Top Things to do in Arlington
Things to do in Arlington, Virginia (VA): The Best Concerts & Shows
Known for walkable urban villages like Crystal City, Rosslyn and Ballston, Arlington was part of the "10 miles square" surveyed in 1791 to be the United States capital. Just across the Potomac from Washington, Arlington is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Memorial. With 11 Metro stops, Arlington is car-optional and offers visitors everything from eclectic theater to Bohemian cafes.
Restaurants in Arlington
1. Twilight Tattoo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long, live-action military pageant featuring Soldiers from The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." Experience a glimpse into American history through performances by The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange and U.S. Army Band Voices, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and The U.S. Army Drill Team.
2. Jane Franklin Dance
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Jane Franklin Dance crosses disciplines in partnership with music, media, visual artists and community participants. A vibrant part of the Washington DC/Northern Virginia cultural community, Jane Franklin Dance has been presented at multiple venues and festivals and internationally in Mexico. A recipient of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region Creative Communities Award, Jane has developed innovative and collaborative projects combining dancers with the round wall skateboarding community, with a life size kinetic sculpture, with the architecture of a specific site, with dogs & owners, and with interactive live video and sound for numerous public art projects. Jane Franklin is a recipient of the American Association of University Women Elizabeth Campbell Award for the Advancement of the Arts in Arlington, and her video work Four Mile Run Footbridge was selected for PHOTO/VIDEO 13: Juried Mid-Atlantic Exhibition. Jane Franklin Dance has been recognized by Virginia's Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts. The company tours for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Paul Mellon Arts in Education Program and the Virginia Commission's Tour Directory. Collaborative projects have received funding in multiple years from the Virginia Commission, the Alexandria Commission, and the Arlington Commission for the Arts, American Composers Forum - Washington DC Chapter and from foundations including Arlington Community Foundation and Washington Forrest Foundation. Forty+ and workshops for older adults provide adult dance programming such as free healthy movement workshops at senior centers, classes for active older adults and rare performance opportunities for dancers over age 40. Performances for children delight young audiences with imaginative storytelling through dance. Camps provide intensive week-long learning in movement, theatre and visual art.
3. Synetic Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By R3891WWdavidr - Arlington, United States
I have seen a number of productions at Synetic Theater--every single one has just blown me away. Last night I saw "Phantom of the Opera". This is NOT the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Instead, this is a totally new production, by an incredibly imaginative director and ensemble. The show is based on dance, and is extremely physical. The fight scenes are just so energized! The music is wonderful. The sets and special effects are surreal. The costumes are out of this world. The choreography is fantabulous! The phantom and the mannequins are so, so creepy, it is unreal! As in most of the shows at Synetic Theater, there are no words spoken or sung. The actors can act out the story so well that, in conjunction with the music, there is no need for words. If you like innovative, fun, beautifully-staged and beautifully-acted theater, this is the place!
4. Signature Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By RYC88 - Centreville, United States
It's just wonderful to be so close to the stage and the actors. The lighting and sound is fantastic and every single seat has amazing sight-lines. The chairs are comfortable and there is so much leg room, it makes us never want to go to a regular theater with our knees jammed in again. There's plenty of free parking right next to the theater and lots of places to eat right there, too. There's a lovely lobby and the staff are incredibly nice - they go out of their way to welcome you and ask about the shows. I will definitely be seeing more shows here - it's a hidden gem!
5. Wakefield Theater Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Wakefield High School's Theater Department is focused on providing students with a well-rounded experience, allowing for student involvement in all areas of theatre production since 1952.
6. O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
O’Sullivan’s Sunday Funnies Live Standup Comedy Show Featuring local comedians from the NOVA area $25 cash prize joke contest for non-com audience members after the show Every Sunday night 7 to 9 pm FREE SHOW Showroom opens 6pm for dinner & drinks before the show starts at 7 O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in Clarendon(at corner of Wilson BLVD & N. Irving St) 3207 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 Metro Subway Train = Clarendon station on Orange Line...2mins walk to O'Sullivans!
7. Gunston Arts Center
8. Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By cogdog43 - Arlington, United States
We love the Arlington Drafthouse! Amazing option for dates and special events. COMEDY SHOWS ARE SO GREAT! We’re local and have been to at least 20 shows there. Tix are affordable and usually available. Shows are raw and they get both solid and up-and-coming acts. For events, the group Oscar viewing, boozy brunch, etc. are great. As a parent, I also have to put in a plug for their kid movie showings. We ONLY bring our kids here for movies because it’s so perfect. CHEAPER MOVIE SHOWINGS!! New and previously run movies. And they serve kid-appropriate food (pizza, hot dogs, organic milk) and DRINKS FOR PARENTS...at 12:30p sometimes! And you are seated in executive chairs. Such a solid option. 10/10 recommend.
9. The Murder Mystery Company in Washington, D.C.
The Experts in Mystery Entertainment are now performing live, interactive murder mystery dinner shows in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas.
10. Encore Stage & Studio
“Theatre by Kids, for Kids!” Encore Stage & Studio’s mission is to build a lifelong appreciation for live theatre by involving young people in all aspects of theatre arts –onstage, backstage, in the classroom, and in the audience. Encore offers productions each season that are by and for young people, and through enriching classes, workshops and camps by qualified, enthusiastic teaching artists.
