News

As fall foliage piles up in yards and streets around Arlington, the county’s annual leaf collection program begins next week.

Leaf vacuums will suck up fallen leaves in 19 neighborhoods beginning on Monday, Nov. 10. The first pass will continue every weekday through Nov. 28, only taking a day off for Thanksgiving.


Around Town

A Falls Church “toy library” will let customers borrow some toys free of charge in exchange for donations of leftover candy following Halloween.

The Toy Nest is collecting unopened candy as part of its annual candy buyback program, which loans out games, puzzles and more in exchange for sugary treats. The buyback program runs for a week, beginning the day after Halloween this Saturday.


Around Town

Halloween is Friday, bringing trick-or-treaters, free Lyft rides and lots of thematic events to Arlington.

Here’s a look at what county newcomers can expect and where to go locally on the spookiest night of the year.


Events

A Falls Church sorority chapter is hosting a Halloween-themed collection event for old electronics tomorrow (Saturday).

The city’s Chi Beta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha has planned the “Hallow-E-Waste” event, which will feature daytime trick-or-treating for kids in addition to waste collection.


Around Town

Numerous music, comedy and theater performances are coming to Arlington and Falls Church in the coming months.

Whether it’s live jazz, a stage adaptation of “Frankenstein” or a pre-Halloween production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” upcoming arts events this fall and winter cater to a wide range of tastes. 


News

A paranormal investigator and researcher of strange happenings in Northern Virginia is hosting a series of talks at Arlington Public Library starting today (Monday).

Alex Matsuo, the author of “Haunted Northern Virginia” and other books about supernatural mysteries and explorations, will speak about “scientific ghost hunting” at Glencarlyn Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. today.


Events

Bavarian snacks, live music and yard games are all planned this weekend at a new “Blocktoberfest” street festival hosted by the Clarendon Ballroom.

The event takes place this Saturday between O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub and the Liberty Tavern, at Wilson Blvd and N. Irving Street. The Clarendon Ballroom promises “a full-scale street festival packed with Bavarian cheer, music, and beer garden vibes.”


News

As Arlington County staff research a possible ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, they may take some lessons from a nearby jurisdiction’s struggles with a similar prohibition.

A ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in Montgomery County went into effect July 1, threatening $500 citations if someone is photographed using the noisy and environmentally unfriendly devices. Recently, however, that county’s leaders have been rethinking ways to enforce the ban while respecting people’s privacy.


Events

With October finally here, a restaurant in Crystal City is transforming its outdoor patio and park space into an Oktoberfest-themed beer garden this weekend.

Festivities at Surreal will include long, communal picnic tables, refreshment kiosks and a central entertainment stage where DJs and live music will play throughout the day. Doors open at 2 p.m. for the celebration, which promises an “authentic beer selection,” live music, games and festival food.


Around Town

For as much as $1,450, a new local business specializing in “premium pumpkin delivery” is offering decorating jobs to porches in Arlington this season.

The Porch Parade aims to bring “effortless, discreet, and exclusive pumpkin displays” to D.C.-area porches. Andrea Samuelson, a former federal worker, co-founded the business with friend Anusha Seneviratne after their jobs were cut earlier this year.


News

Gas-powered leaf blowers could soon meet their downfall in Arlington.

The County Board is considering a possible ban on the controversial contraptions, which local environmental advocates have criticized for their loud noise levels and low fuel efficiency.


Events

D.C.-area musicians are coming together in Falls Church later this month to support assistance to unhoused people.

Four bands are set to perform at the third annual Reason 2 Rock Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20. The event will donate 100% of its proceeds to the Arlington-based nonprofit PathForward.


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