AUGUST
National Night Out. An annual event observed in all 50 states on Tuesday, Aug. 5. Arlington County Police sponsors the event and encourages residents to turn on their porch lights and hold cookouts, ice-cream socials, flashlight walks and other activities that provide opportunities to get to know your neighbors. Call 703-228-4123.
Arlington County Fair. The 29th annual Arlington County Fair takes place from Aug. 6-10 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd St. The fair features exhibits, family entertainment, rides for children, food and entertainment. Shuttle buses leave from the designated Park and Ride areas regularly. For transportation and accessibility information, visit the Arlington County Fair Web site at www.arlingtoncountyfair.org or call 703-920-4556. The event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 6, outdoors only 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 7, indoors: 7-10 p.m., outdoors: 5-10 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 8, indoors: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., outdoors: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 18, indoors: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., outdoors: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sun., Aug. 10, indoors: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., outdoors: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
ONGOING SUMMER AND FALL EVENTS
Lunchtime Concert Series. Free concerts every Tuesday (at Spice of Life Plaza) and Thursday (at Metro Park) in Rosslyn, at 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. from May 15 through Oct. 23. Call 703-522-6628 or visit www.rosslynva.org.
Arts Al Fresco Concerts at Welburn Square. Held on Fridays starting June 1 through July 25. Concerts include music styles of folk, rock, and blues. On July 11th Franklin and Friends performs from 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Welburn Square across from the Ballston Metro and tickets are free. Call 703-228-1850 or visit http://www.arlingtonats.org/cultural_affairs/alfresco.htm.
Military Band Concerts. Held from Memorial Day to Labor Day at 3700 Four Mile Run Drive. These free concerts feature at various times the Army band (703-696-3399), the Navy Band (202-433-2525), the Marine Band (202-433-4011) and the Air Force Band (202-767-5658). Visit usarmyband.com
Marine Corps and Iwo Jima Memorial Sunset Parades. Every Tuesday evening at the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the Silent Drill Team are featured. Tuesday Sunset Parades June 3rd –July 28 are at 7 p.m. and parades on August 5th and August 12th start at 6:30 p.m. Parking is available at Arlington Cemetery. Call 202-433-6060.
ONGOING EVENTS
Volunteer Work Day at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, from 10 a.m.-noon, on the first Saturday of each month. Help with the gardens or trails. Call 703-528-5406.
The Horticulture Hotline is available from 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday, year-round at 703-228-6414. Home gardeners are also welcome to visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at the Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., during these hours.
"Art at the Heights." Exhibition of works by local painters. 4502 Old Lee Highway. Every Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday from noon-3 p.m. Showings sponsored by the Arlington Artists Alliance, a nonprofit organization in support of art and artists in Arlington.
www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org
The Big Red Caboose at Bluemont is open to visitors during the summer through Sept. 10 on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. -5 p.m. Free for all ages. The caboose is located at 601 N. Manchester St. Call 703-525-0168.
The Ballston Art Market returns to Welburn Square in May, offering original creations for home decor, gifts and personal use, including handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, wearable art, giftware, watercolors, oil paintings and photography starting May 10th. The monthly outdoor market operates from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the second Saturday of every month. Different artists exhibit each month. A select panel juries the artists. Welburn Square is adjacent to the Metro station at 9th and N. Stuart streets near Ballston Common Mall. For directions and further information, call 703-228-0560 or 703-528-3527.
Ballston hosts a weekly Farmers Market in Welburn Square, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday from May 30 through Oct. 17. Welburn Square is located between N. Stuart and N. Taylor streets, across from the Ballston Metro Station. Call 703-528-3527 or e-mail ballstonvasquare@aol.com.
Clarendon Farmer's Market. Fresh produce and miscellaneous items from 19 vendors are available for sale every Wednesday all year from 2-7 p.m. The market is located adjacent to the entrance of the Clarendon Metro Station. Call 703-812-8881.
Rosslyn Farmer’s Market. This ongoing market is located at the corner of Oak Street and Wilson Boulevard and is open on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. from May 24 through Nov. 15. Call Lynn Schulsinger at Spice of Life at 703-522-6628.
Columbia Pike Homegrown Farmer’s Market. Another convenient farmer’s market located at Pike Park on Columbia Pike at S. Walter Reed Drive. Market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May 4-Nov. 23. Call 703-892-2776.
Flea Market and Community Garage Sale. Run by the Arlington Civitan Club, the market is held the first Saturday of every month from 7 a.m.-1 p.m., April-November. The event is held at the I-66 parking garage at the corner of N. 15th and N. Quincy streets. Call 703-228-3314.
Arlington Farmer's Market. Fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, plants, meats, cheeses, milk, eggs, wine, honey, Christmas trees and more from as many as 30 producers. Located at the corner of N. 14th Street and N. Courthouse Road, near Courthouse Metro Station. Held from 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday year-round. Call 703-228-6400.
Toastmasters, a group that strives to help participants end their fear of public speaking, meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Ledo's pizza at Quality Inn Iwo Jima, 1501 Arlington Blvd. Call 703-838-0477.
Story Hour at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 N. Harrison St., suite 10, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. A special guest or store staff member will read to children ages 2-6. Call 703-241-8281.
SEPTEMBER
Speedy Tolliver Fiddler's Fest. Traditional fiddlers will perform in many styles in honor of 86-year-old fiddling legend Roy "Speedy" Tolliver. Sunday, Sept. 14 from 12-4 p.m. at Lubber Run Amphitheater, N. 2nd and N. Columbus streets. Free. Call the Arlington County Office of Heritage Arts at 703-228-1899.
All Arlington Salon. Juried all-media exhibition for artists who live, work or maintain studios in Arlington. Aug 1st -Sept. 13th. Visit www.arlingtonarts.org/ellipseartcenter.htm
Rosslyn Jazz Festival. Great jazz doesn't have to be confined to a dark, smoky bar room. This free event, held every September, features an afternoon of music from a variety of jazz influences. Co-sponsored by the Rosslyn Renaissance, the 18th edition of the Jazz Festival is scheduled for Sept. 6, 12:30-7 p.m. this year at Gateway park. Call Roni Freeman at 703-812-8881.
Clarendon Day. A street party held Saturday September 29 noon-7 p.m., Clarendon Day features the cuisine of local restaurants, the music of local bands, antiques and collectibles markets, and the art of area craft makers and artists. Visit www.clarendon.org.
OCTOBER
Blocktoberfest. This street festival includes live music from 51 bands on 10 stages, a carnival midway, prizes, beer, and children's activities. Blocktoberfest runs from 1-10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, taking up five blocks outside Ballston Common Mall, including Wilson Boulevard from Randolph to Glebe, and Randolph Street between Wilson and Glebe. Main events tickets start at $15 with VIP tickets starting at $79.99. Visit www.blocktoberfest.com.
Pioneer Day Festival. A celebration of the nation's heritage featuring live music, dancers, local artisans and food. Located at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. 703-228-4400
College Fair. Sponsored by Arlington Public Schools at Ballston Commons Mall in October. www.Ballston-common.com
Marine Corps Marathon. The annual marathon sponsored by the Washington Post begins and ends in Arlington at the Iwo Jima Memorial after running its course past Washington's monuments on Sunday, Oct. 26, beginning at 7:55 a.m. for wheelchair and hand cycle participants and 8:00 a.m. for runners. Call 703-784-2225 or visit www.marinemarathon.com.
Trick-or-Treating. Ballston Commons Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd., will host an annual Halloween Trick-or-Treating event in late October. Children of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat throughout the mall free of charge in a safe environment. Visit www.ballston-common.com or call 703-243-8088.
Arlington House. Arlington House was the home of Robert E. Lee and his family for 30 years. The house is now a memorial to Lee and is open all year from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Robert E. Lee Museum and the grounds around the house are also open to the public. On the first Friday in October, the Arlington House opens its doors, giving visitors a chance to see the Arlington House and National Cemetery at night. Call 703-235-1530.
NOVEMBER
Indoor Picnic at the Ellipse Art Center, 4350 N. Fairfax Drive. An exhibition of literary, musical and performance pieces starts at 7 p.m. Arrive at 6 p.m. to claim a spot. Bring a picnic and blanket. Call 703-228-7710.
DECEMBER
Chamber Meeting. The Arlington Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting on Friday, Dec. 12. Visit www.arlingtonchamber.org or call 703-525-2400.
Light Up Rosslyn. This annual ceremony, including refreshments and music by the Metropolitan Chorus, will take place at the WJLA Jumbotron, 1100 Wilson Blvd., starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4. Call 703-522-6628 or visit www.rosslynva.org.
JANUARY
Photo 2006. A regional juried photocall of the works of photographers from Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia, from Jan. 27-April 3. Opening Reception is in January at the Ellipse Arts Center, 4350 N. Fairfax Drive. Call 703-228-7710.
FEBRUARY
Mardi Gras Celebration. The Clarendon Courthouse Mardi Gras begins with a parade at 8 p.m. on Feb. 24, marching up Wilson Boulevard from Danville Street to the Metro station at N. Highland Street.
MARCH
Shamrock Festival. This annual event is held at RFK stadium and features entertainment, food, activities, and authentic Irish dancers and music. Admission costs $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. Family discounts are available. Go to www.hiballevents.com. Contact sallyingforth@gmail.com
Arlington Artists Alliance Art Fest. Weekly hours vary based on events. The week features classes and live demonstrations as well as an art show and sale. At Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 N. 24th St. Call 703-532-4450.
APRIL
Spanish-Language Book Fair. Arlington Public Schools will hold its annual Spanish-Language Book Fair. Call Arlington Public Schools Community Outreach Specialist Ricardo E. Campos at 703-228-7208.
Flea Market and Community Garage Sale. The Arlington Civitan Club hosts a flea market the first Saturday of every month from 5 a.m.-1 p.m. between April and November. The event is at the Arlington County parking garage on N. 15th St. Call 703-228-3314.
MAY
Arlington Tourism Month. Festivals and tourist attractions will spring up all over the community this month. Call 703-228-5720 or 800-677-6267 for details.
Neighborhood Day in Arlington includes countywide events, including neighborhood fairs and street festivals and concluding with a parade from the Clarendon Metro to N. Wayne Street. Multicultural festival in Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Call 703-228-3155 TTY: 703-228-4611 for more information.
Walk for the Animals. A pledge walk for people and dogs to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Arlington as part of the Neighborhood Day activities. Call 703-931-9241, ext. 280, or e-mail awlaevents@awla.org.
Taste of Arlington returns to Ballston Common Mall in May. It is held on 4238 Wilson Blvd. Street festival with restaurants, entertainment, crafts, auction and more. Free admission. Visit www.TasteofArlington.com.
CSC Invitational Bike Race held in May in Clarendon. Call 703-276-0228 for details.
SUMMER
Summer Concert Series. Beginning in June at Lubber Run Amphitheater and continuing throughout the summer. Call 703-228-7781 for more information.
Netherlands Carillon Concerts. Beginning in early June and continuing through the summer on Saturdays, enjoy guest artists playing the 50-bell Carillon in free concerts at the Carillon on Route 50 and George Washington Memorial Parkway. Concerts are held in May and December 2-4p.m. and in June, July, and August 6-8 p.m. Call 703-289-2500.
Rock at the Row Summer Concert Series. From June through the beginning of August, local rock, blues, and cover bands play on Thursday nights at Pentagon Row Plaza, located at Army Navy Drive and South Joyce Street. And yes, dancing is encouraged. Shows run from 7-9 p.m. Visit www.pentagonrow.com for more information. Call 703-413-6692
JULY
County Fireworks. The Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation sponsors an annual fireworks display on July 4 at Barcroft Park, 4100 S. Four-Mile Run Drive, beginning at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.). The display lasts about 45 minutes.
Freedom Fest. Clarendon celebrates July 4 with live bands, beer, food booths and other activities at N. Highland and 11th streets, from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $10; children under 10 are free. Visit www.hiballevents.com.
Rosslyn Spectrum. A four-day festival celebrating pioneers of cinematic comedy, featuring tributes to such legends as Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. But what makes Slapsticon a special event is its commitment to recognizing lesser-known artists from the history of film comedy as well as the stars. Every July, the festival features screenings of rarely seen comedies as well as memorabilia from the silent and early sound eras. There are also thematic workshops, like this year's "Stan or Ollie: The solo films of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy." Keep an eye on www.slapsticon.org for details on the festival.