Author Talk: Valeria Luiselli
When: May 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Arlington Public Library (Facebook live and YouTube)
Born in Mexico City and raised in South Korea, South Africa and India, Valeria Luiselli is the author of Lost Children Archive, a critically acclaimed novel about a family whose road trip across America collides with an immigration crisis at the southwestern border. This free, online author talk with library director Diane Kresh is part of the 2021 Arlington Reads “Food for Thought” series.
The Jurassic Encounter Dinosaur Drive-Thru
When: May 14-31 (Wednesdays and Thursdays 1-8 p.m.; Weekends 9 a.m.-9 p.m.)
Where: Bull Run Event Center, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Hop in the car and head out to historic Bull Run, where dinosaurs are staging a comeback. This narrated, drive-through exhibit features more than 75 lifelike animatronic and static dinosaurs, from the dreaded T. rex to the horned triceratops. The hourlong experience includes an educational audio tour and app. $49 per vehicle for up to 8 passengers.
McLean Day 2021
When: May 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., Mclean
It may not be your usual McLean Day celebration, but the Community Center is still planning some fun in the form of a safe, family-friendly drive-thru experience featuring jugglers, musicians, animals, costumed characters and more. Free.
The 2021 Quarterfest Crawl
When: May 15, noon-7 p.m.
Where: Ballston Quarter, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Eat, drink, play games, listen to live music and go on a scavenger hunt at Ballston Quarter during this socially-distanced outdoor festival supporting local businesses and benefiting Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Admission is free.
Book Launch: David Swinson, City on the Edge
When: May 25, 7 p.m.
Where: One More Page Books (Facebook and YouTube Live)
Join author and former D.C. Metropolitan Police officer David Swinson for a virtual launch party for his latest book, City on the Edge, which takes place in Beirut in the 1970s. Swinson is also author of the Frank Marr crime trilogy. Free.
Bowen McCauley Dance Spring Performance Opener
When: May 26, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Live stream link
Live from the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, Bowen McCauley opens its 25th season with a reprise of “Dances of the Yogurt Maker,” a performance originally created in 2019 in partnership with Turkish composer Erberk Eryilmaz. The show will also include “Trois Reves,” a choreographic dream sequence set to the music of Maurice Ravel with a live piano solo by Nikola Paskalov. This web-streamed event includes a pre-show discussion with the artists at 7 p.m. Free.
Always Patsy Cline
When: May 28-June 20
Where: 312 Park Ave, Falls Church (Cherry Hill Park)
Based on a true story about the legendary country singer’s unlikely friendship with Louise Seger, a fan from Houston, this musical play by Creative Cauldron comes with down-home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation. The performance features Cline hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams, and Walking After Midnight. Tickets $35.
National Chamber Ensemble: The Remarkable Four Seasons of Vivaldi
When: Video link available May 29
Where: National Chamber Ensemble (online)
NCE offers a spirited interpretation of Antonio Vivaldi’s most famous composition in this season finale performance. The show will include humorous demonstrations, multimedia stage effects and a reading of the sonnets. Tickets $18-$36. The concert video will include an invitation to a virtual wine and cheese reception (on Zoom) featuring performance highlights and live conversation with the artists on Sunday, June 6 at 4 p.m.
Signature in the Schools: Here’s the Deal
When: Through June 30
Where: Signature Theatre online (Marquee TV app)
In this Signature in the Schools production, students in Mrs. Day’s Theatre III class study a nearly century-old crisis—the Great Depression—to try to make sense of the current one. Characters weigh the pros and cons of progressive legislation like FDR’s New Deal in this world-premiere play by Caleen Sinnette Jennings, performed by 32 students from 18 different schools. The show will be available for purchase ($5) through the Marquee TV app. Free streaming available to schools; email sigschools@sigtheatre.org for details.