Bastille Day at La Côte d’Or
When: July 14, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: La Côte d’Or Café, 6876 Lee Highway, Arlington (East Falls Church)
No trips planned to Paris this summer? Pas de problème. French bistro La Côte d’Or is offering a special three-course menu ($55 per person) with live accordion music in honor of Bastille Day. Raise a glass to 1789 and enjoy dishes such as fish consommé with foie gras, onion-goat cheese tarte, Dover sole Meuniere, steak frites, rack of lamb with herbs Provencal, profiteroles and berry Sabayon. Want to keep the party going into the weekend? Stop by the tony new rooftop bar at Parc de Ville in the Mosaic District for more French fare and refreshing summer cocktails.
Stargazing 101 at The Boro
When: July 14, 6 p.m.
Where: The Boro,8350 Broad St., Tysons
Bring the kids and learn more about the constellations and celestial bodies that make up the night sky withUniversity of Maine professor Shawn Laatsch, director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center. Open to participants of all ages, the free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to learn the basics before your next summer camping trip. Register in advance here. Looking for more stargazing locations and events? Check out our story on astronomical road trips.
Rosslyn Live: American Pops Orchestra
When: July 15, 22 and 29, 8-10 p.m.
Where: Gateway Park, 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Time to get campy! The American Pops Orchestra takes the outdoor stage at Gateway Park this month with a trio of themed performances featuring interactive dance numbers and sing-alongs. Act I (July 15) brings a Broadway-inspired show starring Mary Michael Patterson (Phantom of the Opera), Vishal Vaidya (Groundhog Day the Musical) and Maya Sistruck, belting out hit show tunes and reimagined pop classics. Act II (July 22) will feature 90s music and Act III (July 29) comes in the form of a drag revue. Standing room tickets are $10 per person (box seating also available for groups of 2,4 or 6) and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Arlington Public School Choirs.
Arlington Reads: Emma Brown, To Raise a Boy
When: July 15, 7-8 p.m.
Where: Arlington Public Library (online)
Join Arlington Public Library director Diane Kresh for an online conversation with Emma Brown, author of To Raise a Boy, a #MeToo-era study of American masculinity, how we teach boys to be men and how we can do better. For her book, the Washington Post reporter who brought Christine Blasey Ford’s story to light interviewed hundreds of people—educators, parents, coaches, researchers, men and boys—to paint a collective portrait of the challenges boys face today and their attitudes about sexual violence. Register here.
Blerdcon
When: July 16-18
Where: Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Richmond Highway, Arlington
Geekdom is cool. This annual gathering of Black self-proclaimed nerds (aka “blerds”) will feature a “Chocolate City” theme with cosplay contests, anime theater, gaming tournaments, comedy performances, a food truck rally and more. Tickets $35-$60. Free admission for kids 12 and under.
Born Cross-Eyed: A Tribute to The Grateful Dead
When: July 17, 7 p.m.
Where: The State Theatre parking lot, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
The free outdoor shows continue at the State Theatre with this local tribute band channeling Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron McKernan, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann. If you know it, this jam band can probably play it. One recent setlist included Cold Rain, Althea, Stranger, Minglewood, Hey Pocky Way, Watchtower and other Deadhead favorites.