A free event on the future of artificial intelligence is taking place in Crystal City this weekend, resulting in a few road closures.
Programming for “AI Unlocked” begins at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Alamo Drafthouse (1660 Crystal Drive). That morning will feature a conversation on AI policy with U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), followed by an afternoon discussion on “tech frontiers.”
The next day’s programming will be family-friendly, with interactive digital art, “cutting-edge robotics,” AI-powered photo booths and virtual-reality racing. Events will be spread across the Drafthouse, the National Landing Experience Center (241 18th Street S.) and Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive).
Evan Regan-Levine — chief strategy officer at JBG Smith, the lead sponsor for the event — said that Crystal City’s proximity to the Pentagon, HQ2 and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria makes it “the perfect home” for the event.
“We’re really at the intersection of AI, technology, and national security like no other place in the country,” Regan-Levine said. “Events and programming like SCSP’s AI Unlocked that bring the best and brightest talent together to strengthen America’s AI competitiveness are a huge part of what makes this neighborhood special.”
The following road closures are scheduled beginning on Wednesday, according to the Arlington County Police Department.
From 7 a.m. on Oct. 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5:
- S. Bell Street from 18th Street S. to 20th Street S.
- Northbound only traffic allowed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
From approximately 6 a.m. on Oct. 3 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5:
- 200 – 300 block of 19th Court S.
From approximately 7 p.m. on Oct. 3 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5:
- The 200 block of 18th Street S. (access parking garages between S. Bell Street and Crystal Drive via the alley between 18th Street S. and 20th Street S.)
- Crystal Drive from 15th Street S. to 20th Street S.
- The Northbound traffic lane will be restricted to the bus lane only from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Water Park Tower parking garage will be accessible
