Author: Katie Taranto

Katie Taranto is a reporter at Local News Now, primarily covering business, public safety and the city of Falls Church. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024, where she previously covered K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Events

Margaritas, dining and dancing: Cinco de Mayo events in Arlington

By Katie Taranto
Cinco de Mayo decorations at Sabores Tapas Bar in 2025 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

The weekend leading up to Cinco de Mayo calls for plenty of live music and libations across Arlington.

Margaritas, dancing and deals on Latin and Tex Mex food are all on the schedule this weekend and Monday in honor of the annual May 5 celebration — which, historically speaking, commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory against French forces in the Battle of Puebla.

Go to Margaritas, dining and dancing: Cinco de Mayo events in Arlington Read more
News

Sprouts confirms plans for new Arlington grocery store in 2026

By Katie Taranto
Workers taking down signage from the Lyon Village Shopping Center's Giant (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

A week after applying for a permit to replace the vacant Giant in Lyon Village, Sprouts Farmers Market has confirmed plans to open a new grocery store in Arlington.

“We are happy to share that we will be bringing fresh, better-for-you products to the Arlington, VA community in 2026,” a representative told ARLnow.

Go to Sprouts confirms plans for new Arlington grocery store in 2026 Read more
Around Town

Van Leeuwen eyeing Ballston space, set to replace Nicecream in Clarendon

By Katie Taranto
Former Nicecream in Clarendon (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is expanding in Arlington, with plans to replace a longtime Clarendon ice cream shop and potentially open another location in Ballston.

The website for The Crossing Clarendon lists the national ice cream franchise as “coming soon” to the spot that Nicecream currently occupies at 2831 Clarendon Blvd. Permit records also indicate that Van Leeuwen, which did not respond to a request for comment, is considering a location at 4075 Wilson Blvd in Ballston.

Go to Van Leeuwen eyeing Ballston space, set to replace Nicecream in Clarendon Read more
Around Town

Taylor Swift tribute band ‘The Fearless Eras’ performing in Clarendon this weekend

By Katie Taranto
The Fearless Eras at their debut performance in D.C. (courtesy of The Fearless Eras)

Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour may be over, but a new tribute band is aiming to bring that energy to Arlington with a setlist that Swifties can enjoy all too well.

The Fearless Eras is performing at 9:30 p.m. this Saturday at The Renegade in Clarendon (3100 Clarendon Blvd). The D.C.-area group’s three-hour setlist includes about 40 songs spanning the superstar’s 18-year career, from mainstream hits to deep cuts.

Go to Taylor Swift tribute band ‘The Fearless Eras’ performing in Clarendon this weekend Read more
Around Town

Local artist opens new stationery boutique in Long Branch Creek

By Katie Taranto
Theresa Esterlund and the letterpress (courtesy of Barbara O Photography)

Following a two-decade career at the Smithsonian Institution, a Fairlington artist has opened a new boutique with handmade stationery in Long Branch Creek.

Theresa Esterlund celebrated the grand opening of her new shop, Open to Being, last weekend at 2424 26th Road S. The shop carries cards, prints and notebooks featuring her original artwork, many printed on-site using an antique letterpress.

Go to Local artist opens new stationery boutique in Long Branch Creek Read more
Around Town

New ‘Capital Doner’ Turkish restaurant plans Rosslyn opening

By Katie Taranto
Capital Doner signs at 1731 Wilson Blvd (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new Turkish restaurant with kebab dishes and gyros is setting up shop in Rosslyn.

Capital Doner is “opening soon,” according to new storefront signs at 1731 Wilson Blvd, where The Simple Greek restaurant has closed.

Go to New ‘Capital Doner’ Turkish restaurant plans Rosslyn opening Read more
News

At least 19 Arlington bus stops are getting the ax this summer

By Katie Taranto
Metrobus stop closure signage at S. Arlington Ridge Road and S. Glebe Road (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

About two dozen bus stops in Arlington and Falls Church are scheduled to be eliminated at the end of June as part of a Metrobus “redesign” project.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) plans to remove at least 19 Arlington Metrobus stops and three Falls Church stops on June 29, the agency told ARLnow.

Go to At least 19 Arlington bus stops are getting the ax this summer Read more
Events

Cinco de Mayo celebration brings road closure to Shirlington this weekend

By Katie Taranto
Margaritas and food from Guapo's (via Guapo's Restaurants/Facebook)

All-day festivities in honor of Cinco de Mayo are coming to Shirlington this weekend, shutting down a portion of Campbell Avenue.

An outdoor celebration with live music and food deals is happening at Guapo’s Restaurant on Saturday. The party at 4028 Campbell Avenue starts at 11 a.m. and will last all day.

Go to Cinco de Mayo celebration brings road closure to Shirlington this weekend Read more
Events

Arlington Palooza returns next month with live music and family activities

By Katie Taranto
DuPont Brass, a performer at Arlington Palooza 2025 (via Arlington Parks and Recreation/X)

Moon bounces, live music and food trucks are coming to Arlington next month as a free outdoor festival makes its return.

Arlington Palooza is happening from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, offering all-day music performances and family friendly activities at the Lubber Run Community Center and park at 300 N. Park Drive.

Go to Arlington Palooza returns next month with live music and family activities Read more
Around Town

NYC-style deli and soda shop ‘Buffalo & Bergen’ plans summer debut in Clarendon

By Katie Taranto
The Breakfast Bandit sandwich from Buffalo & Bergen (via Buffalo & Bergen/Facebook)

A D.C. deli selling an array of New York-style foods and drinks is looking to come across the Potomac this summer.

Buffalo & Bergen hopes to open a fourth shop at 1028 N. Garfield Street in Clarendon, where UnCommon Luncheonette closed last fall. Inspired by soda shops in the Big Apple, the restaurant offers classic deli food, egg creams and cocktails.

Go to NYC-style deli and soda shop ‘Buffalo & Bergen’ plans summer debut in Clarendon Read more
Events

Free Lyft rides coming to D.C. area for Cinco de Mayo

By Katie Taranto
SoberRide vehicle in Clarendon on Cinco de Mayo 2022 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Free rides will be available throughout the D.C. area during Cinco de Mayo celebrations next month.

From 4 p.m. Monday, May 5 until 4 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, residents age 21 and over will be able to receive free Lyft rides worth up to $15. A promotional code will be published at 3 p.m. on www.SoberRide.com.

Go to Free Lyft rides coming to D.C. area for Cinco de Mayo Read more
View More Stories