I Put a Spell on You: Nina Simone

Mar 31 - Apr 19 | Signature Theatre | Shirlington

Felicia Curry honors jazz icon Nina Simone and the women she inspired. From Nina’s greatest songs such as “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” Chaka Chan’s “I’m Every Woman,” and the songs of Tina Turner, Lauryn Hill and more, this dynamic cabaret will motivate you to rise up.

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Under Western Skies

Wed, Apr 8 | 7:30pm | Williamsburg Middle School | Rock Spring

This free concert features music that draws inspiration from the American West. The music invites you to imagine wide open expanses and reflect on the people that live in these beautiful lands. The Arlington Concert Band will play the following charts, Sonoran Desert Holiday, The Pathfinder of Panama by J.P. Sousa, Zion, Tres Danzas de México, Red River Valley, and The Cowboys by John Williams.

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Thursday Poetry PAUSE

Thursdays Apr 2-30 | Studio PAUSE | Douglas Park

Studio PAUSE started the Community Poetry & The PoeTree project way back in 2014, when the first PoeTree was created to engage the community in writing haikus to be displayed on a “poetry tree.” This year, celebrate National Poetry Month in April by being a part of the VA250 exhibit! The haiku poetry theme is: What is your wish for Virginia on this the 250th year of our Independence? Join on Thursdays in April to make poetry slips and write haikus for the Community Poetry and The PoeTree 2026.

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Author Talk: Dawn E. Morrow

Sat, Apr 4 | 2-3pm | Central Library | Virginia Square

This "National Poetry Month" Arlington Public Library is excited to host Dawn E. Morrow whose book of poems, "The Habit of Hope," celebrates hope as a saving grace in our desperate world. Her poems, written "for people who don't like poetry," invite readers to take a closer look at the people around them, their stories of joy and sorrow, celebration and loss, and the many ways we are all made who we are.

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Art @ Busboys and Poets: Meet the Artists

Sun, Apr 5 | 5pm | Busboys & Poets | Shirlington

Join for an evening celebrating creativity, culture, and community. Come experience the vibrant works currently on display at the Shirlington location and connect directly with the talented artists behind the pieces. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Rashad Ali Muhammad, Brian Bailey, Ivan Puplampu, Alexi Abi, Naje Fields, and Indica Hi, hear about their artistic journeys, and explore the stories and inspirations that shape their work.

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Pink Beats

Thurs, Apr 2 | 5-8pm | Water Park | National Landing

Experience the best happy hour entertainment at Pink Beats, an outdoor music series on the Water Park stage featuring electronic music curated by top local DJs. New this year, the music is accompanied by whimsical visuals curated by Hoop Fairy as dancers dressed in cherry blossom attire engage the crowd with beautiful artistry, flower giveaways and more. Guests can kick back with spring-inspired food and drinks specials available for purchase from an array of Water Park kiosks, including Monstera Burrito, Spot of Tea, Queen Mother’s Kitchen, Fat Fish and more.

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