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- Events & Happenings - January 20-27th
Events & Happenings - January 20-27th
We're back!
Table of Contents
Hello and Happy New Year!
I hope you had a nice long weekend and were able to celebrate MLK Day. In 2026, I am planning on sharing my newsletter on Mondays, so stay tuned for more early-in-the-week newsletters!
Announcements
This week is the Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week! To learn more about which restaurants in Arlington are participating, check out the Winter Restaurant Week website.
In January, the Arlington County Board elected their new chair and vice-chair. They also shared their 2026 priorities. To learn more, check out the Arlington County webpage.
The next Arlington County Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026. To learn more about the meeting and agenda, check out the county board webpage.
Events
Tuesday, January 20th
Based on the musical by the same title, 1982's The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas stars Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds at the height of their fame trying to save the Chicken Ranch, a small brothel in Texas that’s become the heart of their small town. Featuring Charles Durning as the Governor of Texas and Dom DeLuise as a TV reporter hellbent on shutting down the ranch for good in a timeless tale of good-time partiers going toe-to-toe with some notorious sticks in the mud. The musical numbers are plentiful and lively, the chemistry between Parton and Reynolds palpable, and the whole thing is good clean/dirty fun.
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City
Cost: $11.19 per ticket
Wednesday, January 21st
Join Aspire and read 1:1 with our students, help with homework, and see our beautiful program space. Sign up here. Please note that the sign-up will close a week before the event to ensure our team is prepared for your arrival and can match you with a student. If the sign-up is closed or you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm
Location: Arlington Mill Community
Ten years ago, we rolled out our mats, raised a glass, and discovered something magical that happens when movement, mindfulness, and good company meet. Here we are, a decade later and still flowing. Join us as we celebrate the EYD community with a playful, all-levels yoga flow, a celebratory sip, and the good-time gathering that always turns strangers into friends. We’re heading back to where it all began—our original EYD home, the Crystal City Sports Pub—because some places hold memories worth returning to. Expect breath, balance, toasts, and plenty of smiles and laughs. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or you’re brand new to the mat, this one’s for you. Come flow with us. Namaste & Cheers!
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Location: Crystal City Sports Pub
Cost: $23.18
Thursday, January 22nd
Join us at Inca Social Arlington for Community & Cocktails 2026, an appreciation night dedicated to our charity partners, community leaders, and friends who help make a difference across Arlington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. This evening is about connection, collaboration, and conversation — bringing together people who care about community impact while enjoying great food, drinks, and company. This event is hosted by The Lending Hand & Community, with support from local partners and advocates.
Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm
Location: Inca Social (1776 Wilson Boulevard)
Join us for Pizza & Perspectives with Andrew Light, Distinguished University Professor and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs. From 2021–2025, Andrew led U.S. international energy policy, advancing global clean energy leadership and addressing energy security challenges following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He will discuss the current state of global energy security and share insights on career opportunities in this field.
Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Location: George Mason University Fuse Room 1311
It's been a wonderful and crazy 15 years! Join us for cookies, snacks, bubbly, and more and share your favorite memories as OMP reaches a monumental anniversary. We wouldn't be here without your support, good humor and friendship. See you here!
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Location: One More Page Books
Join us for a hilarious evening of comedy at El Rey! Get ready to laugh your socks off with the DMV's best comedians! This Standup Comedy Night is sure to be a blast!
Time: 8:00pm-9:30pm
Location: El Rey Ballston
Cost: Free. Recommended tip is $10 per person.
Friday, January 23rd
Learn how to make the perfect pasta dough, and then use a pasta machine or rolling pin to roll out your dough until it's the right thickness to cut into ribbons of fresh fettuccine. You will also learn to make a delicious fresh lemon Cacio e pepe sauce. Everyone will sit down and enjoy their pasta dish at the end of class! No experience is required! We provide all the equipment and ingredients, which are easy to find at local markets if you don’t already have them in your home kitchen. Our events are casual and meant to be fun and instructive, not hardcore. This class is designed to be just as fun for the cooking enthusiast who wants to be a part of every step as it is for the first-timer who’s happier observing and assisting (or taste testing).
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston by IHG
Cost: $64.80 per person
Four local songwriters will take turns sharing their original work. Come experience community through song, music, and story!
Hosted by Arlington-based artist Sarah Fridrich, this intimate singer-songwriter showcase centers deep listening and shared reflection. Four local songwriters will take turns performing original work, responding to one another in real time, and offering reflection on everyday life. Together, they will create a space where music, story, and community unfold slowly and intentionally. If you’d like to lean into the cozy, relaxed atmosphere, you’re welcome to bring a light blanket and a personal mug (we'll also have cups available) to be served hot cider or cocoa.
Performers:
Sarah Fridrich, award-winning Arlington, VA, songwriter and one half of local acoustic group String Mamas.
Jason Mendelson, award-winning Strasburg, VA, songwriter, who wrote 91 original songs about every Metro stop in the area.
Louisa Hall, hailing from Reston, VA, Louisa is one half of DMV’s own award-winning viral music-comedy duo Griefcat, who have been featured by multiple media outlets, including Washington Post & NPR.
Caleb Hacker, Alexandria, VA, born and raised singer-songwriter and esteemed Artist-in-Residence for the Inova Schar Cancer Institute's Arts & Healing Program.
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (3550 Wilson Boulevard)
Join us for an evening filled with engaging discussions and thought-provoking topics. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and share your perspectives on various subjects. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a lively and stimulating conversation. See you there!
Time: 8:00pm
Location: Caspi Restaurant and Lounge
Cost: Tickets are $21.05 each
Magic Mic is an open mic magic show where local magicians take the stage to test new material in front of a live audience. Expect sleight of hand, mind-reading, bold experiments, and surprises—no two shows are ever the same.
Time: 8:00pm
Location: El Rey Ballston
Saturday, January 24th
Need inspiration? Looking for a friendly community of writers? We meet every other Saturday morning to share feedback and constructive criticism, offer support, and talk about the craft of writing. Whether you're a poet, creative writer, or professional writer, you're welcome here! Led by an experienced volunteer. Registration recommended. First-come, first-served seating.
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Courthouse Library in the Cherry Conference Room
Arlington Public Library spotlights local artists through the Incubator program so that a greater number of diverse perspectives can be seen and more voices can be heard. About the Artist: In 2005, to bridge cultures within her home, Sushmita Mazumdar Studio PAUSE gave up her career to stay home to raise her two children and to introduce her children to their Indian heritage through stories she wrote of her childhood. Inspired by her study of various book formats, she made the stories into handmade storybooks. Her exhibit, "Making My Voice Visible: The Early Years of Handmade Storybooks," is on view at Cherrydale Library from November 2025 - January 2026. About the Art: In this exhibit, Arlington artist Sushmita Mazumdar focuses on the early works. Each book, designed by Sushmita and printed on her home printer, was hand-sewn by her using handmade papers, beads, flowers and other materials. The first books were designed using Indian palm-leaf manuscript format, Japanese stab binding, or the pamphlet stitch. In 2011, she made an origami-style folded book—a 3D house-shaped book with a sloping roof which she had learned to make at a library in California. Now this exhibit is displayed within the grand sloping roof of the Cherrydale Library!
Time: 12:30pm-1:30pm
Location: Cherrydale Library in the Loft
Out & About Note: I LOVE the Cherrydale Library - it is the prettiest Arlington library location in my opinion.
Get ready to glow and flow with Maui Glow Club + SoulFire Collective—good vibes and great moves in person! What’s included: a 30-minute guided meditation and breathwork led by Kaitlyn Doyle of Soul Fire, a custom airbrush spray tan by the Maui Glow Club team, and nourshing treats. This event is all about slowing down and feeling good. Set New Year intentions through gentle movement and meditation, enjoy time mingling with old and new friends, and leave feeling refreshed—with a beautiful glow to match. No yoga experience necessary. Just come as you are and enjoy.
Time: 4:00pm-7:30pm
Location: Maui Glow Club Arlington
Cost: Tickets are $60 each
Put your headphones on and take your inhibitions off! Plug in, tune out, and dance! Join us for our monthly silent disco, where you choose the vibe. Three channels of music, one unforgettable night. Get ready to move, and fuel your fun with our scratch kitchen eats and amazing drink offerings! Grab some headphones and choose between 3 stations to find your perfect jam. Spots and headphones are limited so get your tix early and bring your friends!
Time: 8:30pm
Location: Punch Bowl Social Arlington
Cost: Admission is $6.80
Sunday, January 25th
Discover a musical oasis hidden inside a coffee shop, hosted in partnership with Transit, the DMV's longest running dance music series. Grab an afternoon coffee, tea or energy drink and enjoy as Coffee Republic is transformed with lights, DJs, and plenty of good vibes.
Time: 2:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Coffee Republic Arlington
Bella has finally chosen between Team Edward and Team Jacob, and after a blending of the vamp and human families, it’s off to the isle of Esme for a honeymoon. Unfortunately, their bliss is short-lived when Bella gets knocked up with a half-vamp, rapidly growing baby – and you thought you were done with newborns after ECLIPSE. Join us as we celebrate the happy couple on their creepy little bundle of joy with themed props like Styrofoam cups perfect for that tasty blood babies crave, red glasses that let you look through the eyes of a vampire, and a bridal comb so you have something old and something blue for the wedding.
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City
Cost: Tickets are $18.61 each
Monday, January 26th
You’ll start by mastering the art of crispy scallion pancakes paired with a flavorful soy-ginger dipping sauce. Next, learn to create a colorful and delicious vegetable Pad Thai, packed with vibrant textures and authentic taste. Finally, cool things down by churning your own creamy coconut matcha ice cream. A perfect balance of savory and sweet in one delicious culinary experience!
Menu:
• Scallion Pancakes with Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce
• Vegetable Pad Thai
• Coconut Matcha Ice Cream
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Cookology Culinary School
Cost: $119.2
Kick off the year with Buzzy Bee: New Year New Words Misspelled, where resolutions are optional but mispronunciations are guaranteed. Hosted by Ya’Sean A. Alexander, this January edition is all about fresh starts, bold energy, and spelling that gets worse with every sip. Whether you’re stepping up to compete or just watching the buzz unfold, expect laughter, libations, and a whole lot of confidently incorrect letters. It’s a celebration of new beginnings and beautifully broken words.
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Punch Bowl Social
Cost: $12.09 to participate as a contestant, free to spectate
