Events

A cornucopia of year-round events brings out the fun-loving character and community spirit of Arlingtonians. They gather enthusiastically for pop-ups and meetups, concerts and competitions, festivals and fairs, and parades and performances that enliven their neighborhoods.

Arts

The arts are on display at numerous events. Discover original handmade works in every medium including sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography and painting at showcases such as the Arlington Festival of the Arts in Clarendon. Browse the work of 20 local artists and artisans who peddle their handmade goods at Pentagon City’s fall Makers Market.

Music

Music is celebrated at world-class events that appeal to every taste and cover every genre. Listen to the soulful sounds of blues at the Columbia Pike Blues Festival in June or the inventive riffs at the Rosslyn Jazz Fest in September. On Saturdays from June through August, enjoy musicians playing patriotic tunes, jazz and pop on the 53 bells during the Netherlands Carillon Concert Series in Rosslyn.

Food

Food takes center stage at the Quarterfest Crawl in the Ballston neighborhood. Each May, enjoy a food, beer and wine festival showcasing the diversity of Arlington’s dynamic culinary scene.

Outdoors

With a plethora of parks, trails and green spaces, outdoor lovers can find plenty of organized hikes, runs, bike events, birding expeditions and more. You can sample fresh produce and tasty prepared foods at farmers markets all summer long or admire the pretty-in-pink blooms of the springtime National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC.

For more energetic endeavors, compete in Clarendon’s Armed Forces Cycling Classic, the Marine Corps Marathon or the Army Ten-Miler. Ride in Rolling to Remember, a high-profile motorcycle rally in honor of U.S. POWs and MIAs.

Interested in more outdoor activities? Check out the Arlington County Parks & Recreation Department's calendar full of free programs for all ages.

National Holidays

Arlington and Washington, DC, form the patriotic backdrop for three national holidays that are celebrated in spectacular star-spangled style here: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. Expect parades, fireworks, wreath-laying ceremonies, concerts and other meaningful activities to mark these important national days of commemoration.