An officer responded to the 3500 block of N. Nottingham Street around 9:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, for a report of a loud party, according to police. Upon arriving, the officer approached the house and observed a large number of young people.

“Numerous” party-goers then began fleeing from the home by jumping over fences into nearby yards, while others started throwing beer cans and bottles at the officer, according to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck.

Backup units arrived on scene and the remaining partyers were rounded up. In all, 43 people between the ages of 15 and 18 were charged with underage consumption of alcohol.

“Many of them were rude and uncooperative,” Sternbeck said. Another 16 juveniles were released into the custody of their parents without charges after a voluntary breath test revealed no traces of alcohol, Sternbeck said.

“Let’s just say there were a lot of unhappy parents responding to the 3500 block of N. Nottingham Street that night,” said Sternbeck.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner, who was not present at the time of the party but was later reached by police via phone. Police were unable to locate the suspects who threw the cans and bottles at the officer, Sternbeck said.

The parade — the largest in the D.C. area — will run up Wilson Boulevard from N. Barton Street to Washington Boulevard. Several significant road closures will be in effect as a result. Parade-goers are being encouraged to walk or take Metro.

If you’re looking for something to do before or after the parade (other than watching the State of the Union address) here are a few local Fat Tuesday-themed happenings that might be of interest.

1. Bayou Bakery (1515 N. Courthouse Road) is hosting a “block party” outside the store starting at 5:00 p.m.
2. Whitlow’s (2854 Wilson Blvd) is offering hurricanes, drink specials and a special menu
3. Wilson Tavern (2403 Wilson Blvd) is hosting a Mardi Gras party with specials and free beads
4. Iota Club and Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd) is hosting a free concert by The Grandsons starting at 8:30 p.m. The event includes free “gumbo shots.”
5. RiRa Irish Pub (2915 Wilson Blvd) is hosting a live band starting at 7:00 p.m., plus offering $3 drink specials until 9:00 and “beads all over the place”
6. Mad Rose Tavern (3100 Clarendon Blvd) is hosting a Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Party “all day long.” DJ Chris Styles will perform, specials will be available and free masquerade masks and beads will be provided.
7. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (3022 Woodlawn Ave, Falls Church) is hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

A number of venues still have space available for their celebrations, but some will increase ticket prices at the door. Options also exist for those in search of family friendly activities. Here are some of the celebrations around Arlington:

Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse — (2903 Columbia Pike) Watch New York City’s celebration in Times Square on the movie screen and take in music during the 1980s themed party. The $15 admission price covers entertainment and party favors. Food and drinks can be purchased from tableside waitstaff. Guests must be at least 21 years old.

Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill – (2424 Wilson Blvd) The $50 admission price ($70 at the door) includes a dinner and dessert buffet, live entertainment, a coffee bar, a midnight champagne toast and party favors. The event runs from 9:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. and guests must be 21 or older. There will be drink specials all night.

Artisphere — (1101 Wilson Blvd) Starting at 8:30 p.m., three DJs and a live video show will be highlighted at the art venue’s celebration. Tickets are currently $95 and include entertainment, a two hour premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and party favors.

Capitol City Brewing Company — (4001 Campbell Avenue) The event begins at 9:00 p.m. with an appetizer buffet that runs through midnight. Admission is $30, with a $10 cover charge for guests arriving after 10:00 p.m. Music, party favors and a champagne toast are included.

Clarendon Ballroom — (3185 Wilson Blvd) Doors open at 8:00 p.m. for the party, featuring Liquid A with DJ Squirrel in the lower lounge. Tickets are currently $105 and include entertainment, a dinner buffet, party favors, four drink tickets, a champagne toast and a balloon drop at midnight. Tickets can be be purchased online or by calling 1-888-695-0888.

The Comedy Spot — (Ballston Common Mall) The whole family can enjoy the PG comedy performance. Tickets for the 8:00 p.m. show are $15 and party hats will be provided. At the end of the show, performers will welcome Rio de Janeiro’s new year for those who can’t stay up until midnight local time.

Extra Virgin Modern Italian Cuisine – (4053 Campbell Avenue) The first of the restaurant’s two dinner seatings costs $55 and runs from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The second seating runs from 7:30-9:30 p.m., with party favors, a champagne toast and live music included in the $85 cost. Starting at 10:00 p.m., walk-ins can pay $20, which includes party favors and access to the band.

Iota Club and Cafe — (2832 Wilson Blvd) The music venue presents the bands The Beanstalk Library, Ugly Purple Sweater and Alex Vans & the Hideaway. Tickets are $18 and include music, party favors and a midnight toast. Bands are scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m.

Signature Theatre — (4200 Campbell Avenue) Take in a special performance of Dreamgirls at 8:00 p.m. and then stay for heavy hors d’oeuvres, a midnight champagne toast and music from a DJ. Tickets to the musical start at $40; tickets for the after party are $75 for subscribers and $100 for non-subscribers. Tickets for the party can be purchased by calling 703-820-9771.

Union Jack’s — (Ballston Common Mall) The annual Little Black Dress Ball includes a dinner buffet from 8:00-10:00 p.m., live entertainment, a midnight toast, party favors and a late night continental breakfast. Tickets are currently $20 but will increase, and can be purchased online or by calling 703-778-3568.

On Monday, management at the Archstone Ballston Square apartment building (850 N. Randolph Street) sent an email to residents detailing some incidents of excessive partying. The email also reminds residents of rules against tossing objects off balconies and holding drinking game competitions in apartment common areas.

Said the tipster who sent us the memo: “Archstone Ballston Square is turning into quite the frat [house].”

Dear Residents,

Having an enjoyable summer and being able to enjoy our outdoor spaces such as the BBQ area, Pool and Sundeck requires the cooperation of all residents.

This past Friday night someone threw beer bottles from their balcony into the pool and onto the pool deck. Thankfully the lifeguard was attentive and able to clean this out with only a minor delay in re-opening the pool for everyone’s enjoyment. Glass in the pool or on the pool deck poses a huge accident risk and also will force us to shut down the area possibly for extended periods of time. Please be reminded that tossing anything from your balcony is completely unacceptable and it poses dangers to the entire community. The weekend prior we had a minor mulch fire because of cigarettes being tossed off.

In addition, drinking games of any sort are prohibited in common areas. We do not allow alcoholic beverages to be taken to the pool area and alcohol cannot be consumed in the public areas such as the BBQ deck and courtyard. Going forward we will have to enforce this rule and resident found drinking will be asked to retreat to their own apartments. Only plastic cups or bottles may be used on the deck.

Due to the huge crowds we saw last weekend we can only allow each resident to bring one additional guest this summer. Please be reminded that we will hold residents responsible for their guests behavior as well.

Please assist us in maintaining this an enjoyable area for all residents by following the above rules and allowing your neighbors to enjoy the facilities as well.

Regards,

Sandy Russell
General Manager
Archstone Ballston Square

If you live in an apartment or condo, have you had similar incidents happen at your building?

Photo via Google

Spike Mendelsohn brought some glitz and glamour to Crystal City Friday night at the private opening party for his newest Good Stuff Eatery location.

Between the the celebrity DJ inside (Josh Madden), the Ferrari parked outside (it belonged to one of Spike’s investors), and the reality show production crew that filmed the whole thing (we were told they were working on “Life After Top Chef”), the party was more Hollywood Boulevard than Crystal Drive. Taking in the excitement — and the beer, fries, burgers and milkshakes — was a capacity crowd that included young partiers, local notables, and Mendelsohn family members.

The restaurant, at 2110 Crystal Drive, is set to open to the public on Wednesday.

Here are some of the larger or unique New Year’s Eve events happening around Arlington. This list is by no means exhaustive, but provides some interesting options from places that have already announced their celebrations.

1. Hyatt Regency Crystal City — Professionals in the City is hosting its annual “Passport to the World Gala” at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City (2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy). In addition to food, drinks and a DJ, the event has entertainment featuring various cultures around the world. Some highlights include the Japanese karaoke room, Red Light District adult-content comedians, Caribbean steel drums and Bollywood Hills Underground Club.

The $99 ticket option allows entry at 10:30 p.m. and includes six drink tickets. The $139 ticket option allows entry at 9:00 p.m. and includes eight drink tickets. Prices will increase after Friday, December 9.

2. Signature Theatre — Guests can take in the 8:00 p.m. performance of “Hairspray” at the Signature Theater (4200 Campbell Ave) and then stay for a countdown to the new year with the cast of the musical.

Tickets are $100 ($75 for Signature Theatre members) and include two drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast and dancing to music from a DJ.

3. Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse — Ring in the new year at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) with a 1980s themed bash. Watch New York City’s Times Square celebration live on the big screen while dancing to ’80s tunes from a DJ.

Tickets are $15 and include admission and party favors.

4. Northside Social – The folks at Northside Social (3211 Wilson Blvd) are doing things a little differently for New Year’s Eve. According to their Facebook page, they’re auctioning off the use of the facilities to the highest bidder. The winner gets to throw their own party, fully customized by Northside Social.

Contact Sean Lowder at 804-305-0402 or email sean.lowder@thelibertytavern.com for more information or to place a bid.

5. Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill – In Courthouse, Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill (2424 Wilson Blvd) touts a dinner and dessert buffet, midnight champagne toast, music and party favors. They also offer party-goers the option to watch bowl games and the New York City ball drop on the 50 flat screens.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $55 at the door.

6. Clarendon Ballroom — The annual New Year’s Eve Gala at Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd) will feature entertainment from cover band Liquid A and DJ Flex.

Tickets are currently $65, but will increase, and include a dinner buffet and four drink tickets.

7. Gulf Branch Nature Center — The whole family can attend the New Year’s Eve Stroll and Campfire at Gulf Branch Nature Center (3608 Military Rd). Attendees can explore the park then toss resolutions into the “wishing campfire.”

Registration is required, and costs $5.

Flickr photo by Dave Hunt

The art space and venue has seen its share of trouble during its year in existence. There was no restaurant on site for the first seven months, the executive director didn’t start until three months after opening, and both attendance and revenue were low.

But earlier this year, Artisphere revamped its business plan. Staff say it has taken a little longer to get there, but things appear to be back on track.  The hope is that the birthday bash will introduce new patrons to the venue and what it offers.

“The 1 Party” kicks off tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. with DJs and a commissioned lighting of Artisphere’s dome by local artist Brian Stansfield. There will also be a live variety show and an interactive mural creation.

On Sunday, the whole family is welcome to check out Artisphere’s free open house from noon to 6:00 p.m. Attendees can take part in hands-on art activities, salsa lessons and face painting, as well as getting a look at performance art. Of course, there will be birthday cake for everyone who attends the celebration.

Tickets to Saturday night’s party range from $15-$30. Click here to sign up for tickets.

Disclosure: Artisphere is currently an ARLnow.com advertiser.

1. Clarendon Ballroom

The annual New Year’s Eve Gala at Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd) features a large dinner buffet, four drink tickets, a champagne toast, midnight balloon drop and more.

Entertainment comes from high-energy cover band Liquid A, with DJ Image spinning party music on the lower level all night.

Tickets started at $65 and will rise in $10 increments as the date gets closer. Held from 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.

2. Arlington Cinema Drafthouse

If you like watching the ball drop in Time’s Square but you don’t actually want to go to NYC, this is the next best thing. Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) will be showing New Year’s celebrations in NYC and around the world live on the big screen. The 80′s themed party includes a DJ, entertainment and party favors. Admission is $14.

Food and drink must be purchased separately from the table-side wait staff. This event sold out last year.

3. Caribbean Breeze

If you want to ring in the New Year Caribbean style then the Caribbean Breeze (4100 Fairfax Dr) is the place to be. Bring in the New Year dancing to Latin beats, eating island food or just hanging out with some friends.

9PM to 3AM, $25 per person (party only) before Dec. 25th. $69 Dinner/Dance VIP Package before Dec. 25th. For more info call Padrino at 703-402-2608 or 703-812-7997.

4. Dance Factory

If you really like to dance then the Dance Factory (954 N. Monroe St) is the place to be. Join them for an elegant evening of ballroom, Latin, and swing dancing as they waltz into 2011. Singles and couples welcome, open to all. Door prizes, party favors, and much more.

$19 if paid by December 29th, $24 at the door. Held from 9:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Call 703-528-9770 for more info.

5. The Clarendon Grill

C-Grill (1101 N. Highland St.) is throwing a New Years Eve party featuring the ever-popular cover band Gonzo’s Nose and DJ 2 NUTZ, who will be spinning during band breaks. Tickets start at $45 and come three drink tickets, a champagne toast and party favors. For those who like the outdoors, the Grill’s patio will be open and heated. Event will be held from 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.

6. Whitlow’s on Wilson

If you would like to listen to a live band while you eat and drink the night away then head on over to Whitlow’s (2854 Wilson Blvd). Local party band Back to Zero will rock the house while you enjoy drinks and Whitlow’s appetizer buffet. Cost is $25, which includes the buffet and a champagne toast at midnight.

7. Crystal City Sports Pub

Whether you want to dance, play pool, watch sports or just hang out for New Year’s Eve, the Crystal City Sports Pub (529 S. 23rd St.) has something for everyone. The best thing is that there’s no cover, but if you want to enjoy their custom dinner deal then that will cost you a cool $39.99. The price includes a three course meal, champagne toast and party favors. Held from 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.

8. 3 Bar and Grill

3 Bar and Grill (2950 Wilson Blvd) is hosting a “no drama” New Year’s Eve event, featuring a DJ, a complimentary toast and party favors. There’s no cover, but reservations are suggested for the dining room.

9. The Melting Pot

Come ring in 2011 with fondue at The Melting Pot (1110 N Glebe Rd) in Ballston. They will also serve a complimentary champagne toast with the dessert course. Party favors and souvenir photo of the evening will be available.

10. Fort Myer Officer’s Club

If you’re a commissioned officer in the military or a GS-7 or higher DoD civilian, this swank party at the Fort Myer Officer’s Club (214 Jackson Ave, Fort Myer) is literally just for you. Renowned singer Nancy Scimone will lead a dance-loving crowd into a spirited new year with her Red Bird Jazz Band. Reservations are $90 for club members or $100 for non-members. There will be a cash bar starting at 6:00, followed by dinner at 7:00, music and dancing at 8:00, a champagne toast at midnight and a light continental breakfast.

Flickr photo by Dave Hunt

Planetarium Fundraising Now Exceeds $100K — The Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium group has now raised $120,000 to help fund renovations at the 40-year-old facility. The group is still far from its goal of raising $400,000 by summer 2011, but it is hoping to close the gap by landing a few major donations from local defense contractors. More from TBD.

Sharrows on Clarendon Boulevard – Arlington County is doing away with a bike lane between Courthouse Road and Rhodes Street on Clarendon Boulevard. In its place, the county is making the right-hand traffic lane a shared car/bike lane. Bikes should be able to keep up with traffic on the stretch of road, much of which is a steep downhill. More from WashCycle.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Party at EatBar — EatBar is throwing an ugly holiday sweater party, complete with spiked peppermint patty hot cocoa and a viewing of the 1983 classic A Christmas Story. The festive event will kick off at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19. More from WCP Y&H.

Flickr pool photo by MichaelTRuhl

Rep. Jim Moran and Arlington Democrats — Westin Arlington Gateway (801 North Glebe Road, Ballston)

Mark Kelly — Hard Times Cafe (3028 Wilson Boulevard, Clarendon)

Patrick Murray — Baley’s Pub and Grille (4238 Wilson Boulevard, Ballston)