Mark Your Calendar: Fun Fall Events Coming Up in Arlington

(Editor’s note: The following information is from Arlington County.)

Fall Heritage Festival

Families, adults and scout troops are invited to gather around the Walker Log House at Gulf Branch Nature Center onSaturday, October 18 from 1 - 5 p.m. to celebrate our nation’s heritage. Join us for a family-friendly day of interactive fun. Step back into history and try your hand at some old time games and crafts. Make a corn-husk doll, try on a ‘coonskin’ cap or work the cider press! Bring your own old pants and shirt (child sized clothing works!) to make a scarecrow. For information visit the event page or call 703-228-3403.

Lit Up Ball at Artisphere: Bond, James Bond Theme

The Friends of the Arlington Public Library present the second annual Lit Up Ball, a literary-themed social event on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 8-11 p.m. at the Artisphere. Attendees are encouraged to don their best 1950s-60s attire for an evening of intrigue and glamour, by way of Ian Fleming’s iconic James Bond. Enjoy jazz orchestra performing Bond-inspired music, dance instructors showing era-appropriate dances, raffles for a wide variety of prizes and packages and dessert! Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase by credit/debit cards. All proceeds go to support the Library’s early literacy program, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. For more info or to purchase tickets visit the event page.

Family and Teen Skate Nights

Join the crowd at Thomas Jefferson Center every Saturday night starting October 18 til March 28, 2015 (No skate on 11/29, 12/27 and 1/3). The evenings start with Family Skating from 6:30-9 p.m. and close with Teen Nights from 9-10:45 p.m., exclusively for middle and high school students. Birthday parties are also available. There is also a live D.J., moon bounces $1, and the café will be open. Entry Admission: $2 per person, skate rental $3 per person (cash only). For more information visit ourskating page.

Towers Park Ribbon Cutting

Celebrate the recent improvements at Towers Park on Sunday, October 19 at 11 a.m.! Park updates include:

newly reconstructed basketball court, tennis courts, practice court and picnic shelter; newly installed dark sky lighting, paths to renovated facilities, site furnishings and landscaping. The canine exercise areas have also been improved and we have added a portable restroom shelter. For more information visit our project page.

Ride with the Rangers

Adults, teens, kids and families-grab your bikes and helmets and explore historical and horticultural areas within Arlington County. The Arlington County Ranger Unit is hosting a FREE bike ride on Saturday, October 25 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.starting at the Ranger Station located at Bluemont Park. The ride will cover 6.8 miles of Four Mile Run and W&OD trails, stops include the Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden, Benjamin Banneker Park, Bluemont Junction Caboose and Sparrow Pond wetland in Glen Carlyn. For more information visit our event page.

Open House for High View Park

The Parks and Recreation Department surveyed community members earlier this summer as to what they liked or felt was needed in the park. Based on your input, a design for the park will be developed and will be shared at on Wednesday, October 22 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Langston-Brown Community Center. Come and learn more!

Fall Family Festival

Celebrate fall with us at the new and improved Rocky Run Park on Saturday, November 1 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Bring the whole family to enjoy the crisp air with fitness activities, arts and crafts, games and moonbounces! FREE entry, festive treats for sale. For more information visit our event page or call 703-228-4773.