Events in Arlington County, VA

Arlington Reads celebrates 20 years with a season that explores American life, history, and culture through food as part of the library’s recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary. This program features a discussion with Jessica B. Harris about food, culture, and community. Harris is a culinary historian, professor emerita at Queens College, and the author of 15 books, including Braided Heritage. She is a two-time James Beard Foundation Award winner, receiving Lifetime Achievement in 2020, and her book High on the Hog was adapted into a four-part Netflix series in 2021. Registration is recommended on the Arlington Public Library website, seating is first come first served, and registrants will receive event updates. The program will also stream online and be available as a recording on Arlington County’s YouTube channel, and registration will provide the viewing link.

Zouk Fire Fridays introduces a new monthly Zouk and Lambada social to the DC metro area from the creators of the Zouk Heat Festival. Built around both lively and relaxed vibes inspired by the festival’s Fire Room and Chill Room, it offers space to connect, move, and enjoy the music at a comfortable pace. Each edition brings a featured instructor, thoughtfully crafted music sets, and a welcoming dance floor shaped by the Zouk Heat team. The evening starts with a class, then transitions into social dancing. It takes place at Inspira Dance inside Ballston Quarter. The venue is metro accessible through a covered tunnel and is surrounded by many restaurants and bars for pre social meetups. Parking is available on nearby streets at no cost, or in the Ballston garage where payment is made upon arrival. Parking on level G3 is recommended, and rates are $1 for the first three hours, $3 for four hours, and $5 for five hours. This is planned as a recurring monthly social that may run one to two times per month. Ticket information will be announced soon.

Tickets for MAPV 2026 are now available, and prices remain the same as last year. The program features speaker presentations, hands-on workshops, offsite photo shoots, and personalized one-on-one sessions. Build your own experience by selecting the options that match your interests, or take part in everything for a full day of photography learning and practice.

A new edition of the rotating Changemakers exhibit highlights people whose contributions helped shape Arlington’s history and community. As part of Arlington 250, it recognizes local leaders, advocates, educators, innovators, and community builders whose actions made a lasting impact. Their stories invite reflection on how individuals influence their communities and help shape Arlington’s past, present, and future.

HER ZOUK Society is hosting a casual pre-game meetup during Zouk Fire Weekend: Fluid Fire, bringing dancers together for dinner, drinks, and conversation at Ted's Bulletin in Ballston Quarter. This gathering offers a relaxed way to recharge and connect before the evening’s dancing, with the group planning to head upstairs afterward to the Inspira Dance studio, also within Ballston Quarter. Attendees are asked to RSVP so an accurate headcount can help secure a large table.

Spend Saturday nights with After Dark at Punch Bowl Social, featuring hourly raffles, prizes, drink specials, and throwback board games to play with friends. Drink specials include $7 wells, $5 shots, $6 draft beer, and $3 Red Bull and Liquid Death. Every second Saturday also features a themed night.

Church of the Covenant offers a two-part workshop on planning for the end of life, led by Rev. Caitlin Culp and death doula Kristen Patterson, MS, MPH. The sessions include lunch and compassionate discussion, with topics covering Virginia’s Advance Directive for Health Care, burial options, memorial service planning, and writing legacy letters. Registration is helpful for lunch planning but is not required.

This rotating exhibit at the Arlington Historical Museum highlights local leaders, advocates, educators, innovators, and community builders whose contributions shaped Arlington’s history and community. Through their stories, visitors can reflect on how individuals influence their communities and help define Arlington’s past, present, and future.

A pre-Thanksgiving speed dating evening in Arlington welcomes DC-area singles ages 34 to 49 for a series of quick conversations that make it easy to see if sparks fly. Expect to meet at least five and up to twelve local people, rotating through six-minute chats that provide just enough time to decide if you want to connect further. After each round, simply note who you would like to hear from again and the host manages the matchmaking, creating a smooth, low-pressure experience in a safe, friendly setting. Presented by Pre-Dating, a long-running organizer established in 2001 that has produced more than 38,000 events and reports thousands of successful matches, this special edition has been highlighted by media outlets including CNN, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, CBS, Axios, Bravo, and TLC’s 90 Day Fiance The Single Life, among many others. The gathering takes place at Astro Beer Hall in Arlington.

Their final O'Sullivan's performance of the year brings a high energy set in a neighborhood bar atmosphere, with the music rolling late into the night.

Punch Bunch Kid’s Club offers monthly kid-friendly fun with DIY craft stations, board games, party favors while supplies last, and a family-friendly playlist. A brunch and lunch menu is available for children and accompanying adults, and kids under 12 receive free soda. The first arcade game is free, and RSVP is free.

The Leftovers return to Clarendon for another fun night.

A monthly DJ swing dance at the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department features a beginner lesson led by Caitlin and Robert, followed by social dancing to DJed music. The atmosphere is friendly and low pressure, no partner is required, and it is a good chance to practice your steps. Admission is $10 at the door, payable by cash or check only. Credit cards are not accepted.

Enjoy an evening of country western dancing with music by DJ Kevin Handy at Faith Lutheran Church. Couples and line dancers are welcome. Lessons follow the music, with quick refreshers on the two dances taught at the previous gathering. The line dance and couples lessons are to be announced. Dancers of many experience levels attend, and the atmosphere is family friendly so children are welcome. Admission is $10 for members, $15 for non members, and $5 for kids attending with a parent. Membership is $20 per year with prorating, runs from June 1 to May 31, and offers discounts for couples and multi year options. Bring your own non alcoholic beverages. Water bottle filling stations may be available in parts of the building. Light snacks are fine, and participants are asked to clean up afterward. Weather related decisions follow Fairfax County Government announcements, not the schools. Volunteers are appreciated for short and long term projects, and there are open seats on the board of directors.

The Leftovers return to Clarendon for another lively evening at O'Sullivan's Irish Pub.

Celebrate the season with a friendly 5k or 8 miler starting near Gravelly Point, featuring a mostly flat, paved out-and-back on the Mount Vernon Trail. The 8 miler uses a special route that reaches Theodore Roosevelt Island for a scenic stretch you do not often see on this event’s calendar. Walkers and strollers are welcome, and a virtual option is available for those who prefer to participate from a distance. Points earned count toward the Year-Long 5k, 10k, and Back of the Pack Series, as well as the Fall Series. Participants receive a finisher medal, a technical performance shirt, and chip timing. Hydration support includes four stations on the 8 miler at approximate mile markers 1.55, 2.8, 5.2, and 6.45, plus one station on the 5k near mile 1.55, with sports drink available at select stops. Portable restrooms are located near the parking area. Packet pickup is offered on site, and there is no on-site registration. Live results will be available through Athlinks with a QR code at the event for immediate access, and runner tracking is available by opting into SMS during registration. Event photos captured by staff will be shared on social channels after the race, and a weekly social media challenge highlights standout posts from race weekend with a chance to earn half off a future race. Awards recognize the top three men and women overall, along with first and second place male and female finishers in the following divisions: 19 and under, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70 plus. Runners who place in the overall top three are not eligible for age group awards. This event partners with the John P. Mayhugh Foundation, a 501(c)(3) created in memory of John Powell Mayhugh to advance a more comprehensive approach to brain health. The foundation works to remove barriers to recovery and improve outcomes for people affected by post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and addiction. A Back of the Pack program offers a way for participants with similar pacing to compete for series points and is not a cutoff. The race is planned to proceed in a wide range of weather conditions, and any changes or delays will be communicated to registered participants. Volunteers support key needs such as water stations, course guidance, and finish line operations. Banditing is prohibited to protect safety, resources, and eligibility, and violations may lead to removal from the course and disqualification.

Comedian Alonzo Bodden brings a night of stand-up to Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. Expect quick wit, sharp observations, and plenty of laughs.

Connect with members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies at a free, inclusive social hosted by Go Gay DC. The gathering offers a chance to meet new people, build community, network, or relax over happy hour. Palette 22 serves global modern street food in an art studio and gallery setting. Casual attire is welcome, and a cash bar accepts cash or credit cards. Name tags will be provided, and an RSVP is recommended. The space welcomes everyone under the rainbow.

Shannon Fiedler brings a live comedy show to Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. The New York City comedian, writer, and content creator has built an audience of more than 600,000 across social media and was recognized as a Comic To Watch at the 2023 New York Comedy Festival. Her work has appeared with CBS, BuzzFeed, Barstool, Overheard New York, Betches, and Gratzia. In 2024 she released her debut special, “30, Flirty and Crying,” on YouTube.

Arlington Reads marks its 20th year with a focus on American life, history, and culture through the lens of food. This program features a conversation with B. Dylan Hollis about food, culture, and community. Hollis is a Bermudian American baking entertainer, bestselling author, and viral creator whose books include “Baking Yesteryear” and “Baking Across America: A Vintage Recipe Road Trip.” Raised in Bermuda and trained in jazz piano at the University of Wyoming, he discovered a passion for reviving vintage recipes during the pandemic, drawing millions of viewers to watch him make nostalgic and unconventional treats like potato chip cookies and tomato soup cake. Registration through Arlington Public Library is recommended, seating is first come, first served, and registrants receive updates. The program will also be livestreamed and available as a recording on Arlington County’s YouTube channel, and registration provides the online link. This event is presented in partnership with George Mason University.

NYC based comedian, writer and content creator Shannon Fiedler appears live at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse in Arlington. She reaches more than 600,000 followers on social media and was named a Comic To Watch at the 2023 New York Comedy Festival. Her work has been featured by CBS, BuzzFeed, Barstool, Overheard New York, Betches and Gratzia. Her debut special, 30, Flirty and Crying, premiered on YouTube in 2024.

Tackle a paved out and back course at Barcroft Park in Arlington, where both the 5k and 10k follow the Four Mile Run Trail with a mix of gentle rollers. This event contributes points toward the Year-Long 5k, 10k, and Back of the Pack Series, and also counts for the Fall Series. A virtual option is available for anyone who prefers to run from another location. Every participant receives a finisher medal, a technical performance shirt, and chip timing. On-course support includes water stations at approximately miles 1.55, 3.1, and 4.65 on the 10k, with the 5k passing a station near mile 1.55, and some stops offering Gatorade. Packet pickup is available on site, and on-site registration will be offered, though shirt sizes may be limited for those who sign up at the event. Live results can be viewed by scanning a QR code at the finish, and final standings with series points will be posted online afterward. Awards recognize the top three men and women overall, plus first and second place male and female in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and up. Overall podium finishers are not also eligible for age group awards. Staff photos will be shared on the organizer’s social media after the race, and a weekly social media challenge highlights a favorite post from the prior race weekend with a prize of 50 percent off a future event. Portable restrooms are available in the park, and parking is offered at Barcroft Park. The Back of the Pack Series welcomes participants who prefer a more relaxed pace so runners of similar speeds can compete for series points. This is an all-weather race, and any schedule changes or cancellations will be communicated to registered participants and on social channels. Only registered runners are permitted on the course, and unregistered participation may result in removal and disqualification.

A lively duo returns to Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub in Arlington, VA, delivering favorite hits with a few cheeky send-ups along the way. The show centers on easygoing fun with something for everyone.

A casual pre-game meetup with Her Zouk Society offers time to connect over food and drinks before heading to Zouk Heat's Fire Fridays. Attendees meet at Istanbul Grill Virginia for a relaxed bite and conversation, then walk together to the studio when it is time for the dancing to begin. The restaurant is right across the street from the studio, making it a convenient spot to gather and explore the area beforehand. An RSVP is requested to help secure a large table.

Children in grades K to 5 can enjoy a holly jolly evening of theater-based activities at Encore at Cherrydale United Methodist Church. The program features festive games, merry crafts, imaginative storytelling, creative movement, and seasonal songs, giving young performers plenty of chances to sing, play, and create together while making new friends in a warm, welcoming setting. Participants should eat dinner beforehand and may bring a snack, since no food will be provided. The fee is $40, and refunds are only issued if the class is canceled.

At the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department, this monthly social features a beginner swing lesson led by Caitlin and Robert, followed by a dance with music from a DJ. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, no partner is required, and it offers a comfortable way to practice your steps. Admission is $10 at the door, payable by cash or check only. Credit cards are not accepted.

A new monthly Zouk and Lambada social is lighting up the DC Metro area with a multi energy experience built around connection, movement, and music at your own pace. Created by the team behind the Zouk Heat Festival and inspired by its Fire Room and Chill Room concept, it blends lively momentum with relaxed spaces and a strong sense of community. The evening begins with a class, then transitions into social dancing featuring dynamic music and a welcoming floor that carries the signature Zouk Heat feel, with a featured instructor highlighted each time. The gathering takes place at Inspira Dance inside Ballston Quarter. It is Metro accessible through a covered tunnel, and the area offers plenty of nearby restaurants and bars if you want to meet up before dancing. Parking is straightforward, with free street options and a convenient garage where you pay upon arrival, and parking on level G3 is available. This series runs monthly, one to two times per month, and ticket information will be released soon.

The Leftovers return to Clarendon for another evening packed with energy and good times, bringing a lively night that keeps the fun going.

A festive 5k and 10k winds along the Mount Vernon Trail beside the Potomac River, with skyline views that include the Washington Monument, and starts and finishes near Gravelly Point Park. The route is paved, mostly flat, and out-and-back, heading south to Daingerfield Island before returning. Walkers and strollers are welcome. A virtual option is available for those who cannot attend in person. Participants receive chip timing, a finisher medal, and a technical event shirt, with early registrants guaranteed a shirt and additional sizes available while supplies last. Shirt artwork will be shared once approved and the race medal design will be revealed shortly before race day. This event benefits Girls on the Run NOVA, supporting programs that grow confidence, encourage regular physical activity, and empower participants to advocate for themselves and others. Points from this race apply to the Year-Long 5k, 10k, and Back of the Pack Series, as well as the Fall Series. The Back of the Pack designation is not a course cutoff, it highlights a series for athletes with a higher average pace so runners of similar speed can compete for series points. On-course support includes one water stop on the 5k and four on the 10k at approximately miles 1.55, 2.8, 3.4, and 4.65, with water and Gatorade available at select stations. Portable restrooms are located near the parking area. Packet pickup takes place on-site, and there is no race-day on-site registration. Live results will be available promptly after you finish, with a scannable code at the event for instant access, and final results with series points will be posted shortly after. Optional SMS tracking is available during registration so friends and family can follow your progress. Awards recognize the top three men and women overall, plus the first and second male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 plus. Overall podium finishers are not eligible for age group awards. Event photos captured by staff will be shared on social media in the days following the race. The race is held in all weather, with any schedule adjustments communicated by the organizer via email and social media. An anti-banditing policy is in effect to protect participant safety and resources.

Ring in the new year with a roaming celebration through Clarendon using the All Access Party Pass, which grants cover-free general admission to a curated mix of bars, clubs, and lounges. Each participating venue features a five hour open bar, and live DJs keep the dance floors moving deep into the night as the energy builds after midnight. Choose your own route between hotspots to create your ideal night out. Current planned stops include BOE and Mister Days, with locations subject to change. An All Access Party Pass wristband is required for entry at participating venues, and wristbands are picked up at designated registration points with a ticket. Admission is subject to each venue’s capacity, so lines may pause temporarily when a location is full until space opens up.