Join us for a free, all-day community festival
Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Arlington Public Library hosts an all-ages celebration at Central Library to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Experience multiple back-to-back musical and spoken word performances, a large LEGO sculpture of the U.S. Constitution, DIY arts and crafts activities, singing storytimes about America, genealogy and digitization workshops, and cultural and historical demonstrations.
Enjoy food trucks or a picnic
Bring your own picnic to enjoy at tables near the library and Quincy Park, or visit multiple food trucks from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Children receive free popcorn while supplies last.
Travel by bike, bus or Metro
Explore supporting programs
Celebrate early by submitting a poem to perform, making a 3D printed star with The Shop makerspace, exploring our related Arlington 250 programs or submitting a favorite library memory!
LibraryFest is generously funded by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library which supports all library programs, including Arlington 250 and Summer Reading.
LibraryFest Schedule
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“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Brass Quintet
America’s oldest professional musical organization kicks off LibraryFest with a brass performance.
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Yo-Yo Workshop with the DMV Throwers
Learn yo-yo basics, tricks and care from experienced practitioners. Loaner yo-yos available for all skill levels.
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Our Community Pavilion
Explore Arlington history, culture and civic life with local organizations and community resources.
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Ancestry for Beginners: Research Your Genealogy
Learn to build your family tree using Ancestry.com, DNA tools and free genealogy resources.
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Calligraphy Workshop
Learn basic calligraphy techniques and write a letter to a future Arlingtonian.
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Make A Wish for America
Write your wishes for America’s future on a paper flame to help “light” a birthday cake poster!
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Singing Storytimes about America with Emily
Enjoy a storytime with song-based picture books about America.
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Crafts and Tasks from the Past
Try colonial-era crafts, chores and games through hands-on activities inspired by daily life in early America.
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The Art of Paper, Writing & Publishing
Explore calligraphy, bookbinding, ink making, paper marbling and letterpress printing through live demonstrations.
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Singing Storytimes about America with Emily
Enjoy a storytime with song-based picture books about America.
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Print Your Own 250 Poster
While supplies last: learn the silkscreen process and print a two-color commemorative America 250 poster to take home.
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Words Matter: A Spoken Word Stage
Hear local poets, performers and leaders share works reflecting on America’s past, present and future.
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Level Up Your Civic Engagement With a New Tool
Discover a simple framework to identify your values, support causes you care about and get involved in your community.
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Turn, Turn, Turn with the Capital Area Woodturners
Watch artisans transform wood into handcrafted creations and receive a free spinning top while supplies last.
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Rainbow Rock Band
Sing, dance and rock along to an interactive, family-friendly mix of folk, pop and rockabilly music.
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Digital Preservation of Family Photos
Learn best practices for scanning, organizing and preserving family photos for future generations.
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Traditional Tunes of the Dulcimer
Enjoy Appalachian folk music with all-ages singalongs and performances mixed with free dulcimer lessons for ages 12+.
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Singing Storytimes about America with Emily
Enjoy a storytime with song-based picture books about America.
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The Sunshine Gang
Sing, dance and jam out with a repertoire of classic rock tunes.
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Add a Square to the Library’s Semiquincentennial Community Quilt
Create a quilt square celebrating identity and community for a digital quilt collage.
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Fort Washington Victorian Dance Society
Watch Victorian-era dances come to life and learn a few steps yourself—no experience required.
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Author Talk: “Virginia in the American Revolution”
Explore Virginia’s pivotal role in the American Revolution with historian and author Charles A. Mills.
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Homemade Hornbooks & Quill Pens
Create a colonial-era hornbook and practice writing with a quill while exploring early American learning tools.
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Washington Revels Heritage Voices
Experience traditional music, hymns and Civil Rights-era favorites that tell the American story.
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Whiskey Before Breakfast
Enjoy Celtic and bluegrass tunes from a WAMMIE Award-winning instrumental band.
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Uptown Singerz
Experience powerful Native American song and dance traditions celebrating culture, storytelling and healing.
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Bongo District
Get moving with an energetic blend of reggae, funk, ska and Latin rhythms.
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The Capitol Hillbillies
Close out LibraryFest with a lively mix of blues, bluegrass, jazz, gospel and other American roots music.
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