NYE Back in Time at Mister Days

Turtle Recall is performing live at Mister Days for this New Years Eve on Monday, Dec 31. The DC pop/folk/rock band play mashups of top 40, rock, oldies and country frequenting in the DC and Baltimore area.

Mister Days just finished celebrating their 40th anniversary and are looking to throw a huge New Years Eve party with 20 big screen TV's showing NYC's Time Square Countdown. Tickets are $35 (goes up to $40) and includes a drink ticket, midnight champagne toast and party favors.

ATown Last Sunday Funday Onesie Party

Photo credit Anna Fowler @anna_fowler87

This Sunday Dec 30 will be the last Sunday Funday party that Ballston's A-Town is famous, or infamous depending on your option, for on a weekly basis since 2012. Like all the previous weekend parties, this last Sunday will include brunch buffet, a packed dance floor, lots of shots and bottle service, and plenty of antics and even some party goers arriving in onesies.

While A-Town will say goodbye to Arlington nightlife when its lease ends Jan 1, 2019, its owners are not leaving the scene. Unlike other recent sad closings of Clarendon venues, Scott Parker and the other owners are closing A-Town on their own terms and are planning a renovation with a new concept and new lease. We are all looking forward to what they will bring to Ballston, as Parker has been successful with venues like Don Tito, GOAT and Barley Mac recently.

You will have one last chance to say goodbye to A-Town as they host their 7th annual New Year's Eve party. Tickets are available here that include drink tickets, table service, champagne and more.

Board Room Beer Birthday Celebration

The Board Room VA is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary in Clarendon on Sunday November 18. They are going to break out their first batch of their own beer brewed on site on Garfield street at 3pm.

For The Win at Clarendon Grill

It's the final weekend of music at Clarendon Grill! After 22 years in business, one of my favorite bars and music venues will be closing on Saturday October 27.

The last week of the Grill's schedule consists of Salsa dance class Monday, Trivia Kings on Tuesday, then Friday with Bryen OBoyle acoustic from 8-10pm followed by the talented Laura Lea and Tripp Fabulous at 10pm. Finally, the high energy cover and party band For The Win will rock out the Grill one last time with a Halloween themed party.

Halloween at The Lot Cancelled

The Lot has cancelled their weekend Halloween party due to expected rain. Clarendon will have to wait again for the opening of the open air beer garden.

The Lot beer garden is planning on opening just for this weekend for a huge outdoor Halloween bash! The Clarendon Graveyard Party will happen this Friday Oct 26 and Saturday Oct 27 at 3217 10th Street, on the corner of Wilson Blvd and 10th Street. Tickets are free with RSVP here on Eventbrite, which gives party goers free entry plus $5 towards food or drink. Rebel Taco food truck will be on scene to provide munchies. Also advertised is a costume contest and photo booth.

Another Loss For Live Music As Clarendon Grill Closes

Today's a sad day for Clarendon live music scene as another venue announced it is closing. Clarendon Grill, which has been a local mainstay for 22 years, confirmed that the August rumors were true and they will be closing in October.

Here is their Facebook post from today announcing their upcoming closure:
"So Long, Farewell...



It’s been an amazing ride. Our hearts are heavy as we share that the doors of the Clarendon Grill will be closing for good at the end of October. We were not ready, but sometimes things happen to change the course.

Some of you were around when the doors of the Clarendon Grill first opened back in the 1996 and some of you may not have been born yet. Either way we have truly enjoyed being the go to place for live music in Clarendon. When the Grill first opened there were few bars and fewer customers. As Clarendon grew in popularity, so did The Grill. We were extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of a community that has since blossomed into a vibrant collection of local businesses.

One of the most unique aspects of the Clarendon Grill is the staff. From our General Manager, to our bus boys, to our bartenders-the staff has remained the same for close to 20 years. That is a reflection of the unique culture and values that went well beyond a typical neighborhood bar. The Clarendon Grill was not just burgers, beers, and live music; it was a family to it’s staff and a “Night Out” for the community.
One of the many things we can be thankful for is all of the memories we have helped create, whether happy, funny, sad or forgettable (purposely or not). Thank you all for your support over the past 22 years.

It’s been a great run, but alas all good things must come to an end. There will be other bars, but none quite like the Clarendon Grill. Some things are replaceable like burgers and beers, but other things are intangible and we will argue that the staff and the experience we provided, will not be matched.

Cheers!

The Clarendon Grill Staff"

Alex Parez at Galaxy Hut

Local favorite Alex Parez is playing this Sunday, Sept 30 night at Galaxy Hut. Music starts at 8:30pm, $5, 21+. Come help us celebrate the first year of his band Alex The Read Parez And The Hell Rojos album's existence! Guest performance by Derek Evry.

Clarendon Day 2018

The giant annual neighborhood festival Clarendon Day returns this Saturday Sept 22 from 11am to 6pm. The day starts out with a 10k/5k run at 8am, then the tents on Highland, Hudson, Wilson and Clarendon Blvds open up with tons of food from local restaurants. Throughout the day there will be plenty of entertainment available with two stages full of live music options:

Main Stage Line-up:
11am - 12pmRuepratt 
12pm - 1pm Soul Stew
1pm - 2pm Calista Garcia
2pm - 3pm Dave Kline Band
3pm - 4pm SubRadio
4pm - 5pm Fellowcraft
5pm - 6pm Bushmaster featuring Gary Brown 

Performers Stage Line-up:
12pm - 12:30pm Adagio Dance Company
1pm - 2pm Carley Harvey
2pm - 3pm Ballet Nova
3pm - 4pm Melissa Elizabeth Wright
4pm - 4:30pm Jaleo Arte Flamenco
4:30pm - 5pm O'Neill - James School of Irish Dancing

Marymount Alumni HH at GOAT

Marymount University alumni's are returning to Clarendon this Thursday, Sept 20 for another Arlington Saints Social happy hour. This time the venue is at the G.O.A.T. 6 to 9pm, and is bound to be popular as the last Saints Social at Boardroom was packed. Meet, mix and mingle with your fellow alumni, including MU’s seventh President, Dr. Irma Becerra. Your $10 per person includes hors d’oeuvres and a full bar and supports Marymount University’s Scholarship Fund. RSVP by Tuesday, September 18.

Joshua Palace & Koshari at Galaxy Hut

Local musician Joshua Palace returns to Galaxy Hut this Sunday Sept 9 to open for another great local talent Koshari. The shoegaze/progressive rock/noisey music night starts at 9pm and is only a $5 cover for both acts.

20 years of Mexicali Blues

This August 25 Mexicali Blues will be celebrating their 20th year in business in Clarendon! The colorful casual Mexican restaurant has popular happy hours and is lucky to enjoy a great location on the corner of Wilson and Garfield Street. They will be having an anniversary party that Saturday from 11am to 1:30pm with food and drink specials.

Ms Peacock's Lounge Cocktail Making Class

This Tuesday, August 21 Ms Peacock's Champagne Lounge is hosting a Summer Sparklers Cocktail Making Class starting at 7:30pm. Located next to Boardroom in Clarendon, you will learn the techniques of making four summer cocktails, drink them, and go home with recipes. Appetizers accompany the cocktails. $45 per person plus tax, tickets here.

Goodbye Clarendon Grill?

ARLnow recently reported the possibly of long time nightlife staple Clarendon Grill closing soon as its address has been listed up for rent. This would be an incredibly sad development if it comes true that the Grill is leaving us, as it has been a major late night venue in Clarendon for over 20 years. The Grill holds a special place in this blogger's heart as well, since my very first Clarendon Nights post was of an 80s cover band there in 2008.

Clarendon Grill offers something for everyone, with a wide variety of events including Salsa class Mondays, trivia Wednesdays, and touring cover bands playing every Friday and Saturday night. With a central stage, multiple long bars, a renovated interior in 2010, a large outdoor rear patio, and situated in the center of Clarendon with plenty of foot traffic the Grill seems to have all the makings of a successful bar and restaurant.

Owner Peter Pflug opened up Clarendon Grill with its iconic vertical CLARENDON neon sign in 1996. He even lived in Clarendon just down the street from his venue for a while. It's hard to guess at what could cause the Grill's demise, as it could be the rent, or stiff competition from newcomers like Don Tito or the GOAT, or possibly the decline of interest in live music after the closing of Iota.

Arlington Cornhole Late Summer League

Arlington Cornhole is having their league playoffs at Mister Days starting 7pm this Tuesday, July 17. ACH started two years ago with a group of friends and has grown into a league of 80 people. Their seasons are 8 weeks long and played at local Clarendon bars, with proceeds being donated to charity. They have raised over $6,000 for charities including the Wounded Warrior Project, Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Baldrick's Foundation, The Carpenter's Shelter, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, The Lyon Village Community House, The Arlington Housing Corporation, The Hurricane Maria Relief Fund, and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

If you want to join the fun, Arlington Cornhole's late summer registration is now open. Their season will run from August 7th through September 25th and will be played at Mister Day's and Whitlows. Food and drink specials are available along with all registration money going towards the winning team's charity of choice. $40 to enter and you get a t-shirt.

Barley Mac Yappy Hour

Barley Mac in Rosslyn is hosting a Yappy Hour dog friendly happy hour fundraiser this Sunday July 15.  From 4 to 7pm they will feature special cocktails and treats for your pup. You can bring dog food donations or cash donations to benefit Homeward Trails. For examples of what to donate check out their Amazon wishlist.

Whitlows 106.7 Summer Dress Party

The annual Junkies Summer Dress Party is this Saturday June 14 at Whitlow's rooftop. Hosted by 106.7 The Fan radio station, the sunny day party starts at 4pm and features Junkies radio personalities JP, Cakes, Bish and EB. This free event lasts until 7pm with full details on Facebook.

90s party and World Cup at Don Tito

This Saturday Jun 30 Don Tito will host a rooftop World Cup watch party with sound for Argentina vs France starting at 10am.

Right after the game ends the Beats and Brunch VA party brings you the 90’s day party at Don Tito  will go from 11am-3pm. DJ Antonio Ernesto with DJ Mike Rodriguez will be playing all the 90’s hits from *NSYNC to the Backstreet Boys and the likes of Destiny's Child to TLC and Will Smith. This no cover event is rain or shine thanks to the retractable all weather rooftop at Don Titos.

Stanley Cup at Don Titos

 

A day after the Capitals won the NHL championship game in Las Vegas, Don Tito hosted a private party with T.J. Oshie, Tom Wilson and Philipp Grubauer. In an awesome scene captured by Don Tito co-owner Scott Parker's Snapchat, Tom Wilson carries in the Stanley Cup into one of Clarendon's most popular bars around 7:30pm. Party goers continued to surround the bar next to CVS to catch glimpses of the Cup and champagne being sprayed over the side of Don Titos all weather rooftop.

There was a brief pause in the street celebrations as a freak rainstorm flooded Clarendon a couple hours after the Cup arrived, but luckily Don Tito upgraded their rooftop two years ago to be covered and allow all weather parties. After the rain subsided dozens of people where back out by CVS chanting C-A-P-S and hoping to see a Capitals player hoist the Cup over the side of the rooftop again.

A wonderful, wild and glorious night for Clarendon.

 

Coyote Ugly Night at GOAT

This Friday June 8 The G.O.A.T in Clarendon is throwing a Coyote Ugly Night with the beautiful ladies from the Dystrucxion Dance Team as cowgirls!

From 10pm to close the G.O.A.T. together with GQ Agency & Fab Promotions is once again re-inventing nightlife in Clarendon.
The G.O.A.T. is one of the newest sports bar in the neighborhood boasting many HD TV's, custom pro-audio sound system, 2 DJ booths, video games on each floor, delicious food & drinks, and a great staff to make every visit a memorable one.

Make sure to RSVP for free to get ahead of the line to enter. Must be 21 and over to enter. Dress code is business, nautical, fashionable, trendy attire. No construction style boots of any kind, white T-shirts or tank tops are also not permitted.

Don Tito 90s Day Party

This Saturday June 2 Don Tito is throwing a 90s themed day party from 11am to 3pm. DJ Antonio Ernesto will be playing the best hits from 20 years ago along with table games, a la carte brunch, beer buckets and mimosa pitchers. Prizes for best 90s outfit!

Drive Society at Ms Peacocks Champagne Lounge

Drive Society, a family owned and Arlington based car club, is having a happy hour on Wednesday, May 30 6-8pm to share their love of exotic cars. RSVP for the event to get a free glass of bubbly at Ms Peacock's Champagne Lounge located inside of Boardroom Clarendon. Drive Society offers multiple pricing tiers, which allow members to purchase points and redeem them for days of driving cars like:
Mercedes-Benz AMG GTS
Ferraru 458
Porsche Cayman GT4
Tesla Roadster 2.5
BMW 1 Series M

Screwtop Wine Bar Memorial Day sale

Screwtop Wine Bar is offering 50% off any dine in purchase (no exclusions!) for all active duty and retired military tonight, Monday May 28. All you need is your military id card.  They are open from 5pm to 10pm tonight. Also available are $10 All-American Wine Flights.

Bourbon 101 at Board Room

Clarendon's Board Room is hosting a bourbon tasting class at the Ms Peacock's Champagne Lounge hidden away in the rear of the restaurant. On Monday May 21, Board Room offers a tasting of 5 bourbons and appetizers from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Tickets are $63 a person with tax.

Taste of Arlington

Taste of Arlington is even bigger in 2018! Taking place in Ballston on Sunday May 20, this huge family and pet friendly street festival allows residents to purchase tickets to trade for samples of local food, beer or wine.  Entrance to the festival is free this year and opens at noon, with live music playing all day rain or shine on two concert stages:

Mix 107.3 soundstage presented by Clark Construction near North Quincy and Wilson Blvd:
Noon to 1pm - Broke Royals
1:30-2:15pm - Jumpin' Jupiter
2:45-3:30pm - Turtle Recall
4:00-4:45pm - Darby Brothers
5:00-6:00pm - White Ford Bronco

Ballston Point soundstage near the BarkPark and KidZone:
Noon-12:30pm - Brad Doggett
1-2:15pm - Lost Growlers
2:45-4pm - Lucy's Letdown
4:30-6pm - Most Savage Gentlemen

VIP Lounge music:
1-1:30, 2:15-2:45, 3:30-4pm - Brad Doggett

Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts

FL mixed media by artist Ana Jones

The 6th Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts returns to Clarendon the weekend of April 21-22. One hundred and fifty national and international artists are set to display their fine works from across the globe in a prestigious show encompassing fine jewelry, exquisite works of art and hand-crafted apparel and décor. From 10am to 5pm this free festival is open to pedestrians as Highland Street and Washington Blvd will be closed.

Marymount Alumni Social at Board Room.

On Thursday April 19 from 6 to 9pm Marymount University is hosting a Saints Social alumni happy hour at Clarendon's Board Room. Tickets are $10 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres and a full bar. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Marymount University's Scholarship Fund. RSVP by April 16 here. Please contact Cathryn Speck at cspeck@marymount.edu with questions.

Goodbye and Welcome Back Goody's Pizza

Update May 22: Goody's reopened under new management a month and a half after closing! New owners keeping the menu and staff but updated the interior. Read the full story at ArlNow.com.

Goody's pizza shop in Clarendon closed on Saturday, April 7 2018. As ArlNow.com first reported, the owners decided to close the tiny pizzeria and retire after their rent continued to rise and felt they could not increase pizza costs as well. Check out this ArlNow.com video interview for more perspectives from the owners.

Goody's opened in 2006 and will be missed as it served as mainstay staple for nightlife in the middle of Clarendon with its miniscule footprint serving a huge number of hungry party-goers late into the early morning. It would be common for lines to go out the door and down the block of Wilson Blvd after midnight on Friday or Saturday nights. I found that their pizza tasted the best late at night, as their kitchen pushed out tons of fresh cheese or pepperoni slices for the hungry (and mostly intoxicated) crowds.

Here's hoping another small family owned business can take their place at 3125 Wilson Blvd, as without local unique shops like this Clarendon will lose its unique and vibrant character.

Shamrock Bar Crawl

Project DC Events is bringing back the Shamrock Crawl one week prior to St Patrick's Day. The Clarendon bar crawl takes place on Saturday March 10 from 1pm to 9pm, while the Dupont Circle, DC and Baltimore, MD Shamrock Crawls happen the following week on March 17.

Tickets are cheaper online and get higher closer to the event date, or $30 at the door. I snagged a $8 ticket the first day they went on sale online with promo code "SHAMROCK8". But you don't even need a ticket to participate, as a ticket buys you a green mug and access to a few drink specials. You don't need a ticket or wristband for access to any participating bars. Drink specials include:

$2 Beers
$3 Rail drinks
$4 Shamrock Shots
$5 Irish Car Bombs

Venues that you can party at while wearing green are Clarendon Grill, Whitlows, Bar Bao, Pamplona, Hunan One, Oz and Mister Days.  Whitlows will also have their rooftop open for festivities.

11th Street next to Clarendon Grill will be closed by the police as ACPD and ACFD will have free CPR workshops and a "buzzed" giant beer pong game to warn of affects of drunk driving.

STARMAN at Clarendon Grill

On Thursday STARMAN, the Badass David Bowie Cover Band from Brooklyn is playing at Clarendon Grill at 9pm. March 8 is a special day for this blog as well, as it marks the 10 year anniversary of Clarendon Nights, which also first started at Clarendon Grill!

Seen in Bedford and Bowery and AM NY, STARMAN features an ensemble of New York’s top musicians. Combining world-class vocals, deft musicianship, Bowie-inspired costumes, and masterful stage presence, anyone who attends a STARMAN show is in for a simultaneously epic and intimate experience! STARMAN’s curated song list takes you back in time where songs were shared on the galactic playground. This is STARMAN's first stop in a multicity tour, afterwards they head to Cincinnati, Atlanta. New Orleans and Houston.

War of the Roses Wine Tasting at Ms Peacocks Lounge

This month Ms. Peacock's Lounge is having a Rosés sparkling wine tasting event on Tuesday February 20 from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Ms. Peacock's is the somewhat secret lounge attached to the new Board Room location. Reservations are $50 per person, contact events@theboardroomva.com for a space.

Mister Days Music Bingo

Mister Days is hosting Music Bingo this Friday February 16. It’s bingo with a twist as we test your music knowledge, as you have to figure the song in 30 seconds and then match that to your bingo card. Get 5 in a row in any direction to win the game. There are prizes after every round which last 15 minutes. Enjoy our Happy Hour from 4-9pm with half priced beer, wine and rail drinks. Ask about specials on Tito’s Vodka and our $6 food menu.

Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade

The annual Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade is right around the corner! Weather permitting the parade will start on Fat Tuesday, February 13, at 7pm at Wilson Blvd and N. Barton Street. It will continue up Wilson Boulevard, past Liberty Tavern and end on N. Irving Street. Register for the Parade, or buy Mardi Gras Beads here. The annual Mardi Gras Ball has been cancelled due to competition with the new Wharf  Mardi Gras celebration.

Games for Good at Board Room

This Monday Feb 12 7-9 pm at Board Room help support Dog Tag Inc. as they help wounded Veterans return to the work force. $25 contribution gets you a flight of Board Room Brews, 2 drink tickets and free games. Dog Tag Bakery will have a Pop Up selling their Valentine's treats.

Bubbly 101 at Ms Peacock's Champage Lounge

Ms. Peacock's Lounge, the best kept secret cocktail and champagne bar in Clarendon, is hosting a bubbly tasting class on Tuesday January 23rd. The classy lounge lives in the side section of Boardroom, in the former space of Sehkraft's butcher shop. The tasting runs from 7:30 to 9:30pm and requires a $40 reservation per person. Email them at events@theboardroomva.com to reserve a spot.

Beat The Clock at Mexicali Blues

This Sunday January 14 Mexicali Blues is hosting a Beat The Clock party starting at 5pm. For three hours, deals on Miller Lite and Blue Moon drafts and wings change every half hour.

JMU Football watch party at Whitlows

Whitlows is hosting a JMU football watch party Saturday January 5 stating at noon to cheer for the Dukes as they play against North Dakota State University. The National Championship game will be on the screens throughout the restaurant along with drink specials and brunch.

Party Like It's at Whitlows

One of the most energetic and cover bands of all time Party Like It's... is returning to Whitlows this Friday January 5.  Music starts at 9pm and there is usually a $5 cover.