This weekend in Arlington, VA

Doric Lodge No. 19 and Naomi Chapter No. 9 come together for their annual joint cookout at Hains Point. This friendly outdoor gathering highlights fellowship and food in a relaxed setting. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 202-669-7886 or Leonard Minus at 301-356-2995.

At the Farmers Market, the Arlington Courthouse plant clinic is staffed by Extension Master Gardeners. They answer general gardening questions, provide guidance on pests and diseases, and help with plant identification.

Farmers Market SW comes to The Wharf, featuring area growers and their fresh, locally sourced foods in collaboration with Diverse Markets DC. Look for the market at M Street Landing, just outside Pitango, Philippe Chow, and Fish Shop.

Following a weather postponement, the Warwick Village & Friends Mega Yard Sale returns with a community-wide marketplace. Participation is free and open to Warwick Village and nearby neighborhoods, and kids are welcome to sell alongside adults. While browsing for bargains, attendees can contribute food donations to ALIVE! at select collection points, making it easy to shop and give back. Sellers may sign up to be included on the official sale map and featured in event promotions.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck returns to Westpost at National Landing with a pop-up in the courtyard near DSW. Visitors can shop a variety of adorable treats and themed merchandise, available while supplies last.

Discover the newest installment of a rotating Changemakers exhibit that celebrates people whose contributions have shaped Arlington’s history and civic life. Presented as part of Arlington 250, this temporary display recognizes local leaders, advocates, educators, innovators, and community builders whose work made a lasting difference across the county. By sharing their stories, it encourages visitors to reflect on how individual actions can influence a community and help define Arlington’s past, present, and future.

Explore the new Adoption Center’s no appointment needed, adopt on the spot events. Meet friendly dogs and cats looking for permanent homes, and bring everyone in your household to support a shared commitment. If you plan to bring your own dog, leave them in the car at first and speak with staff for next step instructions. Cat enthusiasts can also stop by the Meow Palace next door to meet adoptable cats and kittens. This is a family friendly opportunity to connect with pets who are eager to meet new people.

A Forever Home will be on site for Community Day at The Mott Community Center. Weather permitting, they plan to bring dogs and puppies that are available for adoption so people can meet them. Entertainment and refreshments will be available.

LGBTQ+ Community Brunch at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant brings people together on the enclosed front patio for good food and easy conversation. Attendance is free, and everyone pays for their own order on a separate card, so there is no group tab. Casual attire is welcome. Name tags will be provided, and a small group of about ten community members is anticipated. Guests can order from the menu or opt for the all you can eat buffet that includes a mimosa or coffee, tea, or a soft drink, plus dessert for $14.99. Friends are welcome, and event photos can be tagged with #gogaydc. Parking is usually available on nearby residential streets, and the closest Metro stop is Crystal City. The venue is smoke free and welcomes both LGBTQ+ guests and allies. It has been recognized by Washington Blade readers as Best Virginia Bar. The gathering is presented by Go Gay DC, an inclusive community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. This event is for ages 18 and over, and a valid ID is required for alcohol service. Free RSVP on Eventbrite helps with the guest count, and Go Gay DC leader TJ Flavell will be there to greet attendees.

Old Town Run Club welcomes The Commodore to the neighborhood with a 5K fun run and walk meet up. After getting in the miles, participants can spend time at The Commodore, which offers pool, darts, thin crust pizza, and a brunch menu.

Head to Commonwealth Brewing Co Fairfax for a carnival themed day designed for all ages. Play games, browse local vendors while you shop, and enjoy tasty food with a cold beer. A family friendly outing with plenty to explore.

The Woodbridge Flute Choir Quartet performs a mix of classical selections, American standards, pop, jazz, and new original pieces. The program showcases the flute family, featuring concert flute, piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute. It is part of the Summer Reading Adventure and is offered at various FCPL branches over the summer. Registration may be required.

This event offers a warm and welcoming time of fellowship and friendly connection.

A rock and roll band will perform at Westover Beer Garden.

The Capital City Showcase puts on a fun, mixed-format night with trivia, stand-up comedy, and a karaoke battle. The evening kicks off with three rounds of trivia, then moves into comedy featuring Dom Grayer as the headliner. Afterward, the top trivia teams send up players for a karaoke battle, with the audience picking the winner. After the competition, it transitions into a regular sign-up karaoke night so everyone can sing. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show runs for about two hours. The event is for ages 21+.

Video Nasties presents a new wave drag showcase featuring local performers paying tribute to favorites like Talking Heads, DEVO, The B-52s, and more. Enjoy a spirited lineup of performances that channel the quirky, high-energy spirit of the genre. This all-ages event highlights beloved new wave music through the creativity and flair of a talented cast of drag artists.

Experience an evening of improvisational rock that honors the legacy of the Grateful Dead as Better Off Dead teams up with rising artist Bella Rayne. Better Off Dead goes beyond a typical tribute act, channeling the exploratory spirit of the Dead with setlists that draw from across the catalog and performances that balance reverence for the originals with fresh, in-the-moment twists. Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound blends rock and Americana with the free-flowing energy of jam band music. Leading a dynamic, guitar-forward ensemble, she mixes soulful Southern rock, modern Americana, and improvisation, weaving bold reinterpretations of Grateful Dead favorites alongside her own originals. Her momentum includes appearances with Allman Betts Family Revival, Melvin Seals & JGB, ALO, Jackie Greene, Oteil Burbridge, and members of Terrapin Family, plus performances at venues such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, The Orpheum in Los Angeles, Sweetwater Music Hall, The Hamilton, and Bottlerock Napa. She has even performed with the storied Alligator guitar once played by Jerry Garcia through support from Grateful Guitars Foundation, and has been highlighted by Guitar Player magazine for carrying the Dead tradition forward. Grateful Guitars Foundation is a nonprofit that helps talented musicians access world class instruments and supports music education so jam band music continues to thrive for future generations. Please note that the front row of tables and chairs will be cleared to create a general admission pit, and some seated sections may have partially obstructed views of the stage. For wheelchair or ADA accommodations, contact the box office at (202) 787-1000 in advance.

Enjoy an evening of stand-up as Next Stop Comedy brings a fresh roster to Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, VA. Every show features a different mix of comedians, including performers with television appearances and popular podcast features. This traveling series partners with local spots to present live comedy close to home.

Get ready for a wild 21+ night of comedic Shakespeare with Drunk Pirates. The performance takes place at The Sage in Washington, DC. Doors open at 9:00 PM, with the show scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM.

Build a strong foundation in pistol ownership and use with a basic handgun course centered on safe handling and responsible skills. This training satisfies concealed handgun permit requirements and combines classroom instruction with practical exercises. Learn how pistols function, core marksmanship fundamentals, safe operation habits, and common shooting positions. The class includes guided practice, evaluation, and a qualification shoot on the range to put new knowledge into action.

Bring the whole family for an award-winning magic show at Arlington Drafthouse. Braden Carlisle puts on an entertaining, kid-friendly performance designed to delight audiences of all ages, featuring big surprises and show-stopping moments.

Stop by Board Room for an in-person gaming hangout with Victory Gamers friends, plus food and drinks. The gaming window runs from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and the venue opens at 12:00 PM, so arriving earlier helps with getting settled in the reserved area. Games are typically arranged through the club’s WhatsApp and Discord, and pick-up games may not always be available.

The group run has moved permanently from Hotel Heron to The Pier Bar, set along the Potomac River. Runners can take advantage of happy hour pricing and other discounts during the meetup.

A new rotation of the Changemakers exhibit is on view at the Arlington Historical Museum, celebrating people whose efforts have helped shape the county’s history and civic life. Presented as part of Arlington 250, it spotlights local leaders, advocates, educators, innovators, and community builders whose work left a lasting mark on Arlington. Through these personal stories, the exhibit invites reflection on how individual action can influence a community and continue to shape Arlington’s past, present, and future.

Learn the art of paper quilling in a calming, beginner friendly workshop that guides participants through making a Butterfly Garden Frame. Step by step instruction covers fundamental techniques for rolling and shaping paper to form butterflies, flowers, and other garden details, then arranging them into a finished framed piece. Each participant receives a quilling kit to take home for continued creativity after class. This session suits anyone who enjoys art, nature, or trying something new.

DC Road Runners Club and Potomac Valley Track Club host Family Night at the Track and Meet of Miles at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia. The meet features 400 meter and 800 meter fun runs for kids, multiple heats of the mile, and a 3000 meter race. Race director Paul Ryan leads the event.

Hot Tuna brings an intimate acoustic performance to The Birchmere, spotlighting the blues roots that have defined the band for nearly six decades. Guided by founding guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady, whose early partnership in Jefferson Airplane helped shape rock history, the show reflects a lifetime of musical exploration. Their acoustic interplay highlights Kaukonen’s intricate guitar work and Casady’s inventive bass, drawing from a catalog that spans more than two dozen releases and a tradition of continual reinvention. Known for spontaneity, energy, and onstage improvisation, each concert offers singular moments that connect deeply with listeners. With Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy honors in their story, this evening centers on seasoned musicianship and the enduring spirit of American blues and roots music.