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More public restrooms will get diaper changing tables after Arlington state senator’s efforts

Published May 14, 2026 at 2:45PM

Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-39) (staff photo by James Cullum)

New publicly-accessible buildings could be required to have baby diaper changing tables after a push from state Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-39), whose district includes part of Arlington.

Virginia’s Board of Housing and Community Development voted Monday to approve Bennett-Parker’s proposal to require diaper changing tables in new buildings that are open to the public. The policy would apply to each floor containing public restrooms in new assembly, business, educational, and mercantile occupancy buildings, Group R-1 hotels and motels, and highway rest stops.

Events

Easter Bunny hops into Pentagon City mall next week

By Dan Egitto

Published March 13, 2026 at 1:45PM

The Easter Bunny (courtesy of the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City)

As the first spring flowers bloom and warmer weather gradually returns, Pentagon City is welcoming back the Easter Bunny beginning next week.

Photos with the beloved rabbit begin at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City on Thursday, March 19 and continue through Easter Sunday on April 5. He will be in Nordstrom Court on the mall’s first level.

Around Town

Arlington Soccer Association opens new indoor training center in Penrose

By Jared Serre

Published February 12, 2026 at 1:45PM

Participants during an Arlington Soccer Association training program (photo courtesy of ASA)

A longstanding soccer organization in Arlington has opened a new indoor training facility and headquarters in the Penrose neighborhood.

The Arlington Soccer Association’s new 9,200-square-foot facility, called the Arlington Training Center, opened at 140 S. Wise Street last month with the goal of supporting year-round training.

Around Town

Urban Air looking for space to open trampoline park in Arlington

By Jared Serre

Published November 20, 2025 at 2:45PM

A child uses a trampoline at Urban Air (courtesy of Urban Air)

Another trampoline park chain is seeking to open a location in Arlington.

Urban Air Adventure Park has announced plans to open somewhere in the county, though “they don’t have a specific site locked down yet,” a spokesperson told ARLnow. Meanwhile, another company, SkyZone, is still looking for a place to open a local trampoline park after announcing similar plans in March 2024.

News

Halloween bonfire organizers in Madison Manor pass the torch tonight after 41 years

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 31, 2025 at 11:45AM

Bonfire at Madison Manor Park (courtesy bonfire organizers)

An annual Halloween bonfire scheduled tonight (Friday) in Madison Manor will represent a passing of the torch for the four-decade-old community tradition.

Hundreds are expected to turn out for this year’s blaze, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at Madison Manor Park (6225 12th Road N.). It will be the last hurrah for organizers James Riley and Brice Henderson, who have been hosting the fires since 1984.

Around Town

Leftover Halloween candy will let customers borrow toys for free at Falls Church business

By Katie Taranto

Published October 30, 2025 at 8:30AM

Halloween candy and other treats spread out on a table (staff photo)

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.

Events

Arlington County Fair returns next week with free festivities and relocated beer garden

By Katie Taranto

Published August 6, 2025 at 10:00AM

Scene from the 2024 Arlington County Fair (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Five days of live entertainment, family-friendly fun and, of course, food-eating contests kick off next week with the start of the 49th annual Arlington County Fair.

Starting next Wednesday, Aug. 13, and lasting through Sunday, Aug. 17, this year’s fair at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 2nd Street S.) includes a relocated beer garden and a new partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Events

Free kids’ activities and treats are in Pentagon City today

By Katie Taranto

Published June 20, 2025 at 11:30AM

Metropolitan Park near Amazon HQ2 in Pentagon City (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Free treats and family-friendly activities are on hand in Pentagon City today (Friday) for Amazon’s Bring Your Kids to Work Day.

Nearly 2,000 kids are expected to join their parents and guardians at the HQ2 campus for technology demos, storytimes, outdoor activities and more.

Around Town

Arlington ‘spraygrounds’ reopen for the season this weekend

By Katie Taranto

Published May 23, 2025 at 3:45PM

Sprayground at Virginia Highlands Park (file photo)

With summer on the horizon, “spraygrounds” across Arlington are set to reopen tomorrow (Saturday).

Arlington is home to seven parks with splashing and water features. These will reopen from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. this Memorial Day weekend, with the exception of Penrose Square, which is closed for repairs.

Events

Arlington Palooza returns next month with live music and family activities

By Katie Taranto

Published April 28, 2025 at 2:30PM

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.

Events

Easter weekend in Arlington and Falls Church: Egg hunts, crafting and more

By Katie Taranto

Published April 16, 2025 at 2:30PM

The Easter Bunny at Astro Beer Hall in 2024 (via Astro Beer Hall/Facebook)

The upcoming weekend is packed with family-friendly events to celebrate Easter and springtime.

Still planning your weekend? Here’s a look at some of the upcoming seasonal festivities, including a spring plant sale, free arts and crafts and several Easter egg hunts across Arlington and Falls Church.

Events

ACPD to host free ‘Wicked’ movie sing-along this weekend

By Katie Taranto

Published April 15, 2025 at 1:15PM | Updated April 15, 2025 at 3:01PM

Elphaba and Glinda in 'Wicked' (via Wicked Movie/Instagram)

The Arlington County Police Department is inviting families and kids to one short day at a free “Wicked” sing-along event this weekend.

ACPD and the Arlington Public Library plan to show the popular musical film this Saturday, April 19, at noon in the Courthouse Library at 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Free popcorn and beverages will be provided.