Events | ARLnow.com

Road Closures for the Shirlington Beer Festival

Published April 24, 2015 at 3:00PM

Tomorrow, Campbell Avenue Shirlington will close down while dozens of breweries will open up tents and booths for the second annual Spring Beer Festival.

From 4:30 a.m. to about 8:00 p.m., Campbell Avenue will be shut down between S. Randolph and Quincy Streets, according to the Arlington County Police Department, to allow the more than 35 breweries in attendance to set up their tents.

The actual event begins at noon, when festival-goers can purchase a $30 booklet of 10 tickets for tastings from the breweries, which are largely from the mid-Atlantic region. The taps will turn off at 6:00 p.m.

In addition to vehicular traffic, parking will also be restricted in the area. Residents and visitors should look for “no parking” signs in the area before leaving their car parked overnight.

Air Force Association Cycling Classic Returns June 13-14

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 22, 2015 at 2:00PM | Updated April 23, 2015 at 6:38PM

The D.C. region’s biggest cycling race is coming back to Arlington for its 18th running next month.

The Air Force Association Cycling Classic will take place in Clarendon and Crystal City over the weekend of June 13 and. The event will have several races, inviting cyclists of all ages and skill levels to participate in the event most appropriate for them.

The premier race of the weekend is Saturday’s Clarendon Cup, a pro/am race that will take riders up and down Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards in the heart of the neighborhood. That race is part of the National Criterium Calendar, a 13-race tour organized by USA Cycling.

Sunday morning, the Challenge Ride — a 15-kilometer jaunt up Route 110 and around the Pentagon, Air Force Memorial and Crystal City — will kick off, allowing anyone to register and compete.

During the Challenge Ride, staffs from congressional representatives will be invited to compete as teams, racing for their party. There are also races for kids, competitive amateurs and opportunities to compete as corporate teams. The Challenge Ride costs $60 to participate, with a $10 discount for active, reserve and retired military members.

Sunday afternoon, the event will conclude with the Crystal Cup, another National Criterium Calendar race, that will take riders along Jefferson-Davis Highway and Crystal Drive in Crystal City.

File photo

Activities for Earth Day Around Arlington

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 21, 2015 at 11:00AM

Tomorrow is Earth Day, and in honor of the 45th anniversary of the holiday dedicated to the environment, Arlington residents and workers can take part in several events around the county this week.

On the eve of Earth Day, this afternoon at the Arlington Mill Community Center (909 S. Dinwiddie Street), the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting an Earth Day scavenger hunt. From 3:00-5:00 p.m., teams will form to take pictures, find clues and solve puzzles, all with a goal of promoting sustainability. Registration is required for the event, and those interested can email to sign up.

Tomorrow, the Rosslyn Business Improvement District is providing its annual planting clinic. At the Plaza on 19th — the small public space at the corner of N. Moore and 19th Streets — from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the BID’s landscaping contractor will give demonstrations on how to plant your own garden and maintain it. Attendees will be able to take home a potted plant of their own, and one of Rosslyn’s food trucks will be on hand for the hungry planters.

On Saturday, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., George Mason University’s Arlington campus is throwing a “Go Gaga for Green” event. There will be a silent auction for rain barrels decorated by Arlington Public Schools students, a lip-sync battle, green-themed food and drink and a raffle. Tickets are $25 and free for APS families and staff. Proceeds will benefit the Arlington County Council of PTAs’ scholarship fund, GMU’s Early Identification Program, which funds first-generation college students and Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment’s Energy Masters Program.

For more environmentally themed events this week and in the future, you can visit Arlington’s website.

Arlington Agenda (April 20-26)

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 20, 2015 at 10:20AM

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

Volunteer Arlington Day
Holiday Inn Rosslyn (1900 N. Fort Myer Drive, Shenandoah Room)
Time: noon-4:00 p.m.

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce is organizing this half-day, countywide event. Individuals, teams and businesses are encouraged to donate their time and services to the cause. Register here.

Wednesday

All-you-can-eat Crab Legs*
Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 5:00-9:00 p.m.

For $22, patrons can eat all the snow crab legs they want, plus enjoy happy hour specials on domestic bottles, Fireball, sangria, mojitos and margaritas. Reservations are recommended.

Friday

Live Theater: Children of Eden*
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Lane)
Time: 7:30-10:00 p.m.

The St. Andrew’s Players stages their interpretation of Stephen Schwartz’s “Children of Eden.” Performances also on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Free, but donations encouraged.

Saturday

Shoe School at Pentagon City Mall
Nordstrom at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (1400 S. Hayes Street)
Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.

To celebrate a new shoe design studio, called “Shoes of Prey,” in the store, Nordstrom is hosting a shoe school, where customers can learn how to design their own shoe. Event repeats on Sunday.

Sunday

Pro-LGBT Interfaith Service*
Congregation Etz Hayim (2920 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Two days before the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on gay marriage, an interfaith group is hosting a service to support and embrace members of the LGBT community.

Film Screening: Sound the Alarm*
Bethel United Church of Christ (4037 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Bethel UCC is hosting a screening of an autism film and hosting a panel discussion afterward. Event is free, but donations to Autism Speaks are highly encouraged.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Students Launch Free Dodgeball Tournament Next Weekend

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 16, 2015 at 11:00AM

A pair of Yorktown High School students, and flying projectile enthusiasts, are hosting a two-day, free dodgeball tournament next weekend.

The tournament starts at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25 and runs all day, both days, at Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road). Adults, teenagers and children are welcome, and will be split into divisions based on age. There are divisions for 11 and younger, 14 and under, 17 and under and 18 and over.

The tournament is the brainchild of Yorktown students Patrick Wallace and Hayden Kickbush. While the tournament is free, Wallace and Kickbush are asking for attendees to donate what they can to fund the tournament and raise money for physical education equipment for D.C. area schools in need. They have set up an online fundraising page, and have already raised $1,325 of a stated $9,000 goal.

The boys got the idea for the tournament from a trip to Hawaii, where one of them saw a community dodgeball tournament and was inspired, according to the tournament’s website.

“We experienced a heartwarming community and a tournament based on good morals and having a good time,” the website reads. “We were so moved by the experience that we wanted to replicate the same thing here in the Arlington area. Arlington Dodgeball aims to have a very community friendly tournament while also giving back to the community.”

According to Wallace’s father, Marc, the boys have received nonprofit approval by the IRS, so all donations are tax-deductible. The tournament itself will cost about $7,000 to run, Wallace said. If there is money left over, the boys will determine which school in the area will receive the donated equipment.

Registration for the tournament is limited and filling up fast, Wallace said, so individuals or teams should register as soon as possible to ensure a spot.

Photo via Arlington Dodgeball

Arlington Agenda (April 13-19)

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 13, 2015 at 5:00AM

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

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Hosts Twilight Tattoo
Whipple Field (Marshall Drive, Joint Base Fort Myer-Henderson Hall)
Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno will give Outstanding Civilian Service Awards during Ft. Myer’s weekly Twilight Tattoo pageant. Free to attend.

Wednesday

All-you-can-eat Crab Legs*
Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 5:00-9:00 p.m.

For $22, patrons can eat all the snow crab legs they want, plus enjoy happy hour specials on domestic bottles, Fireball, sangria, mojitos and margaritas. Reservations are recommended.

Thursday

Live Music: Fatoumata Diawara
Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8:00-10:00 p.m.

African folk singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara plays guitar, sings and composes drum arrangements to her music, which has fans like Herbie Hancock. Tickets are $24.

Saturday

AFAC Young Professionals Fundraiser*
Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill (2424 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6:00 p.m.-midnight

A night of music, dancing and auction prizes all go to benefit the Arlington Food Assistance Center, feeding families in need. Tickets are $35 each or $60 for two.

Sunday

Carjacking Self-Defense Seminar*
Nova MMA (1425 N. Quincy Street)
Time: noon-3:00 p.m.

“Living in the DMV, car jacking situations are a reality and on the rise,” Nova MMA says. They are offering a three-hour self-defense seminar for $50. Reserve a spot here.

Affordable Housing Public Forum*
Arlington Mill Residences (901 S. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.

A public forum on the disappearance of affordable housing in Arlington County and the path forward. Featuring County Board member Walter Tejada, moderated by former state Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple.

“Sole Celebration” fundraiser for Doorways*
Lyon Hall (3100 Washington Blvd)
Time: 3:30-6:30 p.m.

an annual fundraiser honoring the memory of a 34-year-old brain cancer victim will benefit Doorways for Women and Families this year. Tickets are $35 each.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Arlington Bells to Ring This Afternoon for Civil War Anniversary

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 9, 2015 at 2:30PM

At 3:15 p.m., any building with a bell is encouraged to ring it for four minutes to commemorate the end of the Civil War, 150 years ago today.

“Bells across the Land” will start at 3:00 p.m. at Appomattox Court House 170 miles away from Arlington, where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865.

Fifteen minutes later, “churches, temples, schools, city halls, public buildings, historic sites, and others are invited to ring bells” for four minutes, one minute for each year of the Civil War, the National Park Service said in a press release.

In Arlington, at least one building will be joining in the nationwide campaign. The Arlington Historical Society will ring the bell at The Hume School, which now serves as the Arlington Historical Museum.

The National Park Service also owns the Netherlands Carillon near Rosslyn, which has 50 bells on its distinctive structure. The Carillon is less than a mile away from Arlington House, the former home of Robert E. Lee.

Photo via the Arlington Historical Society.

Giant Slip and Slide Event Could Come to Arlington This Summer

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 8, 2015 at 3:25PM

A giant slip and slide event — which closes several blocks to install a 1,000-foot-long water slide — is eyeing Arlington for an event this summer.

Slide the City brings the gigantic vinyl slide to cities around the country and charges between $15 and $60 for participants to slide in their own inflatable tube down closed-off roads and parks. On the event’s website, Arlington is listed as a site for Saturday, June 27.

Utah-based Slide the City is in the process of acquiring a special events permit to run the event and has yet to set a location within the county. We’re told that the June date is not final, and that it may ultimately be scheduled for as late as August.

Event organizers have been using elevation maps to try to scout out the best place for the slide, and have discussed locations in Rosslyn, Clarendon and elsewhere, we hear. No decision is made, and no permit is expected to be granted until May at the earliest.

Participants have the option of booking one slide, three slides or unlimited slides. All get a mouthpiece, a temporary tattoo and a drawstring bag. Those interested can sign up for a mailing list to be updated on Slide the City’s progress, including when registration opens.

“We like to think of ourselves as carney workers, without the mullets and the missing teeth,” Slide the City says on its website. “Slide the City is a family friendly slip-and-slide water party event. There will be live music, food, drinks, water, and of course the biggest slip and slide ever to hit asphalt. Don’t worry, we’ve got it padded. This slide’s got more cushion than your grandpa’s orthopedic sneakers.”

Slide the City’s organizers did not respond to a request for comment.

Photo via Slide the City

#water park

Republican Fundraising Karaoke in Clarendon Goes National

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 7, 2015 at 11:45AM

Tonight, O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub, at 3207 Washington Blvd in Clarendon, will be the flagship bar for a nationwide karaoke event heralding a just-announced presidential candidate.

#LibertyKaraoke has been celebrating Republican candidates for years in Arlingotn and growing steadily. Tonight’s weekly event coincides with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.)’s announcement that he is running for president.

The event is free, but a donation to Paul’s campaign is encouraged. More than 250 people have RSVP-ed so far.

What started as an Arlington-only event, founded by Arlington-Falls Church Young Republicans Chairman Matthew Hurtt, has exploded nationwide. Tonight, there will be more than 60 events across the country, from Vermont to Minnesota to Texas, all free, all karaoke to raise money for the Libertarian-leaning candidate.

Hurtt told the Washington Post that a “special guest” could make an appearance at #LibertyKaraoke Manchester, N.H., implying the senator himself might grab the mic. At previous karaoke fundraisers at O’Sullivan’s, Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) have stopped by.

Image via Facebook

Arlington Agenda (April 6-12)

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 6, 2015 at 11:00AM

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

Startup Competition and Networking Event
Disruption Corporation (2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000)
Time: 2:00-6:00 p.m.

Startups from the southeast gather to present before a panel of entrepreneur elite. Winners of the regional competition move to the national 36|86 competition in June. Networking to follow the free event.

Wednesday

Fundraising Breakfast*
Sheraton Pentagon City (900 S. Orme Street)
Time: 7:45-9:00 a.m.

Offender Aid and restoration hosts a free breakfast honoring County Manager Barbara Donnellan and Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille for “banning the box” on job applications. RSVP is required.

All-you-can-eat Crab Legs*
Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 5:00-9:00 p.m.

For $22, patrons can eat all the snow crab legs they want, plus enjoy happy hour specials on domestic bottles, Fireball, sangria, mojitos and margaritas. Reservations are recommended.

Thursday

Lecture: Civil War Contraband Camps
Marymount University (2807 N. Glebe Road, Reinsch Library)
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Northern Virginia Civil War historian Ron Baumgarten will discuss “contraband camps” — refuges for escaped slaves in Arlington and Fairfax — during this hourlong, free lecture.

Saturday

Pinhole photography exhibit and talk*
Cherrydale Branch Library (2190 Military Road)
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Photographer Scott Speck debuts his exhibit of landscape photographs taken with his pinhole camera, including a discussion on the medium. Free and open to all.

Live Music: Carrie Newcomer*
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer hosts a workshop from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on connecting everyday lives with faith. In the evening, she performs her original works. Tickets range from $10-$35.

Sunday

Live Music: Brahms and Beethoven*
Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ (5010 Little Falls Road)
Time: 4:00-6:00 p.m.

The principal horn of the Washington National Opera orchestra, Geoff Pilkington, performs with the IBIS Chamber group. The concert of classical composer music is free, but donations are welcome.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

#Arlington Agenda

Rosslyn Summer Movie Theme: ‘LOL Fridays’

By Ethan Rothstein

Published April 1, 2015 at 3:00PM | Updated April 1, 2015 at 5:39PM

(Updated at 5:40 p.m.) The Rosslyn Business Improvement District has announced the lineup for its weekly outdoor movie, returning this summer: quotable comedies.

Last year’s theme was “Office Space,” a chance for the thousands of workers in Rosslyn to laugh at movies’ depictions of their daily lives. This year, the comedies will be more farcical than ever, with modern classics “Wedding Crashers,” “The Big Lebowski” and “Zoolander” all lined up.

Each movie will start at dusk — generally between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. at Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway) — and is free to attend. Viewers are encouraged to bring picnics, or enjoy dinner and drinks beforehand; the Continental Pool Lounge‘s happy hour nearby ends at 8:00 p.m.

The weekly showings begin on Friday, June 5. The lineup is as follow:

June 5: Wedding Crashers
June 12: Mean Girls
June 19: Happy Gilmore
June 26: Tommy Boy
July 3: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
July 10: When Harry Met Sally
July 17: Anchorman
July 24: Clueless
July 31: The Big Lebowski
Aug. 7: Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery
Aug. 14: The Hangover
Aug. 21: Despicable Me
Aug. 28: Zoolander

Disclosure: Rosslyn BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser.