Something about lighting the Olympic Torch sparks a fire in many of us. But we can’t all fly to Paris to vie for gold medals during this summer’s Games, which run from July 26-Aug. 11. Arlington-area organizations and restaurants understand. They’re offering opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities to compete locally in mental and physical gymnastics—or at least to enjoy good food and drink while rooting for the true Olympians, including Arlington’s Torri Huske. Here are nine ways to get in on the action.
Medal Madness
July 26, Aug. 2 and Aug. 9, 6-9 p.m.
Compete in teams along with the Olympians, only these competitions are a little friendlier and arguably easier. The opening ceremony is July 26, when the games are Spikeball and ping pong. Come back the next week for badminton and mini golf, and close things out vying for a spot on the podium with beach volleyball and PaddleSmash, a combo of pickleball and Roundnet. It costs $24 to compete, but you can arrive early to warm up with a free fitness class hosted by F45 at 5 p.m. // 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
Ireland’s Four Courts
Catch the events on the big screens and in surround sound while enjoying $7 Heinekens and signature cocktails available only for the duration of the Games. Sip a Gold Medal Spritz, made with reposado tequila, champagne, lime juice and bitters, or Olympic Ring Shots with grenadine, Cointreau, Blue Curaçao and Midori. They’re $12, but drop to $10 on days when Team USA wins a gold medal. // 2051 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Water Bar
Part of the Best of Arlington 2024-winning Water Park, this bar is serving The Gold Medal during the Olympics. The $15 drink of champions is made with aperol, champagne and orange Juice. // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Sushi Rock
July 26-Aug. 11
Arrive toting the flyer available on the restaurant’s Instagram or Facebook pages to get 20% off your meal throughout the Games. // 1900 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Upside on Moore
Watch the Games with fellow fans at this new food hall in Rosslyn, where all events will be streamed on big-screen televisions during regular business hours. Cheer on Team USA while enjoying a fried chicken Cobb salad with an ube colada, a couple of our food critic’s fav things to get there. // 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Senior Social and Olympic Games Trivia
Aug. 1, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Test your knowledge of all things Olympics—current and past—at this event at the Langston Center for folks ages 55 and older. Enjoy snacks and earn a medal if you’re on the winning team. // 2121 N. Culpeper St., Arlington (High View Park)
2024 Arlington Olympics
Aug. 3-10
Didn’t qualify for the Games in Paris? No sweat. Compete close to home in this Arlington Sports Conditioning-hosted event. Ten events, including a 100-yard sprint, three-point basketball shooting, table tennis, and plank, vertical jump and obstacle course competitions, will take place at locations throughout Arlington. Top male and female finishers in each event will get gold, silver and bronze medals. You don’t have to be an ASC member to participate, but if you are, it’s free to get your game on. If you’re not, sign up to participate in everything for $129 or individual days for $40.
Quincy Hall
Aug. 7, 3-4 p.m.
It’s not every day that you share your name with an Olympian, but Kansas City, Missouri-native Quincy Hall will compete in the 400-meter race. Root for him while sipping $1 lagers during race time. For the duration of the Games, the restaurant will serve $8 Tito’s Handmade vodka and soda. // 4001 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)
Northern Virginia Senior Olympics
Sept. 14-29
Founded in 1982, this nonprofit has been promoting physical and mental health among local seniors ever since. This year, Arlington, Falls Church and McLean residents will compete against peers from surrounding counties and cities in a variety of events, including disc golf, mahjongg and pickleball. Events will take place at multiple locations, including Bluemont Park and the Falls Church City Community Center. The competition is open to anyone who is at least 50 years old by Dec. 31. Registration runs through Aug. 29 and costs $20.