<cal1>AUGUST
<cal2>National Night Out. An annual event observed in all 50 states on Tuesday, Aug. 1. 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 present opportunities to get to know your neighbors. Call 703-228-4123. UPDATED
Arlington County Fair. The 29th annual Arlington County Fair takes place from Aug. 18-21 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. Dates and times are Thursday, Aug. 17, indoors: 7-10 p.m., outdoors: 5-10 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 18, indoors: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., outdoors: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 19, indoors: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., outdoors: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 20, indoors: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., outdoors: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. UPDATED
<cal1>ONGOING SUMMER AND FALL EVENTS
<cal2>Lunchtime Concert Series. Free concerts every Tuesday (at Spice of Life Plaza) and Thursday (at Metro Park) in Rosslyn, from mid-May through late August. Call 703-522-6628 or visit www.rosslynva.org. UPDATED
Arlington Arts Al Fresco. Held May-September, free performances at locations around Arlington feature music and dance for all ages. Call 703-228-1850 or visit www.arlingtonarts.org. UPDATED
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). NOT UPDATED
Marine Corps Sunset Parades. Every Tuesday and Friday 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 begin at 7 p.m. and run from June 6 to Aug. 15. Parking is available at Arlington Cemetery. Call 202-433-6060. UPDATED
<cal1>ONGOING EVENTS
<cal2> 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. UPDATED
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. UPDATED
"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.
The Big Red Caboose at Bluemont is open for visitors during the summer through Sept. 10 on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays from noon-5 p.m. Talk to Ranger Moss or attend a program about the caboose 11 a.m.-noon September 10. Free for all ages. The caboose is located at 601 N. Manchester St. Call 703-525-0168. UPDATED
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. The monthly outdoor market operates from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of every month. Different artists exhibit each month. Artists are juried by a select panel. Welburn Square is adjacent to the Metro station at 9th and N. Stuart streets, near the Ballston Common Mall. For directions and further information, call 703-228-0560 or 703-528-3527. CALL BACK
Ballston hosts a weekly Farmers Market in Welburn Square, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday from June 2 through Oct. 13. 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. UPDATED
Clarendon Farmer's Market. Fresh produce and miscellaneous items are available for sale every Wednesday May 24 through October 18 from 3-7 p.m. Market is located adjacent to the entrance to the Clarendon Metro Station. Call 703-812-8881. UPDATED
Rosslyn Farmers' 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 703-524-2066. UPDATED
Columbia Pike Homegrown Farmers Market. Another convenient farmers' 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 6-Nov. 23. Call 703-892-2776. UPDATED
Flea Market and Community Garage Sale. Run by the Arlington Civitan Club, the market is held the first Saturday of the 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. CALL BACK
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, at the corner of N. 14th Street and N. Courthouse Road. near Courthouse Metro Station. 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday year-round. Call 703-228-6423. UPDATED
Friday Night Roller Skating for children in grades kindergarten-four from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. The cost is $5 and includes skate rental and dinner. Helmets are required for participation. Call 703-228-6588. CALL BACK
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 or 703-892-1161, or visit www.challengetoastmasters.org. UPDATED
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.
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<cal1>SEPTEMBER
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Blocktoberfest. The street festival includes live music from 20 bands on three stages, a carnival midway, prizes, beer and childrenís activities. Blocktoberfest runs from noon-9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, taking up five blocks outside Ballston Common Mall, including Wilson Boulevard, from Randolph to Glebe, and Randolph Street, between Wilson and Glebe. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. Visit www.blocktoberfest.com. NO NEW DATE
Speedy Tolliver Fiddlerís Fest. Traditional fiddlers will perform in many styles in honor of 86-year-old fiddling legend Roy ìSpeedyî Tolliver. Sunday, Sept. 17 from 12-4 p.m. at Lubber Run Amphitheater, N. 2nd and N. Columbus streets. Free. Call Arlington Countyís Office of Heritage Arts at 703-228-1899. UPDATED
All Arlington Salon: Juried all-media exhibition for artists who live, work or maintain studios in Arlington. Sept. 29-Dec. 18 at the Ellipse Arts Center. Opening Reception is Thursday, Sept. 30 from 6ñ9 p.m. Cash 'n' Carry Art Sale is Dec. 4ñ18. Call 703-228-7710 or visit www.arlingtonarts.org/arts_comm/exhibitions.htm.
UPDATED
Rosslyn Jazz Festival. Great jazz doesn't have to be confined to a dark, smokey 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 16th edition of the Jazz Festival was scheduled for Sept. 9 this year. Call Roni Freeman at 703-812-8881.
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<cal1>OCTOBER
<cal2>Pioneer Day Festival. Oct. 21 from 1-5 p.m. A celebration of the nation's heritage featuring live music, dancers, local artisans and food. Located at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. UPDATED
College Fair. Sponsored by Arlington Public Schools at Ballston Commons Mall on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
Clarendon Day. A street party held Oct. 15, from 9 a.m.-6 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. Call 703-276-0228 or visit www.clarendon.org. NO NEW DATE, # DISCONNECTED
Teen Day. Performances, fashion shows, seminars, giveaways and discounts at Ballston Common Mall on Saturday, Oct. 23 for families and teens ages 12 and up. Sponsored by Connect with Kids. Call 703-228-1671. CALL BACK
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. 29, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Call 703-784-2225 or visit www.marinemarathon.com. UPDATED
Senior Halloween. Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 Pershing Drive, will hold its annual Halloween Party on Oct. 31. Includes a costume parade by Barrett Elementary School, music and refreshments. Call 703-228-4423.
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 4:30 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. UPDATED
<cal1>NOVEMBER
<cal2>Walk It Off With A Naturalist. Sunday Nov. 26, 1-2:30 p.m. A free event for families with children ages 6 and up. Get outdoors after all that turkey and explore the swamps, woods and riverís edge on the easy trails of Roosevelt Island. Try your hand in a scavenger hunt. Meet at Bell Haven Park. Reservations required. Call 703-228-4747 to register. Call 703-228-3403 for more information and directions. UPDATED
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. CALL BACK
<cal1>DECEMBER
<cal2>Holiday Art Show at Fort C.F. Smith. The Arlington Artists Alliance presents a holiday art show, starting with a reception on Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m. Open Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Dec. 3 from noon-5 p.m. At Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 N. 24th St. Call 703-532-4450. UPDATED
Chamber Meeting. The Arlington Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting on Friday, Dec. 8. Visit www.arlingtonchamber.org or call 703-525-2400. UPDATED
Holiday crafts. Saturday, Dec. 4 from 2:30-5 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carling Springs Road. For adults and young adults ages 12 and up. Participants will use all-natural items to create decorative items. Music, refreshments, basic instruction and enough materials for each participant to make at least two seasonal decorations provided; participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters and any extra material or other special decorations they wish to add. $15 per person. Call 703-228-4747 or 703-228-4611(TTY). NO NEW DATES
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 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Call 703-522-6628 or visit www.rosslynva.org. NO NEW DATES
<cal1>JANUARY
<cal2>Photo 2006. A regional juried photocall of the works of photographers from Maryland, Virginia, 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.
<cal1>FEBRUARY
<cal2> Hispanic Theater Festival. Teatro de la Luna presents an annual Festival of Hispanic Theater for adults and children Feb. 9-March 19 at the Gunston Theater Two, 2700 Lang St. Call 703-548-3092 for schedule and ticket information, or visit www.teatrodelaluna.com. CALL BACK
Mardi Gras Celebration. The Clarendon Courthouse Mardi Gras begins with a parade at 8 p.m. on Feb. 28, marching up Wilson Boulevard from Danville Street to the Metro Station at N. Highland Street. Call 703-276-0228. # DISCONNECTED
<cal1>MARCH
<cal2>Shamrock Festival. This annual event takes up five blocks outside Ballston Common Mall, including Wilson Boulevard, from Randolph to Glebe, and Randolph Street, between Wilson and Glebe. Music, food, entertainment, activities, authentic Irish dancers and music. Admission costs $10 in advance, $15 at the gate; Family discount available. Go to www.hiballevents.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.
<cal1>APRIL
<cal2> Tax Blues Night. Clarendon's annual farewell to tax season at the Clarendon Post Office on Washington Boulevard. Entertainment includes rock, blues, youth singers and belly dancers. Free. Call 703-276-0228.
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 maket 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.
"From the Junkyard to the Frontyard," an exhibit of art made from junk by artists from the mid-Atlantic region, at the Ellipse Arts Center, 4350 N. Fairfax Drive.
<cal1>MAY
<cal2>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.
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 email awlaevents@awla.org.
Taste of Arlington returns to Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd. Street festival with restaurants, entertainment, crafts, auction and more. Free admission. Visit www.TasteofArlington.com.
CSC Invitational Bike Race held May 28 in Clarendon. Call 703-276-0228 for details.
<cal1>SUMMER
<cal2> Summer Concert Series. Beginning in June at Lubber Run Amphitheater and running throughout the summer. Call 703-228-7781 for more information.
Netherlands Carillion Concerts. Beginning in early June and through the summer on Saturdays, enjoy guest artists playing the 50-bell carillion in free concerts at the Carillion on Route 50 and George Washington Memorial Parkway. Concerts are held from 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 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit www.pentagonrow.com for more information.
<cal>JULY
<cal2>County Fireworks. The Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreations 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 runs about 45 minutes.
'4th 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 development 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 2006 festival.