Massive 'Taste of Arlington' Block Party Almost Here -- Here's What to Expect

"Taste of Arlington" is back, and bigger than ever.

More than 50,000 people are expected to descend upon Ballston on May 15 from noon to 6 p.m. for "the ultimate block party" -- Taste of Arlington, the largest food, beer and music festival in the county. This year there will be more than 50 of Arlington's restaurants on hand to serve up food as well as a rolling brewery that travels the country, according to a statement from the Ballston Business Improvement District.

At least $25,000 -- and possibly much more -- will be contributed to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) as part of the event.

There will be a 5K "Girls on the Run" race, which promotes healthy living and celebrates girls of all ages. This year's event will also feature a second concert stage showcasing a variety of musical groups, and a beer and wine garden spanning a whole block in Ballston.

The whole event is both child and dog friendly. Children can enjoy games at the "KidZone," and the Ballston Animal Hospital is providing the "BarkPark," which provides a variety of tents that have both products and services aimed at your pooch, and a pop-up dog park where dogs are free to run around.

The BarkPark has a $5 entry fee. It'll cost you $15 for the KidZone book for games, and $35 for a Taste book. If you wait until the day of the event, those tickets will cost you $10, $20 and $40, respectively. Tickets are nonrefundable. These tickets are for specific activities within the event -- no tickets are needed to get into the event itself.

You can buy those tickets via the Ballston BID's mobile app, Ballston Connect, or you can purchase them here.

The event will take place on Wilson Boulevard between Glebe Road and N. Pollard Street, as well as a portion of N. Randolph Street and N. Stuart Street.

Taking the Metro may be the best option to avoid sitting in traffic and finding parking. Simply take the orange line to the Ballston-MU station and walk one block to the event. If you want to drive, you can use the Ballston Common Mall garage.

Image via Ballston BID