival on the Pike this summer. Starting on August 16, CPRO will screen a movie every Sunday until September 20 at the Arlington Mill Community Center.

The movies at Arlington Mill will start at dusk. A schedule is expected to be announced mid-July.

Air Force Cycling Classic Coming This Weekend

By Heather Mongilio

Published June 11, 2015 at 4:30PM | Updated June 12, 2015 at 1:19PM

(Updated at 1:20 p.m.) Hundreds of cyclists will descend on Clarendon and Crystal City for the Air Force Association Cycling Classic this weekend.

The two-day event boasts multiple races, with a men’s and women’s professional cycling race in each neighborhood. There will also be multiple amateur races, kids races and a challenge ride.

On Saturday, the highlight of the event is the Clarendon Cup, a professional/amateur course that takes cyclists through the heart of Clarendon. The course is known as one of the most difficult in the United States, according to the association.

The event starts at 8 a.m. with amateur races from 8-9:50 a.m. The women’s professional teams will race at 10 a.m., and the men’s professional teams will take the course at noon. In between the two professional races is the kid’s race at 11:35 a.m.

Arlington cycling enthusiasts can block out their morning or decide to come for a couple of the races, said Emily Helpern, a PR rep. She recommends viewers watch near the start/finish line, where the main stage is located, at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard N. Herndon Street.

On Sunday, the event moves to Crystal City and starts at 7 a.m. with a non-competitive challenge ride. After the ride concludes, the men’s pro teams will start the Crystal City Cup races at 10:20 a.m, followed by a kid’s race at 12:25 p.m., the women’s pro race at 12:35 p.m. and amateur races at 1:45 p.m.

Helpern also recommends spectators watch from the start/finish line on Crystal Drive between 20th and 23rd Streets S.

Those willing to brave some of Arlington’s hottest days should plan on using the Metro to get down to the course and get off at the Clarendon or Crystal City stations, both of which are on the Blue Line. There will be some public parking on Saturday and parking is free at the Crystal City’s underground public garages.

Residents may want to avoid driving in Clarendon and Crystal City as a result of the races. Many of the roads, including Wilson Boulevard and Clarendon Boulevard, will be closed.

The following roads will be closed from 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday for the Clarendon Cup:

Wilson Boulevard, from Fillmore Street to Washington Boulevard
Clarendon Boulevard, from Washington Boulevard to N. Fillmore Street
Washington Boulevard, from Wilson Boulevard to N. Highland Street
N. Highland Street from Wilson Boulevard to Washington Boulevard
N. Garfield/N. Fillmore Streets from Wilson Boulevard to Washington Boulevard

The following roads will be closed from 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday for the Crystal City Cup:

Crystal Drive, from 15th Street S. through 23rd Street S.
Wilson Boulevard, from N. Kent Street to the ramp to Route 110
S. Clark Street, from 20th Street S. to 23rd Street S.
20th Street S., from Crystal Drive to S. Clark Street
18th Street S., from Crystal Drive to Bell Street
23rd Street S., from Crystal Drive to S. Clark Street
Crystal Drive (west side), from 23rd Street S. to the Century Center Parking Garage

The ramps from Memorial Avenue, to Route 110 and Route 27 on the GW Parkway will be closed Sunday, June 14, from 5 a.m. to noon.

Clarendon ‘Food Truck Thursdays’ Kick Off Today

By Mariah Joyce

Published June 11, 2015 at 11:00AM

Starting today, Clarendon residents will have an additional option for dinner every Thursday, courtesy of a new weekly gathering of food trucks.

The DMV Food Truck Association is helping to organize Clarendon Food Truck Thursdays, which will bring two to five food trucks to the corner of North Irving Street and Washington Boulevard from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Thursday for the rest of the summer and part of fall.

The truck lineup will change from week to week. Tonight features Arepa Zone, which offers Central and South American cuisine, and Bada Bing, which slings cheesesteaks and other “sangweeches.”

Weather permitting, Food Truck Thursdays will continue through the end of October.

Clarendon co-working company Link Locale began Food Truck Thursdays last summer. This year, the food truck association is organizing the weekly event in partnership with Link Locale.

“Clarendon Food Truck Thursdays are a great option for Arlington residents looking for affordable, freshly prepared and quick bites for dinner,”said the association’s executive director, Che Ruddell-Tabisola.

All-American Bar Crawl to Return This Month

By ARLnow.com

Published June 10, 2015 at 3:15PM

Thousands of revelers will celebrate their independence from sobriety at a Fourth of July-themed bar crawl in Clarendon on June 27.

The event will run from 2:00-9:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door.

“The All American Bar Crawl celebrates America’s birthday a few days early!” said the bar crawl’s website. “Rock your red, white and blue and get ready for a day full of Star Spangled shenanigans and bar-hopping in Arlington with thousands of your closest friends.”

Participants will get a “signature freedom mug,” “patriotic party beads,” a raffle entry, free event photos, prizes “for the most festively dressed participants” and, of course, food and drink specials around town. While the drink specials cannot be advertised, per Virginia law, the food specials include $2 cheese pizza slices from Bronx Pizza.

Participating bars include Clarendon Grill, Mad Rose Tavern, American Tap Room, Clarendon Ballroom, Spider Kelly’s, Hard Times Cafe, Hunan One, Whitlow’s, Mister Days, SoBe, Don Tito and IOTA Club and Cafe.

The crawl is being organized by Project DC Events.

Arlington Agenda (June 9-14)

By ARLnow.com

Published June 9, 2015 at 3:30PM

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.

Tuesday

Shirlington Running Club Six Year Anniversary
Bungalow Sports Grill (2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 5:30-10:30 p.m.

The running club celebrates its sixth anniversary at the soon-to-close Bungalow Sports Grill. The club will have pre-race festivities before its signature 5K at 6:30. After the run there will be raffles, giveaways and vendors at the Bungalow.

Wednesday

Brokeback Mountain Screening
Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The library hosts a free screening of Brokeback Mountain as part of its LGBT pride month film series. The R-rated film, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, is the story of a forbidden and secretive relationship between two cowboys.

Friday

Live Comedy: Hal Sparks
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 10:15 p.m.

The former “Talk Soup” host and “Queer as Folk” actor performs live stand-up comedy at the Drafthouse. One performance is scheduled on Friday and two are scheduled on Saturday. Tickets are $20.

Saturday

Saturday Morning Footy*
Bluemont Park (601 N. Machester Street)
Time: 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Free Australian football program for boys and girls aged 5 to 15. The program teaches the rules and skills of the great game of Australian football through fun and safe games and activities.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

Crystal City to Combine Wine Tasting and Art Creation Tonight

By Heather Mongilio

Published June 5, 2015 at 1:30PM

Crystal City will be combining wine with art tonight for the kickoff of its 2015 Wine in the Water Park events.

The events, which are free to attend, feature live music and, for paying customers, sips of various wine varietals.

“Expert noses from [Washington Wine Academy] help guests select and enjoy the perfect wine for an after work beverage to kick-off the weekend right amidst the calming sounds of falling water mixed with live music,” according to the Crystal City website.

This year, the event is being combined with ArtJamz, which offers aspiring artists paint and canvas so they can create their own paintings in a social setting.

Wine in the Waterpark and ArtJamz will run from 6:00-10:00 p.m. tonight and will take place every Friday in June at the Crystal City water park (1750 Crystal Drive).

On Wednesdays in June, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Crystal City will hold Blues, Brews and Barks, featuring beer and live music in a dog-friendly setting. The event will take place at the 2121 Crystal Drive courtyard.

Attendees are encouraged to pick up food from local eateries before going to the park. Beverages will be available in the beer garden. Attendees can get two drink tickets for $5 if bought in advance.

Disclosure: Crystal City BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser

Lubber Run Summer Performances to Start Next Week

By Heather Mongilio

Published June 3, 2015 at 5:45PM

Lubber Run Amphitheater will start its free annual summer performance series next week.

Kicking off the 34 nights of arts and entertainment next Friday (June 12) is Bowen McCauley Dance, a family-friendly dance performance, according to the Lubber Run Amphitheater website. The performance starts at 8 p.m.

Five additional performances were added this season, in August and September.

Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets to the show. Alcohol is prohibited in Lubber Run Park and smoking is discouraged.

In the event of inclement weather, attendees are advised to call 703-228-1850 for day-of information. There are no scheduled rain dates for cancelled performances.

Performances on Monday through Saturday are held at 8 p.m. and performances on Sunday are held at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. After the jump is a full list of performances.

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Arlington Agenda (June 3-7)

By ARLnow.com

Published June 3, 2015 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.

Wednesday

Fmr. Sen. Lincoln Chafee Speech
GMU Founders Hall (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee will give a foreign policy speech in which he’s expected to announce he’s running for president as a Democrat. The event is sponsored by George Mason University and the Financial Times. RSVP required.

Thursday

Summer Concert By the U.S. Army Concert Band
Brucker Hall on Fort Myer (400 McNair Road)
Time: 7:30-9:00 p.m.

The U.S. Army Concert Band presents “Heroes and Villains” — a program of music from some of the more popular good guy/bad guy scenarios from stage and screen. Disney, Broadway, cowboys and gunslingers. Bring the whole family!

Saturday

Strawberry Festival*
Bethel United Church of Christ (4347 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

The annual Strawberry Festival starts with an Attic Sale at 10 a.m. followed at 11 a.m. by strawberry desserts and ice cream, hot dogs and veggie burgers, bake sale, kids games and face painting. Parking available at the Red Cross lot.

D.C. Testy Fest*
American Legion Post 139 (3445 N. Washington Blvd)
Time: 6:00-11:00 p.m.

The Montana State Society would like to invite you to have a ball (literally!) at the 11th annual D.C. Testy Fest. Our Rocky Mountain Oysters are prepared by legendary chef Frank McGraw, and shipped fresh from the Rock Creek Lodge in western Montana.

Sunday

Bark in the Park*
James Hunter Dog Park (1230 N. Hartford Street)
Time: 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Clarendon Animal Care and Clarendon Alliance are sponsoring the first annual Bark in the Park at the James Hunter Dog Park. The event will feature free food, live music, a moon bounce and raffles from local pet-friendly businesses.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

‘Testy Fest’ Returns to Virginia Square

By ARLnow.com

Published June 1, 2015 at 10:00AM

The Montana State Society is again hosting its annual Testicle Festival in Virginia Square this year.

The event, which lets participants dine on all-you-can-eat Rocky Mountain oysters while sipping all-you-can-drink beer and Crown Royal, is scheduled for this Saturday, June 6, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.

As usual the festival is being hosted at American Legion Post 139 (3445 Washington Blvd) and as usual the organizers have a colorful tagline for the event.

“The Montana State Society would like to invite you to have a ball (literally!) at the 11th annual D.C. Testy Fest, ‘Where Big Balls Meet The Beltway,'” said a press release. “You’d be NUTS to miss this!”

Tickets are $25. The event will feature live country music, from The Wil Gravatt Band. For those squeamish about sampling cowboy caviar, food trucks will offer alternative cuisine.

More than 700 people attended last year’s event, according to the society.

‘Israel Fest’ Coming to Shirlington This Weekend

By Heather Mongilio

Published May 28, 2015 at 2:15PM | Updated May 28, 2015 at 3:09PM

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia is bringing its annual Israel Fest to Arlington this weekend.

The free event — dubbed Israel@67 — is billed as a celebration of Israel and Israeli culture. It will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Village in Shirlington.

The event will include live entertainment, Israeli dancing and hands-on activities. There will be food to purchase and an Israeli-styled market.

While the festival has been held in the past in other Northern Virginia locations, this is the first time it has come to Arlington, said Laurie Albert, the center’s Director of Community Engagement.

“The location is wonderful,” she said.

The JCC decided to bring the festival to Arlington because it is a family-friendly area and the organization would reach a community it had not previously, Albert said.

The event will feature nine live musical acts, including Israeli pop singer Hadar and singer-songwriter Yoni Jahasi. There will also be a teen area with a live DJ.

More than 10 synagogues and community partners will have booths for visitors to stop by, and there will also be a moon bounce and balloon artists for children.

To accommodate the festival, Arlington County Police will shut down Campbell Avenue in Shirlington from S. Quincy Street to S. Randolph Street between 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

#Shirlington

‘Espionage’ Theme for Crystal City Summer Movie Fest

By Heather Mongilio

Published May 27, 2015 at 3:30PM

The Crystal City Business Improvement District has revealed the lineup for its annual outdoor summer movie festival. The theme this year: espionage.

The movies begin on June 1 at sunset with “Mission: Impossible.” Other spy-themed movies include “RED,” “Argo” and the “Bourne Identity” series.

The movies are shown weekly on Monday at sunset — around 8:30 p.m. — and are held rain or shine, except in the event of dangerous weather.

Families are encouraged to bring a blanket to the free event. The outdoor “theater” is located in the courtyard of an office building at 1851 S. Bell Street.

The lineup is:

June 1 — Mission: Impossible
June 8 — Mission: Impossible II
June 15 — Mission: Impossible III
June 22 — Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol
June 29 — Charlie Wilson’s War
July 6 — RED
July 13 — Argo
July 20 — Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
July 27 — Body of Lies
Aug. 3 — Enemy of the State
Aug. 10 — The Bourne Identity
Aug. 17 — The Bourne Supremacy
Aug. 24 — The Bourne Ultimatum
Aug. 31 — The Bourne Legacy