As we start to experience sunnier days, spring is the perfect season to get outside and explore Arlington. From live music to a Memorial Day observance, the County is packed with plenty of ways to enjoy the warmer weather all season long with family-friendly activities.
To help you make the most of it, ATP has compiled some of the outdoor events happening in Arlington along with easy ways to attend them without a vehicle. So, leave the car behind, soak up the sun, and enjoy these upcoming events.
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Music by the Metro
Hosted by the Clarendon Alliance, this free outdoor concert series takes place every Thursday in May. With a new performer every week, you can keep coming back to enjoy a new show. Bring a blanket or chair!
When: Every Thursday in May, 6pm
Where: Clarendon Metro Park, 3140 Wilson Blvd
Getting there: Located in the heart of Clarendon, there are several ways to conveniently attend this event via public transportation. There’s even a Capital Bikeshare station located conveniently at the park.
Metrorail: Located steps away from the Clarendon Metro Station entrance, accessible by the Orange and Silver lines.
Metrobus: A58
MoCA on the Move: Celebrating Spring
Since April, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Arlington has been hosting its latest series of free, outdoor, pop-up art events that provide fun for the whole family. Each week you can expect to engage with different artists and try out different methods of creating art while also enjoying live music and lawn games.
When: Every Sunday through June 14, 10am
Where: Metropolitan (Met) Park, 1330 S Fair Street
Getting there: Metropolitan Park is located conveniently in the center of Crystal City and as such has plenty of public transportation stops and stations within a quarter-mile radius. Capital Bikeshare stations are located within a short walking distance from the park.
Metrorail: Located roughly equal distance from the Pentagon City and Crystal City Metro Stations, both accessible by the Yellow and Blue lines.
National Memorial Day Observance
Arlington National Cemetery will be hosting the 158th National Memorial Day Observance to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the U.S. Armed Forces at the Memorial Amphitheater. The cemetery encourages taking Metro due to limited parking. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: May 25, 2026, 12pm. Pre-event programming will begin at 10:45am. A candlelight storytelling experience will occur in the evening at 8:30pm.
Where: Memorial Amphitheater, Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Ave
Getting there: For the event, Arlington National Cemetery will be accessible via its main entrance on Memorial Avenue in addition to the Ord and Weitzel Gate on the north side. Capital Bikeshare Stations are conveniently located within walking distance of each entry point. To access the amphitheater, attendees must take a tram from the main entrance Welcome Center.
Metrorail: Arlington Cemetery Station is accessible via the Blue line and places visitors at the main entrance. If entering through the Ord and Weitzel Gate, the Rosslyn Station is a few blocks away and accessible via the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines.
Metrobus: A76 can be used to arrive a few blocks from the Ord and Weitzel Gate.
ART: 56 can be used to arrive a few blocks from the Ord and Weitzel Gate.
Armed Forces Cycling Classic 2026
For those hoping for more cycling events post-Bike to Work Day, you’re in luck. The region’s premier competitive cycling event takes place the final weekend of May with multiple races and courses that will take participants through Arlington. Whether you’d like to watch the races or participate in the Saturday morning challenge race yourself, this is sure to be an exciting event. Check out the event website for the full list of races and to find registration information.
When: Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31
Where: There are a number of races that are happening over the weekend. On Saturday, the challenge ride will take cyclists from the Capitol down past the Pentagon, up to Rosslyn, and back. On Sunday, there will be a races taking place entirely in Clarendon. Spectators should review the race maps online to find appropriate street-side viewing locations.
Getting There: You’ll be able to view the action over the weekend in the Clarendon, Pentagon City, and Rosslyn neighborhoods. Check out our Arlington neighborhood Quick Glance Guides for a thorough list of transit options available. Please note that bus routes may be experiencing detours or delays due to road closures as a result of the races.
Metrorail: The Clarendon Metro station is accessible via the Silver and Orange lines. The Rosslyn Metro station is accessible via the Silver, Orange, and Blue lines. The Pentagon City Metro station is accessible via the Blue and Yellow lines.
The Pike Blues Festival
Hosted by The Columbia Pike Partnership, the 29th Annual Columbia Pike Blues festival returns to a new location at Penrose Square for another live music celebration outdoors. Featuring headliner Joslyn and The Sweet Compression, come out and celebrate a day of community and music. A full list of acts is available on the event website.
When: June 13, 12 – 8pm
Where: Penrose Square, 2597 Columbia Pike
Getting there: Located off of Columbia Pike, there are a number of bus stops that will get you to Penrose Square. Capital Bikeshare Stations can be found at the park as well.
Explore Your Community Car Free
Walking, biking, and transit offer easy, flexible ways to enjoy Arlington events while soaking up the best of spring. This season is the perfect opportunity to rethink how you get around and ATP is here to help. For a more comprehensive view of the transit options available as you think about your spring and summer plans, including events not covered in this blog, consider checking out the Regional Transportation Guide.
Explore Your Commute Car Free
Exploring alternate commute modes is a great way to engage with your community, but it’s also a great way to relieve commuting stress for your employees and tenants. Reach out to your Arlington Transportation Partners rep to learn more about how you can implement car-free solutions at your organization.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners