Arlington’s annual Taste of Arlington Festival was on May 17th in Clarendon from 12pm to 6pm. The festival has many activities and events that are directed towards people of all ages and showcases over 50 Arlington restaurants while benefitting the Arlington’s Food Assistance Center.

The festival started off with a Girls on Run sponsored 5k starting at 8:30am. Runners of all ages and gender are welcome, and special awards will be given out to family runners. All runners receive a medal, t-shirt, and the option of a tutu. The run finishes within a few feet away from the festival itself and registration for it is offered online.

The restaurants and vendors at the festival competed in the “Best of the Best” food competitions in categories such as Best Appetizer, Best Fine Dining Entree, and more. Some examples of the restaurants participating are Ben’s Chili Bowl, Paisano’s Pizza, Zoe’s Kitchen, Which Wich, and Lebanese Taverna. There was also be a beer garden with over 30 different brands of alcoholic beverages offered. The celebrity judges that judged the food competitions include Walter Tejado, Melony Torres, Briana Scurry, Intern John, Allyson Ugarte, Joe Schechtel, Bethany Allen, Jill Goubeaux, and Jai Williams. Winners for each category were scheduled to be announced on the Concert Stage in the VIP Pavilion.

Live bands performed on three concert stages by crowd favorite bands Jumpin’ Jupiter, White Ford Bronco, and Burnt Sienna. Multiple DJ personalities from popular radio stations such as Hot 99.5 and DC’s 107.3 on the Main and BarkPark Stages were also there.

VIP Pavilion passes were offered for 100$ if purchased after May 1st and 110$ if purchased the day of the event unlimited access to beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres. Food was also provided by the Ballston Restaurant Challenge winner, Walter & Wall, and SER.

The KidZone features a rock climbing wall, carnival games, face-painting, and inflatable games sponsored by the Washington Wizards and Capitals. Additionally, the KidZone is where the post Girl’s on the Run 5k celebration was hosted. The zone opened at 10am.

Lastly, the Ballston Animal Hospital sponsored events at Arlington’s BarkPark including a World Pup Tournament with activities like dog caricature art, meeting vets from the Ballston Animal Hospital, and various other products and services for dogs to participate in. There was a Very Important Pup (VIP) pavilion where people can go to sigh up their dogs for the World Pup Tournament. Overall, it was a very jam packed day and with lots to do and people to see!