Although this week gets off to a slower start, event-wise, starting Thursday locals can kick off Halloween weekend with in-person shows and enjoy the fall weather with outdoor events.
Some of the local event highlights for Oct. 25-31 are below. Submit your event to our event calendar by filling out this event submission form at least two weeks in advance.
Thursday, October 28
REACH for Uganda Annual Gala*
The Columbus Club (5115 Little Falls Road)
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Arlington-based nonprofit REACH for Uganda will be hosting its annual gala to support critical needs in the rural eastern portion of the country, including girls’ education and student access to technology. This year’s event will feature an evening with live music, stand-up comedy, a keynote speaker, an open bar with plated dinner and silent and live auctions.
Carlos Mencia LIVE From The Journey Podcast And Mind Of Mencia
Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7 p.m.
Honduran-American comedian Carlos Mencia will be cracking jokes at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. After the 7 p.m. show on Thursday, he will perform shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Guests must be 21 or older to enter the venue, unless they arrive before 9 p.m. and are accompanied by parent or guardian.
Halloween Bike Ride with BikeArlington
Trek Bicycle Clarendon (2731 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-8 p.m.
People can tour Arlington’s fun, wild and scary Halloween setups by night and in costume with BikeArlington. The 5-mile ride will end at Trek Bikes with refreshments, and the organization recommends registering quickly.
Shaolin Jazz and WHINO Present Can I Kick It? Featuring James Bond, “Goldfinger”
WHINO (4238 Wilson Blvd, 2nd floor)
Time: 8:30-11:30 p.m.
WHINO and DJ Shaolin Jazz will be hosting a special 6-month series on Thursday nights highlighting the most iconic spy movie series ever made. The first event will be the 1964 James Bond film “Goldfinger.” A DJ will score the film live using various techniques and sound bites to highlight different scenes. A full dinner menu will be available until 11 p.m. and a late night menu available will be available until 2 a.m.
Saturday, October 30
Free Book Talk with Author, Blogger Annette Mertens*
Online
Time: 11 a.m.
After two bouts of cancer, author and blogger Annette Mertens, who hails from Aachen, Germany — one of Arlington’s sister cities — decided to become a novelist. Hear her talk about her cancer journeys and how she was inspired her to follow her dreams. Her book, “Annas Blut” (Anna’s Blood: Anyone Can Sail Before the Wind), is published in German, but her presentation is in English. County Board Member Libby Garvey will provide opening remarks.
E-bike Demo & Group Ride with BikeArlington
Quincy Parking Deck (4001-4035 15th Street N.)
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
This free event from BikeArlington and Rad Power Bikes will teach people about e-bikes and give them a chance to test them out on trails, streets and hills. Rad will have 10 e-bikes available to take on the ride and slots are first come, first served. Helmets are required and those who do not have one will be lent one.
Dogma Dog Bakery 12th Annual Dog Trick or Treat
Dogma Bakery Shirlington (2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Take your dogs trick-or-treating at the Village at Shirlington. Participating businesses, restaurants and stores hand out pup-friendly treats while owners can sip adult “to-go” drinks. Costumes are not required for dogs or humans, and the event costs $15 per dog, payable online or in-person. The benefit will benefit Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
*Denotes featured event