Events & Happenings in Arlington

November 12 - 18th, 2024

November 11, 2024

Events & Happenings November 12 - 18

Hello and Happy Monday!

Hope you’re having a good week so far. Last week was tough so I hope you’re taking care of yourself and those around you.

If you felt discouraged by the election, like myself, you may be looking for ways to take action in the community. This week there are two easy-ish opportunities: one is a virtual event on Wednesday hosted by La ColectiVA (see “A People United…” event below), a mutual aid organization in Arlington. Another is the Arlington Transportation Future Survey, which open through November 15th.

I will continue to share resources for getting involved in the community but for now that’s all I’ve got 🙂 I’m hoping to send out a “How to Give Back this Holiday Season” Arlington Edition soon. Please reach out if you have suggestions or ideas.

Juliana

Tuesday, November 12th

Zen in the City (Rosslyn)

  • 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm at Bennett Park Art Atrium (entrance to the Atrium is located on N. Pierce St)

  • Join us for a 45-minute sound healing class with Kara Simon. The class will include sound healing, breathwork, and meditation practices to help center yourself. You are encouraged to bring water, a blanket, and several layers as this practice naturally cools the body.

  • This class is $5. Tickets can be purchased here.

Wednesday, November 13th

Shop Workshop: Collage Club (Ballston/Virginia Square)

  • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at The Shop at Central Library

  • In this monthly workshop led by Library Director Diane Kresh, participants will use cigar boxes, paper, or other medium as a base for their collage/assemblage pieces. The Shop will provide primary materials including: cigar boxes, paper, glue, ribbons, fabric, pens and paint. Participants are encouraged to bring your own photographs, magazines, materials or small objects to incorporate into your personalized artwork. 

  • Registration is required.

  • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm virtually

  • This event will focus on educating the community about the proposed changes to the County's policy regarding collaboration with ICE, which the county board be voting on this Saturday. This event is an opportunity for us to unite, learn, and take action to ensure our community has a voice when it comes to the policies that affect all people in Arlington County.

  • RSVP for the event here.

  • 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at El Rey

  • Come and enjoy a night filled with laughter, good vibes, and unforgettable performances. Our talented lineup of comedians will have you rolling in the aisles. From witty one-liners to hilarious anecdotes, they'll keep you entertained throughout the evening.

  • This event is free but please tip!

Thurday, November 14th

Cuffing Season (Rosslyn)

  • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Continental Beer Garden (1901 Fort Myer Drive)

  • Cuffing season is known as the perfect time to connect with someone special during the cooler months. Whether you're looking for romance, friendship, or simply a great time socializing, this event is for you. All are welcome—come enjoy a fun evening open to everyone 21 and over!

  • In addition to enjoying happy hour and mingling, hear from expert matchmaker Michelle Jacoby of DC Matchmaking! She'll offer valuable insights into current dating trends, share her top tips for finding meaningful connections, and even provide an audit of your dating profile to help you stand out.

  • Registration is required for this event. The fee is $10 per person and includes a complimentary drink. A limited number of walk-ins will be accepted at $15.

Arlington Reads: Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (Ballston/Virginia Square)

  • 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at the Donnellan Auditorium at Central Library

  • Join us for a conversation between Library Director Diane Kresh and author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah about his work, "Chain-Gang All-Stars." Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is a speculative fiction author. His first novel "Chain-Gang All-Stars" was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction, shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize and the Books Are My Bag Awards, and selected as a New York Times Top Ten Books of the Year. Adjei-Brenyah is a National Book Foundation’s ‘5 Under 35’ honoree.

  • The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Copies of the book will be available for sale, courtesy of One More Page Books. 

  • Admission is on first-come, first-served basis until event capacity is reached.

  • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at Reinsch Library Auditorium at Marymount University or online

  • The Columbia Pike Documentary Project (CPDP) is a multidisciplinary history of Columbia Pike, one of America’s oldest roads and most ethnically diverse communities. Team members Paula Endo, Lloyd Wolf, Mimi Xang Ho, Duy Tran, Aleksandra Lagkueva, Lara Ajami, Sushmita Mazumdar, and Moises Gomez have been using photography and oral history to document life along the Pike. The project is sponsored by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization.

  • To learn more about how to attend this event, whether in-person, or Zoom, check out the event page.

  • 7:15 pm at Arlington Drafthouse (doors open at 6:15 pm)

  • Calm Beneath Castles is an awe-inspiring ski movie that delves into the heart, soul, and mind of skiers driven by an insatiable thirst for adventure and discovery. This epic film explores the essence of finding solace in nature and being one with the mountains. Following the world's best skiers to breathtaking locations, it captures their quirks, instincts, and passion as they prepare and take on the mountain. The film is a testament to their extraordinary skill, courage, and determination, showcasing their connection with nature and the tranquility they find beneath towering castles of snow. Through stunning cinematography and compelling storytelling, Calm Beneath Castles inspires viewers with its portrayal of the skiers' relentless pursuit of their goals and their harmonious relationship with the mountains.

  • Tickets are $15.

Friday, November 15th

  • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Drive)

  • Join Mason Exhibitions and the Alan Cheuse International Writers Center on November 15, 6-8pm at Mason Exhibitions Arlington for a book launch of two authors, Megan Doney's Unarmed: An American Educator's Memoir, and Amanda Newell’s Postmortem Say. This event is in collaboration with Faces and Figures: Identity Through Printmaking Between South Africa and DC. Themes of the exhibition respond to violence, reconciliation, and the spirit of Ubuntu (I am because we are).

  • This exhibition is a traveling exhibition. Mason Exhibitions Arlington programs are created under the leadership of Alissa Maru. For more about the exhibition's launch in Fairfax, click here. Curation by Alissa Maru, LaNitra Berger and her students. The exhibition will add new work when it comes to the Mason -Arlington.

  • RSVP to the event here.

  • 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at the Theodore Roosevelt Island Parking (Note: I know this is technically in DC, but listing it here since Arlington organizations are organizing it!)

  • Join the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail , WalkArlington, and George Washington Memorial Parkway for a nature walk on the Mount Vernon Trail under the glow of the Beaver Moon. We'll meet at the Theodore Roosevelt Island Parking lot. Once people have gathered we will walk south on the Mount Vernon Trail while taking in views from the trail of the monuments at night. Near Memorial Bridge we will stop to learn about the Beaver Moon, explore the planets via a telescope, and look at the stars. You don't want to miss out on this special opportunity.

  • The walk is about 1 mile (one way) and will end back at the parkig lot around 8:00 pm.

  • To register, donate, and learn more information visit the event page.

Byron Bowers (Penrose)

  • 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm at Arlington Drafthouse

  • Byron Bowers is an actor, stand-up comedian, writer and producer who can currently be seen in the Apple TV+ limited series LADY IN THE LAKE alongside Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram. He also served as a consulting producer on the project. In 2022, he released his debut comedy special SPIRITUAL N***A on FX/Hulu, directed by Har’el. In this deeply intimate hour, Bowers talks about the stigma of mental health, how tripping on psychedelic mushrooms made him understand his schizophrenic father, and how it altered the way he feels about his blackness. Film credits include Steven Soderbergh’s crime thriller KIMI for HBO Max, opposite Zoe Kravitz; Steven Soderbergh’s NO SUDDEN MOVE for HBO Max starring Benicio Del Toro and Don Cheadle; Ricky Staub’s CONCRETE COWBOYS for Netflix starring Idris Elba; and Alma Har’el’s award-winning HONEY BOY for Amazon, starring Shia LaBeouf, Lucas Hedges, and Noah Jupe. Television credits include Olivier Assayas’ limited series IRMA VEP for A24/HBO, starring opposite Alicia Vikander and executive produced by Sam Levinson; Lena Waithe’s award-winning original Showtime series THE CHI; and in Donald Glover and Janine Nabers’ series SWARM on Amazon opposite Dominique Fishback.

  • Purchase tickets here.

  • 8:00 pm in Clarendon (exact location will be shared at 8:00am the day of the show)

  • This show will be at an indoor location. It will have chairs provided and is BYOB. Don’t Tell Comedy shows have secret locations and secret comedians. To learn more about how their shows work, visit here.

  • Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased here.

Saturday, November 16th

  • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Crystal City Metro

  • Join us for the National Landing Community Cleanup and help keep our neighborhood looking its best! Whether you're a long-time resident or new to National Landing, this event is a fantastic way to give back, connect with neighbors, and be part of the transformation happening in our community.

  • We'll gather at the Crystal City Metro Station for a brief welcome and orientation. Volunteers will receive trash grabbers, buckets, gloves, and safety vests (available on a first-come, first-served basis).

  • After the event, we invite you to stick around for some light refreshments and a chance to connect with fellow volunteers at McNamara’s Pub on 23rd St.

  • Registraiton is required. Register here.

  • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm at Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Lane)

  • Please join us for a free, family-friendly, indoor & outdoor holiday market featuring local artisans from DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Support small businesses who will be selling handmade pottery, hand-poured candles, handmade soaps, paintings, ornaments, dog bandanas, fair-trade apparel, jewelry, and more. There will be free hot cider and a kid’s table inside with a free ornament for children to decorate while supplies last.

  • 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at various studios (check out the event website to view participating artists)

  • Columbia Pike Artist Studios will open its doors for a behind the scenes showcase of recent works by sixteen artists who approach a wide range of subject matter and employ highly individualized styles. Columbia Pike Artist Studios has been a cooperative organization at this location since 1989. The artists will be available to discuss their processes and answer questions. Their work will be available for purchase.

Sunday, November 17th

Arlington GameFest 2024 (Ballston/Virginia Square)

  • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at Donnellan Auditorium at Central Library

  • Make friends and learn new board games as we celebrate International Games Month. This event is open to all ages. Join us to play board games in a positive and supportive environment. Don't know how to play? Volunteers will be available to help you get started.

  • This event is a great way to learn about the Library's circulating board game collection in a casual and relaxed setting. We'll provide a large and diverse collection of board games geared toward players of all ages and abilities that you can use during the event. You are also welcome to bring your favorite games to play and share.

  • For a full event day schedule, click here. Registration is recommended but seating is first-come, first-served.

  • 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm at various studios (check out the event website to view participating artists)

  • Columbia Pike Artist Studios will open its doors for a behind the scenes showcase of recent works by sixteen artists who approach a wide range of subject matter and employ highly individualized styles. Columbia Pike Artist Studios has been a cooperative organization at this location since 1989. The artists will be available to discuss their processes and answer questions. Their work will be available for purchase.

Monday, November 18th