👨‍🍳 Celebrity Chefs Hit Rosslyn!

Plus: 🎓 ARL Students Score Merit Scholarships!

Happy Friday!
Let's pop into the good stuff.

☕️ Hey neighbors, Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing ARL moms! Whether you’re enjoying a cozy brunch, chasing toddlers around the park, or just soaking up a quiet moment, we’re sending you love.

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Prefer to share your thoughts directly? You can always email us at [email protected] 

🎧 PS: We saw Muffed at Prologue Theatre last night—such a fun show about earmuffs (yes, really). Local theater lovers, don’t miss it before it closes May 18! Use code BUBBLE for 15% off.

👀 In today’s bubble:

📰 News Bites: Quick hits on what’s happening in ARL
🎉 Weekend Plans: Your go-to guide for what to do in ARL
🎷 Live Music Lineup: Where to catch a groove

Your Arlington cheat sheet starts now ⬇️

📰 News Bites 
Quick local updates

👨‍🍳 Celebrity chefs are coming to Rosslyn! A new Wonder food hall will feature dishes by Bobby Flay, José Andrés & more—plus delivery in under 30 minutes. Opening later this year.

🎓 Six standout Arlington students have each won $2,500 National Merit Scholarships—honoring top U.S. seniors for academic excellence. Congrats to Nicola Beaumont, Logan Bradley, Nico Docena, Nathaniel Levin, Eloise Minnigh & Vincenzo Theobald!

🌍 Did you feel that? A 3.0 earthquake near Farmville rattled central Virginia Tuesday—and yes, tremors were felt as far north as Arlington. No damage reported, just a regional jolt!

💐 Mother’s Day is almost here! Treat Mom to something special with 13 local ideas—think afternoon tea, forest walks, spa bliss, and more—all right here in Arlington.

🏛️ The Arlington Historical Museum is back! After months of renovations, the museum has reopened with refreshed exhibits, restored windows, and expanded access—including the second floor and its historic school bell.

🌟 Southern Living spotlighted Arlington, VA as a must-visit destination, highlighting our rich history, scenic trails, and vibrant dining scene. From iconic landmarks to craft cocktails, there's something for everyone. But we know you have the real insider tips. What do you think they missed? Send us your favorite hidden gems, must-try bites, or go-to spots at [email protected]—we’d love to share!

📣 Advertise in the Bubble! 

🚀 Local biz, meet your new megaphone. The Arlington Bubble is ready to blast your message to hungry readers. If you’re interested, reach out to us at [email protected]

🎒 Mini News Bites
Updates for the Kiddos

🥽 CANNONBALL!!! NOVA Parks Annual Waterpark Pass gets you access to five parks, early entry, food discounts, and free friend Tuesdays after 3 PM. Valid one year from purchase!

🏫 Most APS students and staff say they feel safe at school, new survey data shows—though changes in how questions were asked make year-to-year comparisons tricky, officials noted.

🎭 Wakefield High’s Little Shop of Horrors was a campy, delightful hit! With standout performances and a man-eating plant puppet, this student-led production was a love letter to classic horror and theater.

🥳 This Weekend in Arlington
Weekend Happenings

Today 🌇 

🌳 Memorial Arboretum Walking Tour at Arlington National Cemetery! Last weekend of the series, so make sure to check-it out from 9-11 AM

🫖Afternoon Tea and a Movie: "The Farewell" at Aurora Hills Library, 1:30 - 4 PM

💃 Zumba Power Hour at Mason Square! Join this high-energy cardio dance class from 5:30-6:30 PM

🎶 Friday Night Concert Series Featuring Oasis Island Sounds at Water Park, Free, 6 - 8:30 PM

🍵 Claydate at Trade Roots Coffee and Wine Bar, $85, 6:30 - 9 PM

🎬 Mamma Mia on the Plaza! Grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a free outdoor movie night and digital BINGO at 8 PM

😆 Free Comedy Night at El Rey, Recommended Tip of $5/person, 8 PM

Saturday 🪩

🧑‍🎨 Crafty Kids: Take and Make at Courthouse Library, Free, All Day While Supplies Last

🏃 Kenmore 5K Run in Bluemont Park, $20 - 35, 9 AM - 11:30 AM

🌳 George Washington’s Forest Guided Walking Tour at Ball-Sellers House, Free, 1 - 3 PM

💻 Intro to AI: AI Ethics and Responsible Use at Westover Library, Free,1 - 2 PM

🌼 Spring Fling at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, Free, 12 PM - 3PM

 Jolie È Lumiere at WHINO: Join a fundraiser for Tourette’s awareness, featuring Baylen Dupree and filmed by TLC. $50 - 400 from 5 – 8 PM

🍺 Spring Patio Party at Astro Beer Hall Shirlington, Free, 5 - 9 PM

😆 The Comedy Karaoke Trivia Funtime Show with Winston Hodges at HIGHLINE RxR, $15 - 80, 7:30 - 9:30 PM

🪄 Mother's Day Magic by the “Magic Duel” at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, $70-150 for ages 18+, 5 PM & 8 PM (also on Sunday)

Sunday 💫

🌸 MoCA on the Move: Celebrating Spring Family Fun Series! Create stamped heart ornaments for Mom and enjoy snacks, flower giveaways, and live music from Rook Richards. 10 AM - 1 PM at Met Park

🌲 Mother's Day Forest Bathing at Potomac Overlook Regional Park; $35 for each 18+ attendee, 10 AM - 12 PM

♟️ Board Game Afternoon at Central Library, Free, 1 - 4:30 PM

🌱 Invasive Plant Removal at Fort CF Smith, Free/Volunteer Spots, 2 - 4 PM

🍷 Paint and Sip Tote Bags at Water Park, $30, 6 - 8 PM

🎷 Live Music Lineup
Where to find your groove

🗓️ Tonight

Bluesliners at 6 PM - Westover Market 
Laura Baron at 8 PM - Three Whistles 
Justin Holt at 9:30 PM - The Renegade 
Eddie Pasa at 9:30 PM - Samuel Beckett's 
Half Pint Harry at 9:30 PM - Ragtime 
Run for Cover at 9:30 PM - O'Sullivan's

🗓️ Saturday

Arlandria at at 5 PM - Westover Market 
Totally Bowie at 7 PM - The Renegade 
Karafolke with Tommy Rueckert at 8 PM - Three Whistles 
Spike Burton at 9:30 PM - Samuel Beckett's 
Eric Zatz at 9:30 PM - Ragtime
The Leftovers at 9:30 PM - O'Sullivan's

Know a great local music venue? Share your picks at [email protected]we love featuring your Arlington favorites!

🙏 Thanks for reading! If you’ve been enjoying The Arlington Bubble, send it to a friend who’d love it too!

💃 Keep up with us @arlbubble on IG. Send comments and suggestions to [email protected] 

Have a great day, Arlingtonians!