We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 21 best things to do in Arlington, VA between August 17 and August 23. Updated daily.
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Highlights for August 18 – August 24
Young Explorers @ MoCA Arlington's Innovation Studio + Store (MoCA Arlington)
A hands‑on exploration program for kids at MoCA Arlington’s Innovation Studio and Store. Tuesday, August 18, 10 am–2 pm. Free.
Kofi Dennis at Central (Central Library — Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium)
Live music, dance, drums and storytelling celebrating West African culture. Tuesday, August 18, 10:15–11 am. No registration required.
Nature Fun Facts Campfire (Gulf Branch Nature Center)
Campfire program with stories, games, songs and s’mores for families. Friday, August 21, 12 am. Family friendly; s’mores provided.
Fungi Foray With a Naturalist (Long Branch Nature Center)
Guided walk exploring mushrooms, shelf fungi and lichens with a naturalist. Saturday, August 22, 12 am. Teens 12+ need a registered adult.
Preschool STEAM Play at Courthouse (Courthouse Library — Children's Area)
Open STEAM play with games and activities exploring science, technology, engineering, art and math. Monday, August 24, 10 am–11 am. No registration; first‑come, first‑served.
Our best picks: things to do in Arlington, VA — August 17–23
Monday, August 17
Join us for a cocktail and book discussion Newcomers are always welcome! Discussion is staff led. We meet in person on the third Monday of each month except on those Mondays that we are closed because of a holiday, in which case we meet on the fourth Monday of the month. Aug. "Heartwood" by Amity Gaige REGISTRATION REQ…
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Tuesday, August 18
For families with young children Enjoy music, dance, drums and stories highlighting West African culture! NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating. Call 703-228-5946 for more information. Summer Reading is made possible through the support of the Friends of Arlington Public Library.
Come mend and connect in community. Bring your clothing or textile items and give them new life through visible mending—where repairs are seen and celebrated. Learn alongside Alison Davis-Holland and a friendly team of “Mend-tors” from Art on the Mend , and enjoy meeting new people along the way. We provide all mending…
Come out for a fun night of Bingo! Play a few rounds of bingo for the chance to win some literary-themed prizes! No money is needed, all cards are free, and there are no cash prizes. For ages 18+. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Space is limited. Summer construction may make parking at or accessing the library more difficult. F…
Wednesday, August 19
As the summer nears the end, the nature center will provide daily opportunities for meeting some of our many resident animals. Meet snakes, turtles, vultures and other live and preserved wildlife. A great time to relax while meeting Arlington's hidden residents.
Thursday, August 20
Join us at Upton Hill to Improve habitat, meet fellow do-gooders, get exercise, and learn about native plants and wildlife all while making a difference in the great outdoors! Adults, teens, and families ages 8 and up.
The ponds are full of life. Bullfrogs, turtles, snakes, fish, insects and many tadpoles fill our waters. Come explore with us as we investigate what can be found in a few net fulls of pond water.
Let the petting zoo come to you! Squeals on Wheels is an educational, interactive and award-winning miniature mobile petting zoo. This event features the Barnyard in a Backyard package. Registration not required. For more information, contact 703-228-3352 or email lib-Courthouse@arlingtonva.us. This program is part of…
For Rising 3rd-5th Grade Students Join us to learn how to make Easy Miso Ramen with the author of Ramen for Everyone , Pat Tanumihardja. Participants will learn about different foods, where they come from, how to follow recipes and how to use a variety of kitchen tools. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Space is limited. Call 703…
Friday, August 21
Join us at Cherry Valley Park to Improve habitat, meet fellow do-gooders, get exercise, and learn about native plants and wildlife all while making a difference in the great outdoors! Adults, teens, and families ages 8 and up.
Families. The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch or Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate…
This program is for grades 6-12 Start your weekend with a blast of creativity! Whether you're flying solo or teaming up with friends, come build wild creations, tackle fun challenges, or just kick back and chat. We’ve got the LEGO® bricks—you bring the imagination. NO REGISTRATION. For more information, call Glencarlyn…
Saturday, August 22
Come join us for a light walk through the woods to explore the diversity of the fungus kingdom, from the littlest mushrooms to giant shelf fungi, to bizarre lichens. We’ll discuss the secret lives of our fungal friends, including their ecology and identification. Teens ages 12 and up welcome to attend with a registered…
Families. The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch or Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate…
Join us for an afternoon of chocolate discovery and tasting with Lindt! Whether you're a chocolate enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, this delicious experience is not to be missed! Enjoy a guided tasting of four LINDOR truffle flavors and learn the story behind Lindt, what makes Lindt chocolate unique, and an…
Sunday, August 23
Join us at Fort Bennett Park to Improve habitat, meet fellow do-gooders, get exercise, and learn about native plants and wildlife all while making a difference in the great outdoors! Adults, teens, and families ages 8 and up.
As the summer nears the end, the nature center will provide daily opportunities for meeting some of our many resident animals. Meet snakes, turtles, vultures and other live and preserved wildlife. A great time to relax while meeting Arlington's hidden residents.
Monday, August 24
Preschool STEAM Play Join us for open play featuring a mix of games and activities that explore the STEAM-based concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math! No registration. Attendance is first-come, first-served until event capacity is reached. For more information, email Lib-Courthouse@arlingtonva.us.
Get Help with Your Job Hunt or Career Change Meet with dedicated Library staff and experienced volunteers who are ready to: help you with your job search review your resume suggest further resources Bring your laptop or use our computers. Transportation: Parking in the garage located beneath the Bozman Government Cente…