The cherry blossoms have reached peak bloom and art is in the air. Catch live music and theater performances, chat with local artists, interview a “human book” at Arlington’s Central Library, and enjoy outdoor festivals all month long.
Snow White/Blancanieves
This adaptation of the beloved fairy tale runs through April 6 at Creative Cauldron in Falls Church. Presented by the Learning Theater Ensemble, the show has a cast made up of elementary and middle school students and one professional actor. Tickets are $18 for students, $20 for adults and $65 for a family four-pack. // 127 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Spring Horticulture Tours at Arlington National Cemetery
Offered on Fridays now through May 9, these tours are free and open to the public. Each week’s outing showcases a different aspect of the iconic cemetery’s horticulture program, from pest management to plant health. Check the website for times. On April 25, 9-11:30 a.m., tour of the Memorial Arboretum and revel in the bright blooms of more than 300 species of trees. // 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington
Wiper Week
April 1-5 is Wiper Week in the DMV. Created to promote safe driving and raise awareness about visibility on the road, this initiative includes an opportunity to have windshield wiper replacements installed on your vehicle for free. Get yours April 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at Metro Motor Arlington. Sign up for a spot here. // 5618 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Providence Earth Day Celebration
Head to the Graham Road Community Building on April 5, noon-3 p.m., to learn about mobility gardens and eco-friendly initiatives including Lamb Mowers sheep who trim lawns the natural way. Enjoy ice pops and connect with neighbors at this free event. // 3036 Graham Road, Falls Church
Friends of Arlington Public Library Spring Book Sale
If you haven’t given over to e-readers yet, you can hunt for your next favorite hardcover or paperback read at this Friends of the Arlington Library event April 3-6 (see the website for times). Already priced to move, all items will be half off on the last day. Find bargains in the garage of the Arlington Central Library. Specialty books (sets, first editions and rare books) will be sold inside in the Quincy Room on April 3, 3:30-7:15 p.m., and April 4-6, 11 a.m.-4:15 p.m. // 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Virginia Square)
The Plaza at Mason Square
Springtime events kick off April 4, 7-10 p.m., with a free Cinema on the Plaza showing of Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde the Musical. Shop the Mason Square Market on April 22, 3-7 p.m., for handmade treats and art while listening to local musicians perform. On April 24, 1:30-2 p.m., swing by for a short family dance class. // 3351 Fairfax Drive, ArlingtonÂ
Spring Fest
Spring is in the air at the McLean Community Center, where a family-centric celebration on April 5, 10 a.m.-noon promises spring-themed arts and crafts, entertainment and photo ops with a costumed bunny. // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
The Poet is IN
National Poetry Month brings a pop-up booth featuring regional poets who will write a personalized poem for you for free while you wait. Presented by Arlington Cultural Affairs, the booth will be up and running April 5, 6:30-10 p.m., at Teen Night at Lubber Run and April 6, 8 a.m.-noon, at Westover Farmers Market. Poets Susan Mockler and Angelique Palmer will also be at the Earth Day Every Day Festival on April 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Art Blooms at Mosaic
Staged in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, this Mosaic District event on April 5 and 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., will feature two markets—one featuring more than 110 vendors selling handmade, artisan and vintage goods, and the other a farmers market with more than 60 vendors. Stop by to enjoy live performances, snap a spring-themed selfie at stations presented by Merrifield Garden Center, and listen to Tommy McFly emcee the program. // 2910 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Little City Concerts
Jazz drummer and composer Keith Butler Jr. will perform with Seysew, whose members have played at venues including the Kennedy Center, Blues Alley and the D.C. Jazz Festival. Catch vocalist Jaquay Smith, flutist Alex Hamburger, pianist Drew Kid and bassist Stephen Arnold on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 (free for students and youth), with half of all ticket sales going toward Teaching for Change, a local charity devoted to literacy. // The Falls Church Episcopal, 166 E. Broad St., Falls Church
National Chamber Ensemble
Marymount University continues its 75th anniversary celebration with a classical concert by violinist Leonid Sushansky and pianist Thomas Pandolfi, both Julliard alumni. The program includes works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms and American composer Lowell Liebermann. Tickets to the April 5, 7:30 p.m., show ($40 general admission; $20 for students) are available here. // Ballston Center, 1000 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
2025 Falls Church Home & Garden Tour
Take a peek inside and around some of The Little City’s loveliest properties during this self-guided tour on April 6, 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 the day of the event), and proceeds benefit the Falls Church Education Foundation and Falls Church Public Schools. Note that the tour is limited to visitors 18 and older. Pick up a guidebook at Oak Street Elementary School on April 5, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or April 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. // 601 S. Oak St., Falls Church
Rosslyn City Social
Connect with fellow business leaders, residents and stakeholders on April 10, 5-7:30 p.m., while learning about the investments shaping this Orange Line neighborhood. Get a complimentary headshot at the photo booth as a career booster. // 1812 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Spring Solo Exhibits at McLean Project for the Arts
Check out Detrimorphose by Heidi Fowler, Rudimental by Jackie Hoysted and Crossing Culture by Emon Surakitkoson starting April 10. Their works were selected from more than 200 submissions, says Nancy Sausser, MPA artistic director and curator. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Catch the opening reception April 17, 7-9 p.m. and an artist talk May 10 at 11 a.m., along with a Tea & Talk on June 4 at 11 a.m. All events are free and open to the public. // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLeanÂ
Art of Pink
National Landing’s Pink in the Park cherry blossom celebration includes this immersive art and music experience at Met Park on April 11, 5-10 p.m. Peruse a pop-up gallery featuring more than 90 artists, grab local grub, and catch a breakdancing showcase with music by DJ Fleg, who provided the soundtrack for the sport’s Olympics debut last summer. All events are free to attend. // 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
Claydate at Trade Roots
Put on your creative cap and head to Trade Roots on April 11, 6:30-9 p.m. to craft with ceramics. Learn hand-building pottery basics and pick up your masterpiece after it’s professionally kiln-fired. No experience necessary. Tickets are $85 each. // 5852 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover)
Human Library
This free Arlington Public Library event invites attendees (aka “readers”) to be curious, asking questions of “human books” on topics such as nonbinary people, Holocaust survivorship, nonspeaking autism, being a death doula and more. “Difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered,” says the library website. Held April 12, noon-4 p.m., this event is best for participants ages 14 and older. // Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Virginia Square)
Netherlands Carillon Concert
On April 13, noon-4 p.m., live music will emanate from 53-bell carillon while the tulips that surround it put on a visual show of color. This community event, courtesy of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, also includes crafts for kids, a 1 p.m. story time and stroopwafels. // 327 Marshall Drive, Arlington
Sip & Script at Immigrant Food
As part of its “Sundays at Ballston” series, this gastroadvocacy eatery will hold a class in modern calligraphy for beginners on April 13, noon-1:30 p.m. The $70 tutorial includes instruction and a calligraphy kit with two nibs, a black-ink pot, two letter guides, tracing paper and pen holder. While you’re there, check out the restaurant’s new brunch menu. Reserve a spot here. // 4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Signature Theatre’s Stephen Sondheim Award Presentation
Pay tribute to Mandy Patinkin, this year’s winner of the theater’s 14th Stephen Sondheim Award, at a black-tie gala benefit at The Anthem in D.C. The star-studded event on April 14, 7:30 p.m., will include live performances by Tony-, Grammy- and Emmy-winning actor Ben Platt, opera star Nathan Gunn, and other artists. Proceeds from the $60 ticket sales will benefit Signature Theatre’s programs. // 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington D.C.Â
Drag Bingo at Astro Beer Hall
Shirlington’s cosmic-themed restaurant and bar will host drag queens Tara Hoot and Shelita Ramen for special performances April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Compete for prizes, sip tequila drink specials and fill up on hearty eats such as smashburgers and loaded nachos. // 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
The Big Lebowski Experience
Jammin’ Java is celebrating all things “dude” on April 19 at 8 p.m. with an event that’s part concert, part theatrics and part Big Lebowski movie fan gathering. More than a dozen performers in costume and in character will reenact movie scenes. The evening also includes a costume contest between covers of songs by Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers & the First Edition, Elvis Costello and Yma Sumac. Tickets start at $30. // 227 Maple Ave., E., Vienna
ALICE (in wonderland)
This Washington Ballet presentation of the beloved Lewis Carroll tale promises whimsical wonder and colorful costumes as audiences watch Alice go down a literal rabbit hole in pursuit of the White Rabbit. Performances will take place at Capital One Hall April 24-27. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. // 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
10th Semi-Annual Fairlington Free Clothing Swap
Created in 2020 by Kristen Jacobs Johnson, this massive community swap is now run by her friend Alexis Mahoney in her memory. Drop off donations April 26, 8-11 a.m. and shop 11 am.-3 p.m. at the Fairlington Villages Community Center parking lot. If you have goods to offload, bring clothing, shoes and accessories that are appropriate for spring and summer weather. (Although visitors need not donate in order to shop.) Any unclaimed items leftover at the end of the day will be donated to local charities. // 3005 S. Abingdon St., Arlington (Fairlington)
11th Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts
Scores of artists will take to the streets of Clarendon on April 26 and 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., transforming the neighborhood into an outdoor gallery. Browse stalls for sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, painting and other inspiring works. The show will be located along Washington Boulevard between Clarendon Boulevard to North Garfield Street, and on North Highland Street between Washington Boulevard and 11th Street North.
Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Mason Ramsey
Columbia Pike Artist Studios Showcase
Admire works by 20 artist members of this longstanding Arlington cooperative. Working in painting, sculpture, drawing and mixed media, the creators will be on hand during the open house to chat about their inspiration and process. This free event will take place April 26, 5-8 p.m., and April 27, 2-5 p.m. // 932 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington (Columbia Pike)
Earth Day Every Day Festival
Gather in front of Lee Heights Shops to celebrate Mother Earth. Taking place on April 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., the fourth-annual Earth Day event will feature kids’ activities such as free face painting courtesy of Encore Stage & Studio, crafts at the Library Truck and painting at an Arlington Artists Alliance station. Enjoy food and drinks from Lebanese Taverna, Arrowine & Cheese, Old Dominion Pizza Co., King of Pops, Cafe Colline, Captain Cookie & The Milkman and other area vendors while bopping to performances by the String Mamas, Los Day Trippers and others. // 4500 Cherry Hill Road, Arlington (Langston Boulevard)
Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia
On April 27Â starting at 2 p.m., this afternoon ball includes music by the Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia, plus two alcoholic beverages and unlimited hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $40. // Virginia Theological Seminary, 3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria
Caboose Commons Women’s Market
Shop wares from 20 women-owned companies at the Mosaic District brewpub April 27, 3-7 p.m. Vendors include Bennebokids, specializing in baby blankets, bibs and soft toys; Peach & Paperie stationery and calligraphy; and clay jewelry by Klayish. Crafts and activities round out this family-friendly event. // 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District)