Great Things To Do In Arlington Virginia
Are you looking for great things to do in Arlington Virginia? Growing up in Arlington Virginia, I have seen a lot of growth and change over the years however, one thing that has always been a constant is the sense of community in Arlington. It is one of the things I love about living here! Our sense of community is also part of the reason why Arlington Virginia is such a highly desirable place to live. While most of my attention is generally focused on properties, neighborhoods, development, and the like, sometimes I just want to have fun! And that is what is great about Arlington—there is always a cool event coming up, a great bar or restaurant to check out, or a nice family event nearby. Do not get me wrong, I also take full advantage of the perks of living on the East Coast like quick beach getaways or jaunts to The District or NYC for fun, but a lot of times, I find entertainment right in my backyard. Thus, in celebration of the arrival of warm weather I decided to focus on sharing some of the best things to do in Arlington. Cheers!
Thursdays May 2 – June 27 Crystal City Crafts Market This eclectic market runs every Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 220 20th Street in Crystal City. This market is a popular lunchtime getaway and features an extensive mix of arts, crafts, handmade jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty products and other local, handcrafted products along with live-music and food.
Thursdays, May 2 – July 25 Rock The Loop Held at Market Common Clarendon every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. this free supports Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Beer and wine are available for purchase from Heritage Brewing Co. during the concerts on The Loop.
Fridays May 3 – October 18 Fridays at the Fountain Happening every Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Crystal City Water Park, this free event offers Fridays at the a seasonal pop-up beer garden featuring food from The Stand’s rotating lineup of vendors, beverage selections from the Crystal City Wine Shop and live music from local bands and musicians. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Saturday, May 4th May Day This family-friendly event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Potomac Overlook Regional Park. The day features fun activities and exhibits for all ages and includes a live music performance, entertainment, community exhibits, games, and much more! This is a free event.
Saturday, May 11th Festival Argentino USA Held at Kenmore Middle School from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. this event celebrates Argentine National Day with a day-long celebration of Argentine culture. Features include musical performances, vendors and artisans of traditional crafts from jewelers to weavers, food, kid’s activities, and much more!
Saturday, May 11 Rosslyn Blooms! Flower Festival Held at Central Park Plaza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mother’s Day Weekend, locals can drop by the region’s premier spring flower market, the Rosslyn Blooms! Flower Festival and enjoy DIY crafting, workshops, and of course flowers! This event is perfect for husbands and kids who are looking to impress mom with a fun local event!
Saturday, May 18 – 19 Quarterfest This popular weekend event runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and lines Wilson Boulevard between N. Taylor and N. Quincy Streets. Festival goers enjoy a two-day outdoor concert and pop-up street pub food featuring beer, wine, and food showcasing Arlington’s diverse food scene. Considered a restaurant crawl showcasing eateries of the neighborhood and an. 12-6 p.m. Free to attend, but tickets are required for food and drinks.
Thursday, May 30th Best of Arlington Party 2019 Happening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz, locals enjoy Arlington Magazine’s 5th Annual Best of Arlington Party. This ticketed event includes an evening of food, drink, live music and fun!
Friday, May 31st Memorial Day Memorial Day in Arlington Virginia is a big deal! From the lush green hills of Arlington National Cemetery to the awe-inspiring Air Force Memorial, Marine Corps War Memorial, National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and Women in Military Service for America Memorial, there are few more expressive places than Arlington to honor those who’ve given their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Saturday, June 1 – 2 Armed Forces Cycling Classic Starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning in Crystal City the Armed Forces Cycling Classic is a major regional cycling event, open to cycling enthusiasts of all abilities. Racing features the nation’s top Pro men and women and amateurs of all abilities are also able to participate on Sunday morning’s Armed Forces Cycling Classic Challenge Ride.
Thursdays, June 6 – 27 Rosslyn Rocks Every Thursday in Jun from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Central Place Plaza enjoy free live music in the park! Each week is a new cover band, featuring Party Like It’s, White Ford Bronco, The Jarreau Williams Xperience and Driven to Clarity. Must be 21+.
Fridays, June 7 – July 12 Rosslyn Cinema with Pub in the Park Every Friday starting in June enjoy free movies at Gateway Park. Locals enjoy summers nights under the stars with movies like Spider Man: into the Spider-Verse, Crazy Rich Asians and more. Movies start at dusk, but the fun starts at 5 p.m. with games and the Pub in the Park. This event is kid- and dog-friendly. 5 p.m. Free to attend.
Friday, June 14 – August 11 Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Concert Series Celebrating 50 years of concerts, Lubber Run’s summer concert series features a diverse lineup of internationally renowned musicians and regional favorites. Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m., and Sunday shows at 11 a.m. Free to attend.
Saturday, June 15 Columbia Pike Blues Festival Held at Columbia Pike and Walter Reed drive from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. this longstanding event features a full lineup of both national and regional blues, R&B and funk performers. This free to attend event offers food and beverages, arts and crafts vendors, and kids’ activities at Arlington’s oldest and newest Main Street.
Wednesday, August 14 – 18 Arlington County Fair Nothing like a good old fashioned county fair! Held at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, this is one of the largest free admission events on the East Coast and features midway rides, games, food, vendors, and much more.
Saturday, September 7 Rosslyn Jazz Fest Held at Gateway Park from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. this popular event features a day of dynamic, free performances Locals enjoy live music performed by some of the biggest names in jazz and world music today. Plus, enjoy several bar areas serving wine and beer, as well as a variety of favorite local food trucks.
Saturday, October 12-13 Army Ten Miler This run is kind of a big deal! Hosted from Race Headquarters at Crystal Gateway Marriott in Crystal City, the Army Ten-Miler is the second largest ten-mile race in the United States. It is held every October in Arlington, VA and Washington, DC, sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. The annual race weekend events also include an expo, youth run, a youth activity fair, and a pre-race pasta dinner! Race day is Sunday, October 13.
October 27 Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Also kind of a big deal, The MCM is one of the largest marathons in the US and the world and stands as the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its nickname, “The People’s Marathon.” The MCM has been voted “Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic,” “Best Marathon for Charities” and “Best Spectator Event.” Hosted annually in the Arlington, VA and the nation’s capital, the MCM offers an experience for runners to tour the nation’s most recognizable landmarks while being supported by the men and women of the United States Marine Corps.