Jazz Fest in Rosslyn (courtesy Josh Brick Photography)
As the first leaves start to turn yellow, a full slate of community activities and entertainment is planned in Arlington this fall.
Upcoming events include the annual Clarendon Day and Rosslyn Jazz Fest, as well as cultural celebrations like the Festival Latinamericano this October. Here’s a preview of some of the local happenings planned next season.
Three people are in jail after police say a man was beaten, robbed and threatened with machetes in two separate incidents.
The alleged incidents took place over the weekend just hours apart, on the same block of Columbia Pike, near the intersection with S. Four Mile Run Drive.
This regularly scheduled column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at[email protected].
Question: Why would anybody waste thousands of dollars each year on condo fees?
Answer: Most people associate paying condo fees with throwing money down the drain, but most people do not look at condo fees the right way.
In this June 20 article, the Wall Street Journal reported a study by Angi (formerly Angie’s List) that home maintenance and emergency repairs have increased by 85% and 175%, respectively, from 2019 to 2025.
By comparison, condo fees in Arlington increased by an average of just 32% from 2019 to 2025, making them a steep bargain for condo owners compared to other homeowners.
What Do Condo Fees Pay For?
For those who haven’t spent time studying condo budgets, some of the main expenses in a condo budget include:
Maintenance, Emergency Repairs, and Utilities: general upkeep and operations of the building
Reserves: a building’s savings account for major repairs or replacement of things like the roof, elevators, carpet, etc
Property Management/Staff: contracts for a property manager, front desk, janitorial services, and engineer
Master Insurance: this policy usually protects everything except your personal items and improvements within each unit
Lemonade vendor at the Arlington County Fair last week (Flickr pool photo by eschweik)
Vet Keeps Conducting Commitment — Arlington resident and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Arnald Gabriel fulfilled a 30+ year promise to conduct the Wheaton Municipal Band in Illinois on his 100th birthday, though he did so remotely due to health reasons. Despite age and distance, the World War II vet kept perfect timing, according to a segment on the CBS Evening News. [CBS News]
Back to School Patrols — “Arlington Public Schools will welcome students back into their classrooms on Monday, August 25… The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) will conduct a coordinated high-visibility transportation safety campaign in and around school zones to ensure the trip to class is as safe as possible.” [ACPD]
Jury Duty Process Starting — “The Arlington Circuit Court, which includes the City of Falls Church, will soon begin its annual juror qualification process. Juror Questionnaires will be mailed in August to approximately 35,000 randomly selected residents of Arlington County and Falls Church City.” [Arlington County]
Overdose Awareness Vigil — “Arlington County Government invites members of the public and media to attend the 4th Annual International Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil at Shirlington Library Plaza on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at 7 p.m.” [Arlington County]
New Metro Train Designs — “The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unveiled three options today (Monday) for the exterior design of its incoming 8000-series rail fleet, which is expected to arrive next year.” [FFXnow]
It’s Tuesday — Showers are expected after 1pm, accompanied by cloudy skies and a high temperature near 73°F. A northeast wind will blow at around 9 mph, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Showers may continue into Tuesday night, mainly before 8pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a low of 67°F. The east wind will blow at 5 to 7 mph, and the chance of precipitation remains at 30%. [NWS]
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
🌧️ Tuesday’s forecast
Showers are expected after 1pm, accompanied by cloudy skies and a high temperature near 73°F. A northeast wind will blow at around 9 mph, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Showers may continue into Tuesday night, mainly before 8pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a low of 67°F. The east wind will blow at 5 to 7 mph, and the chance of precipitation remains at 30%. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
Join us for a crown-worthy evening at Penrose Square as we celebrate Arlington’s own Sandra Bullock with a special outdoor screening of Miss Congeniality.
Before the movie, create your own tiara with our friends at MOCA Arlington, then settle in for a hilarious night under the stars with one of the most beloved comedies of the 2000s.
The Arlington County Fair (staff photo by Vernon Miles)
While the Ferris wheels and games are probably the Arlington County Fair’s most iconic attractions, an entire second world could be found this weekend indoors.
Many fairgoers sought refuge from a 100-degree heat index inside the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 2nd Street S.). There, they encountered vendors selling assorted wares, advocates seeking signatories for petitions, assorted competitions and more.
Changes to the online back-to-school packet, updated cellphone policies and planning for projects to support student well-being are coming to Arlington Public Schools this year.
School leaders hope that some of the changes will deliver a smoother process leading up to the first day of class, which begins one week from today on Monday, Aug. 25.
The tower at Reagan National Airport on a sunny day (staff photo)
By JOSH FUNK AP Transportation Writer
Flights in and out of Reagan National Airport in the Washington, D.C., area resumed around midday Monday after a morning fire alarm in the control tower halted all traffic.
Traffic camera footage of the road closure at the Key Bridge (via Arlington County)
Lanes on the Key Bridge were closed to traffic while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders visit D.C. today.
Some drivers began posting about the closure on social media during their commutes this morning (Monday). Further closures and traffic backups were also reported on the D.C. side of the bridge in Georgetown.