Sponsor | ARLnow

NaLa Noches: A free Latin music series in National Landing

Published September 14, 2026 at 4:45PM

Met Park becomes your dance floor this fall with the return of NaLa Noches, a high-energy celebration of Latin music and culture in the heart of National Landing. Sigue el sonido/follow the sound of the güiro, clave, and timbales during live performances from top regional acts curated by DC trumpet legend Joe Herrera. During the set break, Inspira Dance leads short, beginner-friendly dance lessons, from salsa to merengue and more!

Grab empanadas and alfajores onsite from local favorite Peruvian Brothers, cool down with a complimentary Topo Chico, and partake in hands-on “Colores y Cultura” art activations by Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington.

FREE TO RSVP

Musical Lineup:

September 17 — René Ibáñez & Cubano Groove (Latin Jazz)

September 24 — Punto i Aparte (Salsa Merengue)

October 1 — Orquesta Manplesa (Salsa)

October 8 — Monte Cimarrón (Cuban Son/Salsa)

October 15 — Son Cubano Subterráneo (Cuban Son)

Art Activities & Artist Lineup:

Join Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington for fun and free “Colores y Cultura” arts activities each week.

September 17: Talavera Pottery-Style Clay Crafts // sculpt decorative pieces with air dry clay!

September 24: Artist Spotlight: David Amoroso — Papel Amate Inspired Painting // paint vibrant scenes of flora + fauna on natural paper.

October 1: Artist Spotlight: Michelle Espinoza — Corn Husk Flowers // craft flowers out of corn husks.

October 8: Artist Spotlight: Jaqui Falkenheim — Little Houses on Caminito Street // color and collage houses inspired by Caminito Street in La Boca, Buenos Aires!

October 15: Mini-Nicho Shadow Boxes // create a personal little shrine with colorful embellishments!

Please refer to the National Landing website for transportation and full event details: www.nationallanding.org/events/nala-noches

NaLa Noches is produced by the National Landing BID in partnership with Amazon.

Discover What’s Possible on the Water at the Annapolis Sailboat Show

Published September 10, 2026 at 4:45PM

The sailing lifestyle starts with a single moment. A breeze filling the sails. A quiet morning on the Bay. A weekend exploring new places with nothing but the horizon ahead.

For generations, the Chesapeake Bay has inspired sailors with its protected waters, charming waterfront towns, and endless opportunities to explore. It’s a place where a short afternoon sail can become a lifelong passion, and where every trip on the water offers a new adventure.

Every fall, the Annapolis Sailboat Show brings that lifestyle within reach.

From October 15–18, downtown Annapolis transforms into a celebration of sailing, bringing together beautiful sailboats, passionate sailors, industry experts, and waterfront experiences in America’s sailing capital.

Walk the docks, step aboard sailboats from around the world, discover new designs, connect with the sailing community, and imagine where the wind could take you next. You don’t have to be an experienced sailor to enjoy the show. You just have to be curious.

Discover Your Place Under Sail

The Annapolis Sailboat Show offers a rare opportunity to experience the sailing world all in one place. Explore sleek performance sailboats built for adventure. Step aboard comfortable cruising yachts designed for weekend escapes. Discover spacious catamarans that offer a new way to experience life on the water.

Every boat represents a different possibility.

Maybe it’s learning to sail for the first time. Maybe it’s planning weekend adventures on the Chesapeake. Maybe it’s simply discovering a new passion you never knew you had. Walk the docks, talk with sailing experts, and explore the boats, brands, and resources that can help make sailing part of your story.

More Than a Sailboat Show

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is more than an event. It’s a celebration of the people, places, and experiences that make sailing special.

Beyond the docks, visitors can experience the best of fall in Annapolis. Stroll historic brick-lined streets, enjoy waterfront dining, browse local shops, and take in views of sailboats moving through the harbor.

Throughout the show grounds, connect with sailing organizations, charter companies, outfitters, and marine experts who help make the sailing lifestyle more accessible. It’s a weekend filled with discovery, community, and the unmistakable energy of a city built around the water.

Learn. Build Confidence. Go Farther.

For many people, sailing is a dream they’ve always wanted to explore but didn’t know where to begin. The Annapolis Sailboat Show helps turn curiosity into confidence.

Take part in educational opportunities designed for every level of experience, including the First Sail Workshop for beginners, Cruisers University for in-depth sailing education, and free daily seminars led by experienced sailors and industry experts.

Whether you’re stepping aboard for the first time or building the skills to go farther, these programs provide the knowledge and confidence to enjoy more time on the water.

Find Your Next Adventure

Sailing is about more than the boat.

It’s the quiet morning sail. The sunset over the harbor. The weekend escape with friends. The feeling of discovering somewhere new. The Annapolis Sailboat Show brings together the boats, people, and possibilities that make the sailing lifestyle so rewarding.

Come step aboard, meet the sailing community, and discover where your next adventure begins.

Learn More

Two technicians, one client: new nail business cuts the time in half

Published September 10, 2026 at 12:45PM

At Ella Atelier in Clarendon, two technicians work on you at once. One does your hands, the other does your feet. A manicure and pedicure that would normally take two hours takes about half that.

We call it four-handed, and almost no one nearby offers it. The idea is simple: the people who care most about their nails usually have the least time to sit. If you work in Arlington, you can come over on a break and be back at your desk.

Why we opened

I worked in other nail salons for years. Three things kept bothering me: nails filed too thin because the work was rushed, cheap products, and rooms too loud to relax in. I opened this place to fix all three. Four-handed comes from the same idea: rushing damages nails, but adding a second pair of hands doesn’t.

The prep matters more than the polish

We do cuticle work with a Russian e-file, a small rotating tool used slowly and lightly. It removes the thin layer of dead skin that grows over the nail. That layer is why a new manicure can look old after three days. With it gone, polish sits right up against the skin instead of stopping short.

It takes longer than a normal manicure. It also means we don’t cut live skin, which is what causes nicks and rough edges later. People ask why the prep takes so long. Painting the nail is the quick part. What we do before that is what decides whether it lasts two weeks or four.

We never use water. Most salons start with a soak, and that causes two problems. Wet nails swell. The gel goes on while they’re swollen, and as they dry out over the next few hours they shrink underneath it, which is why chips usually start at the base or the tip. Soaking also softens the skin so you can’t see where the cuticle really ends, and too much gets taken off. Working dry avoids both.

Why a set lasts three to four weeks

We finish with builder gel, or BIAB. It’s thicker than polish, brushed thinly over your own nail and set under a lamp. We leave a little extra where the nail bends most, about a third of the way up. That small bit of support stops the splitting and peeling that ends a set early.

It bends with your nail instead of sitting stiff on top, so growth shows as a soft line rather than a ridge. After three or four weeks, we fill it in — we add to the new growth, and leave the rest alone, so your nail isn’t filed down again. Most people end up coming once a month. It works especially well on nails that split or peel.

We work in warm, soft neutrals. Partly because we like them, partly because a neutral hides growth much better than a dark or bright color, so it still looks good in week three.

Visiting

Ella Atelier is at 2800 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 960, second floor, next to Barnes & Noble, a short walk from the Clarendon Metro. We’re open daily 10 AM to 7 PM, and until 5 PM on Sundays.

Book or find us on Instagram at @ellaateliernails.

Booking Available

Join OAR for Casino Night – All in for Autism in the DMV

By Sponsor

Published September 9, 2026 at 4:45PM

Image from Join OAR for Casino Night - All in for Autism in the DMV

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals, their families, and supporters by funding practical research and providing valuable resources. Since its founding in 2001, OAR has awarded millions in research grants, supported autistic students through scholarships, and delivered free, evidence-based resources to the autism community.

In order to highlight our mission, supporters, and efforts, we are hosting a fundraiser to celebrate 25 years as an organization and to raise funds to support our mission and resources. Learn more here:

OAR’s Casino Night

Get ready for a high-energy evening where fun meets purpose, all in support of OAR’s mission. Sip from a full open bar, enjoy savory bites and small plates, and try your luck at table games while connecting with an incredible community of supporters.

Between hands at the tables, browse an expansive silent auction featuring premium items, or step out onto the rooftop terrace to take in the views of Old Town Alexandria. Whether you are playing, mingling, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the evening promises excitement paired with meaningful impact.

Join us to celebrate OAR’s 25-year legacy, support our critical mission, and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.

Event Details

🗓️ Saturday, September 19, 2026

📍 Above ALX Community
277 S Washington St, Penthouse
Alexandria, Virginia

🕐️ or 🗓️ Schedule:
VIP Hour: 6:00 – 7:00 pm (Exclusive access to games, bar & passed hors d’oeuvres)
Game Play: 7:00 – 9:15 pm
Awards & Silent Auction Results: 9:15 – 10:00 pm

🎟️ Tickets:
All tickets include full access to the open bar, gourmet dinner stations, photo booth, and games. Tickets include “OAR Dollars” which can be used in games throughout the evening.

VIP Admission – $295
Includes $200 in “OAR Dollars,” passed hors d’oeuvres, and exclusive access to the event starting at 6:00 pm
General Admission – $225
Includes $100 in “OAR Dollars” and access to the event starting at 7:00 pm

Buy Tickets Here

Arts Focus: Global Sounds, Great Music and Community Spirit Return to Rosslyn Jazz Fest

By Sponsor

Published September 9, 2026 at 12:45PM

Three men pose against a green backdrop: a man in a red patterned traditional outfit seated in a chair, flanked by two men standing behind him. — Parlor Greens

Sally Baby's Silver Dollars — Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars

One of Arlington’s favorite traditions returns this September as the 34th annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest brings an international lineup of music, culture, and community celebration to Gateway Park.

Taking place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 1-7 p.m., Rosslyn Jazz Fest has grown into Arlington’s largest free outdoor music festival, drawing audiences from across the region for an afternoon of world-class performances, food, activities, and dancing under the Rosslyn skyline. This year’s lineup showcases artists whose music spans continents and traditions, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy that define Arlington’s arts scene.

Headlining the festival is Grammy-nominated Plena Libre, one of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated musical groups and a driving force in contemporary plena and bomba music.

For more than three decades, the internationally acclaimed ensemble has captivated audiences with infectious rhythms, masterful musicianship, and high-energy performances that have made them ambassadors of Puerto Rican music around the world.

The full lineup offers an exciting mix of styles and influences:

Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars brings the joyful spirit of New Orleans, blending jazz, blues, and vintage swing. 2024 Tiny Desk Contest Finalist

Parlor Greens delivers soul jazz, funk, and groove-driven improvisation in the classic organ trio format.

Dogo du Togo & The Alagaa Beat Band, a regional favorite, combines Afrobeat, psychedelic rock, and traditional West African influences into a sound uniquely their own.

Returning as emcee is local media personality Tommy McFly, whose enthusiasm and connection to the community have made him a longtime festival favorite.

More than a music festival, Rosslyn Jazz Fest is a celebration of creativity, cultural exchange, and community connection. Festival attendees can enjoy food trucks, outdoor bars, family-friendly activities, lawn games, and plenty of opportunities to relax or dance while experiencing music from around the globe. Set in Gateway Park, the festival offers the perfect blend of urban energy and outdoor gathering space in the heart of Arlington.

Events like Rosslyn Jazz Fest help showcase Arlington’s reputation as one of the nation’s most vibrant arts communities. Through partnerships between Arlington Arts and organizations such as the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, residents and visitors alike have opportunities to experience outstanding performances free of charge while exploring Arlington’s neighborhoods and public spaces.

So bring a blanket, gather some friends, and spend an afternoon discovering new sounds from Puerto Rico, New Orleans, West Africa, and beyond. Rosslyn Jazz Fest returns Saturday, Sept. 12, offering a celebration of music and culture that is uniquely Arlington.

For more information and free registration, visit the Rosslyn Jazz Fest website.

#Arlington Economic Development

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: September 9, 2026

By Sponsor

Published September 9, 2026 at 10:45AM

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose prices have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: The properties featured here may be listed with other brokerages– but that doesn’t limit your options. Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to represent you, arrange showings, analyze value, and negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf. We understand the neighborhoods, pricing trends and market timing — and we use that knowledge to your advantage.

As of September 7, there are 185 detached homes, 66 townhouses and 270 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 43 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

#Just Reduced

Ten Things I Learned in the First Summer Season of My Roofing Company

By Sponsor

Published September 8, 2026 at 12:45PM

Incredibly excited to wrap up an awesome first summer. I’ve learned a lot, and I thought I’d share some of those lessons with you.

1. Hiring a JMU intern is a great idea.

This summer we were lucky enough to hire a young man from Woodbridge named Owen, who is a rising senior at JMU. He was exactly the spark we needed to help us push through our first busy summer season. We’ve already made him a job offer for next summer when he graduates, and we’re hopeful he’ll join us full-time.

2. People are generally helpful and want to see you succeed when you’re first starting out.

Over the summer, I was amazed by how many people wanted to help me get a strong start in my business. There were definitely times when I knew folks might not need a new roof, but they were still kind enough to let me come by, take a look, and give them a free estimate just in case. It was inspiring and motivating to know that there are strangers out there who don’t even know me but still want to see me win.

3. Hard work solves most problems.

From the beginning, I’ve been honest about having a lot to learn in this industry. What I’ve come to find is that even when I don’t know exactly what I’m doing, hard work will still often get me to the right result. When in doubt, just keep pushing. This is something I’ll remember as more hard times come and as we get ready to go through the cold winter season.

4. Working with property managers and realtors can be a win-win for everyone.

This year, we’ve built some great relationships with property managers and realtors. These folks are hardworking and busy, and the last thing they have time to worry about is a roof for their clients. We’ve worked with them to install new roofs, windows, gutters, doors, and siding on multiple occasions.

5. Some folks will slam the door in your face without thinking twice.

Things aren’t always easy in this game, and I don’t want to paint an overly rosy picture without talking about some of the hard stuff too. As a new person working hard to get your name out there, it can definitely be a little daunting when someone yells at you or slams the door in your face. Luckily, most people are warm and will at least talk to you, and we’ve appreciated that as we navigate these bumps along the way.

6. Most homeowners just want transparency and great customer service.

It’s wild how many contractors out there really can’t be trusted. We’ve come to learn quickly that homeowners just want fantastic customer service and transparency throughout the process. If you can honestly show someone how the process is going to take place and hold their hand a little along the way, you can make almost all of your customers pretty happy.

7. Homeowners taught me more than any training could have.

(more…)

Contact us

What Could a Different Form of Government Mean for Arlington?

Published September 4, 2026 at 10:45AM

What could a different form of local government mean for Arlington and the people who live here?
Arlington is growing and evolving, and soon, the County will begin an internal assessment to determine if our 93-year-old government structure is still the best fit for our future. Because everything from property taxes to neighborhood infrastructure is shaped by this structure, understanding our options is the first step in shaping what comes next. As the County begins its review, now is the time to get informed about how different models work.

Join Advance Arlington on September 9 for a timely discussion featuring leaders from Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax. Hear how different forms of local government work in practice, what each can offer, and what potential changes could mean for Arlington.

Whether you join us in person at Lubber Run Community Center or virtually via Zoom, this is an opportunity to get informed, hear perspectives from across the region, and better understand an issue that could shape Arlington’s future.

Register today and join the conversation.

Click to Register

Discover the Boating Lifestyle in Annapolis This Fall

Published September 3, 2026 at 12:45PM

Don’t just visit the Chesapeake Bay

Explore, unwind, and create memories on the water.

Imagine a Saturday morning on the water. Coffee on the dock as Annapolis wakes up. Cruising by historic waterfronts. Anchoring in a quiet cove with friends and family. Enjoying dinner at a waterfront restaurant before heading back as the sun sets over the harbor.

That’s the Chesapeake lifestyle.

With miles of shoreline, charming waterfront towns, protected waters, and endless places to discover, the Bay offers a unique combination of adventure and accessibility. It feels like a getaway, but it’s closer than you think.

Every fall, the Annapolis Powerboat Show brings that lifestyle to downtown Annapolis.

From October 8–11, City Dock transforms into a waterfront experience where visitors can step aboard hundreds of boats, explore the latest innovations, meet boating experts, and discover what life on the water could look like.

You don’t have to own a boat to enjoy the show. You just have to be curious.

Find Your Place on the Water

The Annapolis Powerboat Show is your chance to explore the many ways to enjoy the Chesapeake.

Looking for a way to spend weekends with family and friends? Explore spacious pontoon boats and deck boats built for relaxing, entertaining, and making memories on the water. Interested in adventure? Discover center consoles designed for exploring, fishing, and cruising the Bay’s many destinations. Dreaming about longer escapes? Step aboard cruisers and yachts built for comfortable weekends and extended adventures.

Every boat offers a different way to experience the water. The show gives you the opportunity to see them all in one place, compare options, ask questions, and imagine what your own Chesapeake adventures might look like.

More Than a Boat Show

The Annapolis Powerboat Show is about more than boats. It’s about the people, places, and experiences that make life on the water special.

Spend the day exploring the docks, then continue your Annapolis adventure beyond the show grounds. Enjoy waterfront dining, browse local shops, stroll historic streets, and take in views of one of the most beautiful harbors on the Chesapeake. Meet passionate boaters, connect with marine experts, discover new products and innovations, and experience the energy of Annapolis’s signature fall events.

From first-time visitors to longtime boating enthusiasts, there is something new on every dock.

Discover How Easy It Is to Get Started

Not a boater yet, and not sure where to begin? The Annapolis Powerboat Show makes the first step easier by giving you the chance to learn, ask questions, and experience life on the water firsthand.

Explore educational opportunities designed for every level of interest. Attend free seminars led by boating experts, learn more about navigation and safety, and discover resources that will help you feel comfortable on the water.

Visitors may also experience boats in action at the PropTalk Demo Dock, where select models are available for on-water sea trials. For those looking to build their skills, BoatUS on-water training offers hands-on instruction to help new boaters gain confidence at the helm.

The Annapolis Powerboat Show is more than a place to see boats. It’s a place to explore the boating lifestyle.

Your Next Adventure Is Waiting

The Chesapeake Bay offers endless ways to make the water part of your life.

A quiet morning cruise. A waterfront lunch. An afternoon anchored with friends. A new hobby waiting to be discovered. The Annapolis Powerboat Show brings those possibilities together in one unforgettable weekend.

Come curious. Walk the docks. Step aboard. Experience the boating lifestyle for yourself.

Learn More

Small Business Focus: The Wandering Shelf

Published September 2, 2026 at 12:45PM

For Tessa Cannon, books are more than stories. They’re a way to build community.

As the owner of The Wandering Shelf, an independent mobile bookstore that launched in Arlington in May 2025, Cannon brings books directly to readers across the community. Operating out of a bookstore van, she sells new and used books for all ages, along with book-themed merchandise, at events and locations throughout Arlington.

The idea grew from both her love of Arlington and her desire to expand access to independent bookstores.

“There are two main reasons I chose Arlington,” Cannon said. “First, I love Arlington and am one of its biggest fans. Second, Arlington is near communities with an incredible array of independent bookstores, yet at the time Arlington had only one bookstore selling new books. I wanted to grow our independent bookstore network and bring books to more Arlingtonians.”

As she prepared to launch the business, Cannon worked with Arlington Economic Development’s BizLaunch program, which connected her with a SCORE mentor and provided guidance through the startup process.

“BizLaunch was helpful in many ways,” she said. “They connected me with a mentor from SCORE, provided guidance on county-specific licenses and shared a fantastic Small Business Checklist. The BizLaunch website is filled with helpful resources.”

One customer interaction stands out as Cannon’s favorite business memory. A customer purchased a copy of I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman and returned a few weeks later to share how much she enjoyed it. Weeks after that, she came back with friends and the same copy of the book, now covered with notes and annotations from everyone who had borrowed and discussed it.

“It was a wonderful reminder of the gift that comes with sharing books with your community and how we are each impacted differently through the stories we read,” Cannon said.

Community remains at the heart of The Wandering Shelf’s mission. Cannon describes the business as “hyperlocal,” with charitable giving and community engagement focused on supporting Arlington residents.

Looking ahead, she hopes to grow the business into a small brick-and-mortar bookstore while keeping the mobile operation on the road.

“We dream of having a third space where people can rest, learn and connect with others,” Cannon said. “We plan to always keep the van running so we can continue meeting people in all the different pockets of Arlington.”

For now, The Wandering Shelf continues bringing books directly to Arlington readers, one stop at a time. For more information about The Wandering Shelf visit www.wanderingshelf.com or their Instagram @thewanderingshelf.va.

BizLaunch Update: Applications Open for the Arlington Growth Accelerator

Ready to take your business to the next level? The Arlington Growth Accelerator is designed for established small businesses looking to scale, strengthen operations and accelerate growth.

This hands-on program connects business owners with expert guidance, practical tools and a network of peers navigating similar growth challenges. Participants will gain insights on strategic planning, financial management, marketing, leadership and long-term business sustainability.

Whether you’re looking to expand your customer base, hire employees or position your business for its next phase of growth, the Arlington Growth Accelerator can help you build a roadmap for success.

Applications are now open. Learn more and apply at www.bizlaunch.org.

#Arlington Economic Development

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: September 2, 2026

By Sponsor

Published September 2, 2026 at 10:45AM

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose prices have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: The properties featured here may be listed with other brokerages– but that doesn’t limit your options. Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to represent you, arrange showings, analyze value, and negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf. We understand the neighborhoods, pricing trends and market timing — and we use that knowledge to your advantage.

As of August 31, there are 175 detached homes, 60 townhouses and 249 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 42 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

#Just Reduced

Grand Opening Today: LadyBug Academy launches Spanish Immersion program in Arlington

Published August 31, 2026 at 10:45AM

Image from Ladybug Academy opens Spanish immersion program in Arlington

A New Bilingual Beginning in Arlington

LadyBug Academy’s Spanish Immersion Program is now open and enrolling!

Arlington families have a new opportunity to give their children an early start in Spanish. LadyBug Academy’s Spanish Immersion Program introduces Spanish naturally through play, storytelling, hands-on activities, and everyday classroom experiences.

Designed with young learners and families in mind, the program provides a warm, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and experience Spanish throughout their school day.

🎉 Grand Opening — August 31st

Now Enrolling | Schedule a Tour Today

📍 3455 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22207
📞 571-457-0579
📧 [email protected]

Schedule a Visit Today

LadyBug Academy Spanish Immersion Program — where a bilingual journey begins early.

Book your tour now!