The first weekend of October will bring seasonal festivals, outdoor activities and celebrations of a new Taylor Swift album in Arlington and Falls Church.
But first, federal workers and contractors affected by the government shutdown can take some solace in discounts and deals at several local businesses.
Deals for federal workers
Dining and drinks
- Celtic House Irish Pub and Restaurant: Happy hour extended from noon to 7 p.m. until the shutdown is over. 2500 Columbia Pike
- Charga on the Pike: Government employees receive 10% off regularly priced menu items. 3203 Columbia Pike
- Hyde Social: All drinks are half-off from 4-7 p.m. daily until the shutdown is over. 3100 Clarendon Blvd
- Immigrant Food: Margaritas are $5 with a valid government ID. 4245 Fairfax Drive
- Pike Cornerstone: “While We Wait for a Continuing Resolution Specials” include $25 beer buckets, $5 shots and glasses of wine, and $2 off select appetizers. 2900 Columbia Pike
- Rasa: Federal workers can order the chain’s $10 Shutdown Bowl with chicken or vegetables. 2200 Crystal Drive
- Taco Bamba: Federal workers can order buy one, get one free tacos (one free taco per person, per visit) when they present a valid federal ID for in-person dining. 4000 Wilson Blvd and 4041 Campbell Avenue
- Thompson Restaurants: 20% discount for federal workers who can present a government ID. Thompson Restaurants include Matchbox, Wiseguy Pizza, Makers Union and Big Buns. Multiple locations.
- Yume Sushi: 20% discount for federal employees who present a government ID. 2121 N Westmoreland Street
Cafe specials
- Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique: Free coffee and tea for government workers, family and friends. 576 23rd Street S.
- Compass Coffee: Free pastry with any drink purchase for federal workers who can show proof of employment. Multiple locations
Retail and wellness
- Barre3: Federal workers can participate in a free Friday class at noon in Falls Church by presenting a valid government ID. 450 N Washington Street
- Cyclebar: All federal workers ride for free “until further notice” in Falls Church with proof of a federal ID. 301 W. Broad Street
- One More Page Books: Free puzzles and books for federal workers and contractors affected by the government shutdown. 2200 N. Westmoreland Street
- PLNTR: The plant boutique is offering furloughed federal workers a 20% discount today (Thursday) and Friday. 269 19th Court S.
- Scramble: Furloughed federal workers and contractors receive free adult admission as well as 10% off cafe purchases with a valid government ID until the shutdown is over. Scramble Indoor Play, 130 E. Fairfax Street, and Union Station Cafe, 2900 S. Quincy Street
If you’re hoping to do something other than brood over the state of the federal government, a lot of fun things are happening in Arlington this weekend. Visit Eden Center’s annual Moon Festival, try pilates at Met Park or don some lederhosen at an Oktoberfest celebration in Shirlington.
Friday, Oct. 3
Live music, entertainment and arts
- Cabaret Chicago and All That Jazz: 11 a.m. to noon at the Walter Reed Center
- Suite for Sweethearts: 7-8:10 p.m. at Theatre on the Run
- Swiftie Soirée Album Release Party at Makers Union: 7-10 p.m.; free tickets on Eventbrite
- Nick Di Paolo at Arlington Drafthouse: Starts at 7 p.m.
- Friday Night Karaoke at Highline RxR: 7:30-10:30 p.m.
- Strategic Love Play at Signature Theatre: Limited seating still available for 8 p.m. showtime
- $5 comedy night at The State Theatre: Starts at 8:30 p.m.
- Turtle Recall at The Renegade: 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Fall activities and more
- First Friday Mahjong 101: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Talk Tiles to Me. Admission is $100.
- 55+ First Friday Social: 1-2 p.m. at Arlington Mill Community Center
- Festival Latinamericano: 5-9 p.m. at Arlington Mill Community Center
- Family Storytelling Campfire: 6-7 p.m. at the Long Branch Nature Center
- AI Unlocked: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Alamo Drafthouse
Saturday, Oct. 4
Live music, entertainment and arts
- The Best Haunted House Ever by Encore Stage & Studio: Showtimes at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- NUMB: The Nu-metal Band at The State Theatre: Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m.
- The Cassaday Concoction at The Renegade: 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Taylor Swift Listening Party at Urban Farmhouse and Covet: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Taylor Swift Hot Yoga at SoulFire Collective: 11 a.m. to noon in Clarendon
- Killing Me Softly: A Love Letter to Roberta Flack: 7-8:10 p.m. at Theatre on the Run
- Francisco Ramos at Arlington Drafthouse: Showtimes at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
- Cinema on the Plaza: The Phantom of the Opera: Starts at 7:30 p.m. at The Plaza at Mason Square
- Strategic Love Play at Signature Theatre: Limited seating still available for 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. showtimes
- Freddie’s Follies Drag Show: Starts at 8 p.m. Reservations encouraged.
- 2025 Arlington ArtWalk: 3-8 p.m.
- Art After Hours: 5-8 p.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
- Sip & Paint at Water Park: Starts at 6:30 p.m.
- Karaoke Night of a Showgirl at Quincy Hall: Starts at 11 p.m.
Fall activities and more
- Civitan Open Air Flea Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at 4001 15th Street N.
- Falls Church Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon outside Falls Church City Hall
- AI Unlocked: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Alamo Drafthouse, National Landing Experience Center and Water Park
- Painting pumpkins: 10 a.m. to noon; supplies provided and registration is $9 per person
- The Nature of Poetry walk: 10 a.m. to noon with Arlington Poet Laureate Courtney LeBlanc
- Tiny Tot: Fall Harvest: Activity from 10-10:45 a.m.; $6 per kid
- Tết Trung Thu Mid-Autumn Children’s Festival: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School
- Rosslyn Fall Fest: 1-6 p.m. at NOW Pop-Up Park
- Westover Day: 2-5 p.m. outside Cardinal Elementary School
- Oktoberfest at Surreal: Activities, food and drink from 2-10 p.m.
- Oktoberfest at Astro Beer Hall: 5-7 p.m.
- Moon Festival Celebration at Eden Center: Activities, food and giveaways from 3-6 p.m.
- Falling for Art: A Fall Market Event: 5-8 p.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
Sunday, Oct. 5
Live music, entertainment and arts
- Munit and Z Lovebugs Celebrate Roberta, Music and You!: 11 a.m. to noon at Theatre on the Run
- The Best Haunted House Ever by Encore Stage & Studio: Starts at 3 p.m.
- Francisco Ramos at Arlington Drafthouse: Showtime in Spanish at 7 p.m.
- Strategic Love Play at Signature Theatre: Limited seating still available for showtimes at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Eagles vs. Broncos at The Renegade: 1-4 p.m.
Fitness and wellness
- Sunrise Yoga at Water Park: Starts at 8 a.m.
- Pilates Sculpt + Merri Matcha Pop Up: 10 a.m. to noon at Met Park
- Fit @ Potomac Yard: 2-3 p.m. at Center Park
Fall activities and more
- Powhatan People seminar: 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Fort CF Smith Park
- MoCA on the Move’s Fall Fun Family Series: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Freddie’s Fabulous Buffet Brunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
