January in Arlington

Celebrating Dr. King's Legacy

Arlington's MLK Tribute | Jan. 18

Join Arlington County as our community honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 2026 MLK Tribute event on January 18 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Wakefield High School auditorium (1325 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA 22206). This annual celebration invites the community to come together for an evening of inspiration, performances, and shared reflection on Dr. King’s legacy of equality and service. It’s a time to honor his dream and renew our commitment to building a more compassionate, inclusive community.

MLK Day of Service | Jan. 19

Just as there are various ways to be civically engaged, there are a variety of civic engagement projects for this year's MLK Day of Service on January 19. You can sign up for an in-person project at Washington-Liberty High School, an in-person project at other locations, or a virtual project for your "day on" here.

Arts & Culture

High School Musical Jr. by Encore Stage & Studio | Jan. 9 - 18

Join Troy, Gabriella, and the students of East High in Encore Stage & Studio's production of Disney’s High School Musical Jr., a fun-filled musical about friendship, self-discovery, and following your dreams. As cliques clash and the “status quo” is challenged, this energetic show reminds everyone that it’s okay to break the mold and shine in your own way. See the show at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre on Friday-Sunday during the weeks of January 9 and 16. Get tickets here.

In Conversation: Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi, Eleanor Jones Harvey, and Laura Roulet | Jan. 11

Join MoCA Arlington for a conversation with artist Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi, along with the art historians and curators who contributed to the catalog for her current exhibition Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi: Here the waving flag. Here the other world. In this conversation, Ilchi and the catalog contributors will discuss her artistic practice, art historical influences, and the life experiences that inform Ilchi’s work. Learn more about this event, taking place on January 11 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., here.

Strength Through Stories Exhibit by Arlington Artists Alliance | Jan. 22 - Feb. 22

The Arlington Artists Alliance is proud to celebrate the creativity and service of our local veteran artists. In honor of America 250, the Alliance will kick off 2026 by spotlighting artists who have both served in the military and engage in the arts to express their unique experiences. The exhibition also extends to artists within military families. This exhibition will feature a diverse range of works by veteran artists in the DC Metro Area. With no set theme, the show invites open artistic expression—reflecting the individuality, resilience, and imagination of those who have served. More information here.

Nashville-Style Songwriters in the Round — Original Music & Storytelling | Jan. 23

Hosted by Arlington’s own Sarah Fridrich, songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and one-half of the local duo, String Mamas. Four local songwriters will take turns sharing their original work as well as respond to and support each other, and offer wisdom, care, and truth around everyday life experiences. Come experience community through song, music, and story on January 23 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at MoCA Arlington.

Fiddler on the Roof by Signature Theatre | Through Jan. 25

See the iconic musical gorgeously staged like never before in Signature's intimate setting and directed by Joe Calarco (Jesus Christ Superstar, Gypsy). Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, his family and their tight knit community honor tradition but must contend with a changing world and a rise in antisemitism at their home in Czarist Russia. The glorious score with songs “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker” unite with exquisite dance in this classic of the musical theater canon filled with humor, heart – and life. Get tickets here.

In Clay by Signature Theatre | Through Feb. 1

In Clay is a witty, vivacious and charming new musical put on by Signature Theatre based on an overlooked twentieth century female artist. On the eve of a visit from her estranged childhood friend, now an acclaimed painter, French ceramist Marie-Berthe Cazin recounts her life. From her early days as a gifted protégée discovering the art of pottery, to watching her husband rise to fame partly by claiming her work as his own, through the upheaval of World War I, Marie’s unwavering spirit reveals the beauty in the broken. Set in 1930s Paris, with an upbeat, vibrant Parisian Jazz score, In Clay celebrates the joy of creativity, love of art and recognizing your worth. Get tickets here.

History & Education

1946 Arlington: The First Crack in the Byrd Machine | Jan. 8

In 1946, after four years of a world war, the citizens of Arlington focused on local challenges, highlighted in the fall by an aggressive County Board campaign from a political newcomer who challenged the local Byrd Machine in Arlington. The story includes a controversy over our governance structure, extreme unhappiness with the school system, and an election that eventually led to the creation of a new non-partisan political machine that would control Arlington politics for decades. This is a timely topic as the county board discusses changes in its governance structure. Learn more about this topic's historical foundations from the Arlington Historical Society on January 8 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Marymount University's Reinsch Library Auditorium.

Wreaths Out at Arlington National Cemetery | Jan. 10

Arlington National Cemetery invites volunteers to participate in "Wreaths Out," in which wreaths are removed from the cemetery on January 10. This event is another excellent opportunity to honor our military members' service and sacrifice. Check back here for more information!

Skincare Soirée with Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Arlington | Jan. 14

Start your year off the right way with a skincare workshop that brings back the glow to your skin while you sip on delicious, skin-friendly mocktails! Join the Ballston BID and Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Arlington for an evening of winter skincare tips, skincare analysis, and a little retail therapy on January 14 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. inside of Ballston Quarter. Mocktails and light refreshments will be provided.

Learning Lab Series: State of AI | Jan. 28

Learn from industry professionals about what to expect in 2026 for the real impacts of AI and how the industry is doing from a technological, financial, legal, and ethical perspective on January 28 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Filling Station. This event is open for Ballston employees and is part of the Ballston BID's initiative to empower the local workforce. Register here.

Local Markets & Food

Arlington Farmers Market | Saturdays

One of the largest markets in the region, the FRESHFARM Arlington Market is a year-round weekly celebration of local food that takes place Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Courthouse. Stop by this popular market and pick up anything from farmstead goat cheese to pastured bison.

Ballston Farmers Market | Thursdays

Located in shady, tree-filled Welburn Square, the Ballston Farmers Market features organic fruits and vegetables, sweet and savory baked goods, Virginia-made wines, cold-pressed juices, and more every Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Columbia Pike Farmers Market | Sundays

Stop by one of Arlington's longest-standing farmers' markets. Stop by the market each Sunday between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pike Park, located in front of the Walgreens at Columbia Pike & South Walter Reed Drive. Find local, fresh and organic products including homemade salsas, coffee beans, kombucha and much more.

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week | Jan. 19-26

Metropolitan D.C. boasts a vibrant restaurant scene, home to some of the nation's most renowned chefs, restaurateurs, and rising culinary stars. Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week, from January 19 to 26, offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into this diverse world of world-class cuisine. Check back here for more information and a FULL list of participating restaurants.