As we enter the second month of the year, there is much to explore in terms of art, culture and history around Arlington. Ring in Lunar New Year with events in Rosslyn and Eden Center. Attend a panel discussion at the McLean Community Center that explores Traveling While Black. And take the makeshift dance floor at a Clarendon coffee and coworking cafe. Here are our top picks for things to do in Arlington this week:
MONDAY, JANUARY 31
Books on Tap: The Immortalists. In this Arlington Public Library book club that pairs libations with literature, dive into a novel by Chloe Benjamin that “probes the line between destiny and choice.” // 7 p.m. Palette 22, 4053 Campbell Ave, Arlington. Registration required. Free.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Daphne’s Dive. Set in a Philadelphia pub, this play from Quiara Alegría Hudes (In the Heights) observes the course of a decades-long connection among a group of unlikely comrades. // Read facility policies regarding Covid here. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. $40+.
Also Playing:
Lunar New Year Giveaway at Central Place Plaza, Free
Year of the Tiger Flag Ceremony and Lion Dance at Eden Center, Free
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Comedy and Cocktails. Think you’re hysterical? Put that theory to the test at this comedy open mic night that includes giveaways. // 8 p.m. Bar Bao, 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington. Free.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Zouk Lesson and Latin Dance Social. Add Brazilian Zouk, a partner dance with roots in lambada, to your dance repertoire with this lesson and open-dance session. // 8 p.m. Three Whistles, 2719 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $10.
Also Playing: Sidney Poitier Film Festival at Shirlington Branch Library, Free
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Traveling While Black Panel Discussion. Panelists—including Ben’s Chili Bowl co-founder Virginia Ali, civil rights activist Courtland Cox and Samaria Rice, whose son Tamir was killed by a white police officer in Cleveland in 2014—will gather for a conversation about the virtual-reality film Traveling While Black. (Rice and director Roger Ross Williams will participate virtually.) Ben’s Chili Bowl will provide a boxed meal prior to the discussion. // 6:30 p.m. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Registration required. Read facility policies regarding Covid here. Free.
Also Playing: Collective at State Theatre, $10
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black. The country legend and his partner on and off the stage come to Capital One Hall for a night of the classics (“Killin’ Time,” “Same Old Train”), with some newer tunes tossed in. // 8 p.m. Capital One Hall, 7750 One Tower Road, Tysons. Read facility policies regarding Covid here. $39.50+
Also Playing:
Near and Far at Falls Church Arts Gallery, Free
Michael Ian Black at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, $25+
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Terry McMillan. One More Page Books partners with Fairfax County Public Library for a discussion with novelist Terry McMillan (Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back) about “reinventing yourself at any age.” // 2:30 p.m. One More Page Books (virtual), Free.
Also Playing: Johnny Molina at Restaurante El Salvador, $30