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Crime Solvers celebrates K9 teams at Arlington sheriff’s office and police department

Published October 13, 2025 at 2:30PM

Police Chief Andy Penn with 2025 Crime Solvers honorees (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

Some public-safety heroes walk on two legs while others walk on four, Sheriff Jose Quiroz noted as Arlington County Crime Solvers saluted the 13 K9 teams serving with local agencies.

Each of the dogs and their handlers at the Arlington County Police Department and Arlington County Sheriff’s Office have received specialized training to meet a range of challenges in an urban environment. As such, they are collectively deserving of the “Officer of the Year” award, Crime Solvers president Andres Tobar said.

News

Falls Church plans for nation’s 250th birthday receive a mission statement

By Scott McCaffrey

Published July 21, 2025 at 8:30AM | Updated July 22, 2025 at 4:18PM

Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission's mobile museum (via VA250/Facebook)

Members of the Falls Church250 Committee are getting down to the nuts and bolts of preparing for the nation’s 2026 birthday bash.

At a meeting last week, committee members wordsmithed their way to reach a final version of the body’s mission statement.

Around Town

Juneteenth celebration returns to Pentagon City next week

By Vernon Miles

Published June 10, 2025 at 1:45PM

Juneteenth celebration in Arlington (photo via Arlington Chamber of Commerce/Facebook)

Pentagon City’s second annual Juneteenth Community Day is returning next week.

The free celebration, hosted by the Arlington nonprofit Challenging Racism, is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, at Metropolitan Park (1330 S. Fair Street). The event will include live music, performances and food trucks.

News

Freddie’s Beach Bar founder plans to wed longtime partner at WorldPride Parade

By Katie Taranto

Published June 4, 2025 at 1:45PM

Johnny Cervantes (left) and Freddie Lutz at Freddie's Beach Bar in Crystal City (courtesy of Freddie Lutz)

The founder of a beloved LGBTQ+ bar in Crystal City is getting married to his longtime partner on a float at D.C.’s WorldPride Parade this Saturday.

Freddie’s Beach Bar owner Freddie Lutz and his partner of 28 years, Johnny Cervantes, plan to tie the knot in bride-and-groom-inspired tuxedos atop a special Freddie’s display featuring a chapel.

Events

Arlington kicking off WorldPride with block party this Saturday

By Katie Taranto

Published May 13, 2025 at 10:00AM

Progress Pride flags (via All in Arlington Virginia/Facebook)

A full schedule of Pride-themed events is kicking off in Arlington this weekend as WorldPride commences in D.C.

The festivities begin with a light art projection and Saturday block party at the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center, followed by theatrical performances, DIY arts and crafts and more through June. Here’s a look at some upcoming Pride events across the county.

Around Town

SER celebrates 10 years in Ballston as owners plan new restaurant

By Katie Taranto

Published April 9, 2025 at 11:15AM

SER in Ballston in 2025 (courtesy of SER)

Now celebrating a decade in Ballston, an award-winning Spanish restaurant is opening an outdoor patio as its owners consider plans for a new Arlington eatery.

SER co-owners Javier Candon and Christiana Campos commemorated 10 years at 1110 N. Glebe Road over the weekend alongside about 300 supporters. Expressing gratitude for community support and regional recognition, they teased expansion plans.

News

Falls Church begins developing plans for America’s 250th birthday

By Scott McCaffrey

Published April 7, 2025 at 9:00AM

Falls Church250 committee meeting (screenshot via City of Falls Church)

The Little City is starting to think big for the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.

Much remains up in the air, including the question of how much funding the City of Falls Church will set aside. At a March Falls Church250 committee meeting, however, officials floated ideas ranging from history talks to planting a remembrance tree.

Events

Where to celebrate Mardi Gras in Arlington and F.C.: King cakes, cocktails and more

By Katie Taranto

Published February 27, 2025 at 11:15AM

Mardi Gras in a Box and Li'l KC donuts from 2024 (courtesy of Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery)

King cakes, parties and themed drinks and foods are coming to Arlington and Falls Church for Fat Tuesday next week.

From purple, green and gold-covered sweets to New Orleans cuisine and church pancake suppers, here’s where you’ll find community celebrations and Mardi Gras activities next Tuesday, March 4.

Events

Year of the snake: Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Arlington and F.C.

By Katie Taranto

Published January 22, 2025 at 11:15AM

Dragon dance performance at a previous Chinese New Year Festival in Falls Church (via Chinese New Year Festival/Facebook)

Some celebrations in honor of Lunar New Year are coming to Arlington and Falls Church next week.

Observed by many Asian communities on Wednesday, Jan. 29, the holiday signals the upcoming spring season and usher in the year of the snake on the Chinese zodiac calendar. From specialty menus to festivals, here are some of the cultural activities taking place in Arlington and Falls Church.

Events

Shirlington’s tree lighting celebration returns this week

By Katie Taranto

Published December 3, 2024 at 8:15AM

Shirlington's tree lighting celebration from a past year (courtesy photo)

An annual Shirlington holiday tradition is fast-approaching with festive music and family-friendly activities.

The Village at Shirlington’s annual tree lighting celebration begins at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 5. The event includes horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, face painting, a makers market and live holiday tunes.

Events

Halloween in Arlington brings costume contests, candy and ‘monster ball’

By Dan Egitto

Published October 30, 2024 at 2:30PM

Halloween decorations along N. Jackson Street in Ashton Heights in October 2023 (staff photo by Jay Wescott)

Halloween is tomorrow (Thursday), and many varieties of spooky celebration are coming to Arlington.

From a Bluemont costume parade to a “monster ball” at a Clarendon club, festivities for ghouls and goblins of all stripes are taking place starting tomorrow afternoon and continuing through Saturday.

Events

Military Children World Expo 2024 to be held at Pentagon City mall later this month

By Savannah Taffe

Published April 11, 2024 at 11:30AM

The Military Children 2024 Wolrd Expo digital billboard in the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (Staff photo by Savannah Taffe)

The Military Children World Expo 2024 is coming to Pentagon City to honor and celebrate the resilience of military children.

The event — scheduled for Saturday, April 27 at the Pentagon City mall (1100 S. Hayes Street) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — is free to the public and promises a lineup of family-friendly activities, such as face painting, art and sculpture exhibitions, musical performances, contests, workshops and scavenger hunts, per the expo’s website.