Artists and Artisans Holiday Show
Just in time for the next holidays; Thanksgiving, Christmas and Kwanzaa, the Arlington Common is excited to present 15 artists and artisans in the 2026 Holiday Show in the Watkins House galleries.
Gallery hours in November and December will be Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1-4 pm, and Saturdays from 10 to noon during the weekly Coffee Hour.
The works include photographs and paintings, wood sculpture, collage, and fabric art. These modest-sized works are perfect for that special holiday gift.
Among the artists included are Luther Hall, Marti Mellor, Ursala Wolz, Adriano Manocchia, George Van Hook, Ned Reade, Ed Heyes, Beth Hildick-Smith, Seline Skoug, Kim Eng Yeo, Mary Jane Sarvis, Amanda Taft and Bryon Richheimer
Kick off a new season by enjoying new art at The Common!
Beyond Plastics’ Free Grassroots Advocacy Training
FREE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY TRAINING
WE NEED YOU!
Join us for a virtual grassroots advocacy training, via zoom, to build your skills and increase your power to end plastic pollution.
For more information go to https://www.beyondplastics.org/about
To sign up for the class contact programming@arlingtoncommon.org
Open Mic Night
Come join us for a free night of music and fun in the Performance Hall at The Arlington Common! Whether you're a seasoned performer or just want to showcase your talents, this is the perfect opportunity to take the stage and shine. Grab your friends and family for a fun evening of entertainment and support local artists. Don't miss this chance to be part of a lively and creative community.
If you’d like to perform you can sign up at the door or email vtcabin@comcast.net
See you there!
Maker's Market
Local craft vendors gather to offer vintage holiday decor, handmade gifts, artisan pottery, baked goods, and jewelry.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
For more information contact programming@arlingtoncommon.org
Holiday Show Opening Reception
Just in time for the next holidays; Thanksgiving, Christmas and Kwanzaa, the Arlington Common is excited to present 15 artists and artisans in the 2026 Holiday Show in the Watkins House galleries.
Gallery hours in November and December will be Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1-3 pm, and Saturdays from 10 to noon during the weekly Coffee Hour.
The exhibit will include photographs and paintings, wood sculpture, collage and fabric art. These modest-sized works are perfect for that special holiday gift.
Among the artists included are Luther Hall, Marti Mellor, Ursala Wolz, Adriano Manocchia, George Van Hook, Ned Reade, Ed Heyes, Beth Hildick-Smith, Seline Skoug, Kim Eng Yeo, Mary Jane Sarvis, Amanda Taft and Bryan Richheimer.
Kick off a new season by enjoying new art at The Common!
Halloween at the Arlington Common
Trick or treat Warming Station at The Arlington Common!
Come for the candy - Come for the company - Come for the costumes - Come to pass out Candy
Or just stop by for a rest, good stories, and warm smiles!
Halloween Coffee Hour and Tarot Card Reading
Join us for a fun Halloween Coffee Hour with delicious coffee, treats, conversation and Tarot Card readings by Huluppu Bookshop’s Janet Sleigh!
One question per person and up to 15 minutes per reading - $5.
Harvest Brewing, roasting small-batch specialty coffee in Bennington, VT, kindly fuels our Community Coffee Hour with their generous coffee donations!
Open Mic Night
Come join us for a free night of music and fun in the Performance Hall at The Arlington Common! Whether you're a seasoned performer or just want to showcase your talents, this is the perfect opportunity to take the stage and shine. Grab your friends and family for a fun evening of entertainment and support local artists. Don't miss this chance to be part of a lively and creative community.
If you’d like to perform you can sign up at the door or email vtcabin@comcast.net
See you there!
Christmas Cabaret Auditions
We are looking for singers, actors, dancers, comedians, musicians, performance artists and chorus singers to perform musical solos, skits and production numbers! AGAIN!!
All Ages and Abilities are WELCOME!!!
Directed by Leif Erickson
Music Direction & Accompanist Michael Garvey
Production Assistance & Choral Direction Julie Freebern
Master of Ceremonies: Tim Rice
Soloists may bring a prepared 16 bars of music (uptempo or ballad) perhaps your favorite Christmas Carol or we will have familar songs for you to sing.
If you are not available for the audition dates and would like to participate, you may submit an audition video to vikingvue@yahoo.com or call/text 802 474-2662 for details.
Acts will generally rehearse individually; please be flexible and available for evening full show run-thru rehearsals the week of December 7th.
For further information contact info@arlingtoncommon.org
Christmas Cabaret Auditions
We are looking for singers, actors, dancers, comedians, musicians, performance artists and chorus singers to perform musical solos, skits and production numbers! AGAIN!!
All Ages and Abilities are WELCOME!!!
Directed by Leif Erickson
Music Direction & Accompanist Michael Garvey
Production Assistance & Choral Direction Julie Freebern
Master of Ceremonies: Tim Rice
Soloists may bring a prepared 16 bars of music (uptempo or ballad) perhaps your favorite Christmas Carol or we will have familar songs for you to sing.
If you are not available for the audition dates and would like to participate, you may submit an audition video to vikingvue@yahoo.com or call/text 802 474-2662 for details.
Acts will generally rehearse individually; please be flexible and available for evening full show run-thru rehearsals the week of December 7th.
For further information contact info@arlingtoncommon.org
Blithe Spirit
Get ready for a hilarious night of theater as we proudly present Noël Coward’s classic smash-hit comedy, Blithe Spirit! This brilliant, supernatural farce combines a wicked blend of sharp British wit, eccentric characters, and chaos from beyond the grave.
When novelist Charles hosts a séance for book research, he gets way more than he bargained for. The eccentric medium accidentally summons the ghost of his late first wife, Elvira. She’s jealous, highly dramatic, and determined to wreck Charles’s current marriage. The catch? Charles is the only one who can see or hear her. It’s a total mess for him, but great fun for the audience!
SHOW TIMES AND DATES
Friday October 16th - 7:30 PM
Saturday October 17th - 7:30 PM
Sunday October 18th - 2:00 PM Matinee - (The brunch/matinee is sold out.)
Friday October 23rd - 7:30 PM
Saturday October 24th - 7:30 PM
General Seating – $15.00 Tickets are available online or at the door.
Community Coffee Hour & Apple Desserts!
Join us for great coffee, tasty food and a celebration of fall!
Bring your favorite apple treat, the recipe and a story to share.
Beth Hildick Smith will also be joining us to discuss her upcoming outdoor painting class.
Hope to see you there!
Harvest Brewing, roasting small-batch specialty coffee in Bennington, VT, kindly fuels our Community Coffee Hour with their generous coffee donations!
Val's Movie Club
We are starting a new movie club in memory of our good friend Val Takvorian.
It will operate similarly to a book club.
Each month, members will take turns picking a movie or documentary to watch.
Starting this October we will gather on the Second Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:30 to share our thoughts and opinions on the film.
The first meeting on October 7 will be to establish the group and select which films will be watched & what refreshments will be shared.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Chris at programming@arlingtoncommon.org.
Textile Art & Design Workshop
Transform your favorite clothing or fabrics with MaryJane Sarvise, Clothing Designer and Textile Artist.
Learn from her expertise as she guides you though the process.
Bring your favorite jeans, jacket, t-shirt or cloth bag to the Watkins House on October 7th at 6:00 PM
Pre-register with Chris at programming@arlingtoncommon.org
Cost- $30.00
Advanced Pickleball Clinic
Expert pickleball coach Jerry Wall's Advanced pickleball clinics are designed for more experienced (3.25-3.75) players who want to level up their game with high-level strategy and skill development.
Players should expect fast-paced drills with advanced strategies, including serves, dinks, and drives; defensive resets against hard hitters, and tried-and-true tactics to elevate your game to the next level.
NOTE: Clinics are maxed at 8 players each.
TAC Members pay $15 Login and go to Events and Calendar to register and pay
Non-Members pay $20 Create an Account here
**Non-Members must create an account on CourtReserve and sign a disclaimer/waiver. Look for a "Drop-in" option (Free), complete your information, and add a credit card for easy payment.
* Due to the small number of Clinic participants allowed, cancellations in the 48-hours prior, or no-shows, will be charged the full fee. Please email pickleball@arlingtoncommon.org in an acceptable time frame if your plans change. We will try to accommodate you with a credit to your account. Thank you.
Advanced Pickleball Clinic
Expert pickleball coach Jerry Wall's Advanced pickleball clinics are designed for more experienced (3.25-3.75) players who want to level up their game with high-level strategy and skill development.
Players should expect fast-paced drills with advanced strategies, including serves, dinks, and drives; defensive resets against hard hitters, and tried-and-true tactics to elevate your game to the next level.
NOTE: Clinics are maxed at 8 players each.
TAC Members pay $15 Login and go to Events and Calendar to register and pay
Non-Members pay $20 Create an Account here
**Non-Members must create an account on CourtReserve and sign a disclaimer/waiver. Look for a "Drop-in" option (Free), complete your information, and add a credit card for easy payment.
* Due to the small number of Clinic participants allowed, cancellations in the 48-hours prior, or no-shows, will be charged the full fee. Please email pickleball@arlingtoncommon.org in an acceptable time frame if your plans change. We will try to accommodate you with a credit to your account. Thank you.
Manhattan Short Film Festival
For one week this fall, over 100,000 film lovers will gather in over 500 cities across six continents for one reason...to view and vote on the ten short films (18 minutes and under) in the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival.
MANHATTAN SHORT is not a touring festival; rather, it is an instantaneous celebration that occurs simultaneously across the globe, bringing great films and great artists to great venues and allowing the audiences to select their favorites. All films selected in MANHATTAN SHORT 2026 will be eligible to enter the Oscars in 2027.
YOU BE THE JUDGE! Audiences from around the world are given the opportunity to unite not only to view the films, but to vote for the ONE film they think is best. Votes are tallied at each venue and sent through to MANHATTAN SHORT headquarters in NYC where the winner will be announced on Monday, October 5, 2026. MANHATTAN SHORT is, quite simply, a collection of some of the best short films currently screening in the world today.
Advanced Pickleball Clinic
Expert pickleball coach Jerry Wall's Advanced pickleball clinics are designed for more experienced (3.25-3.75) players who want to level up their game with high-level strategy and skill development.
Players should expect fast-paced drills with advanced strategies, including serves, dinks, and drives; defensive resets against hard hitters, and tried-and-true tactics to elevate your game to the next level.
NOTE: Clinics are maxed at 8 players each.
TAC Members pay $15 Login and go to Events and Calendar to register and pay
Non-Members pay $20 Create an Account here
**Non-Members must create an account on CourtReserve and sign a disclaimer/waiver. Look for a "Drop-in" option (Free), complete your information, and add a credit card for easy payment.
* Due to the small number of Clinic participants allowed, cancellations in the 48-hours prior, or no-shows, will be charged the full fee. Please email pickleball@arlingtoncommon.org in an acceptable time frame if your plans change. We will try to accommodate you with a credit to your account. Thank you.
Open Mic Night
Come join us for a free night of music and fun in the Performance Hall at The Arlington Common! Whether you're a seasoned performer or just want to showcase your talents, this is the perfect opportunity to take the stage and shine. Grab your friends and family for a fun evening of entertainment and support local artists. Don't miss this chance to be part of a lively and creative community.
If you’d like to perform you can sign up at the door or email vtcabin@comcast.net
See you there!
Art From the Attic
Do you have art in your attic collecting dust? Would you like to sell it while having fun? Be an Arlington Common vendor during Norman's Attic Fall Fest!
Bring your antique and vintage paintings, prints and frames.
There is a $30 space rental fee to set up on the lawn of the Arlington Common. You provide your own tent, tables and chairs. You keep all sale proceeds.
For more information contact programming@arlingtoncommon.org
Advanced Pickleball Clinic
Expert pickleball coach Jerry Wall will be conducting three pickleball clinics designed for more experienced (3.25-3.75) players who want to level up their game with high-level strategy and skill development.
Players should expect fast-paced drills with advanced strategies, including third-shot drops and drives, defensive resets against hard hitters, and tried-and-true tactics to elevate your game to the next level.
Try one or book all three!
Clinics are maxed at 8 players each
Arlington Common Members pay $15 Register and pay here
Non-Members pay $20 Create an Account here
Non-Members must create an account on CourtReserve and sign a waiver.
* Due to the small number of Clinic participants allowed, cancellations in the 48-hours prior, or no-shows, will be charged the full fee. Please email pickleball@arlingtoncommon.org in an acceptable time frame if your plans change. We will try to accommodate you with a credit to your account. Thank you.
Advanced Pickleball Clinic
Expert pickleball coach Jerry Wall will be conducting three pickleball clinics designed for more experienced (3.25-3.75) players who want to level up their game with high-level strategy and skill development.
Players should expect fast-paced drills with advanced strategies, including third-shot drops and drives, defensive resets against hard hitters, and tried-and-true tactics to elevate your game to the next level.
Try one or book all three!
Clinics are maxed at 8 players each
Arlington Common Members pay $15 Register and pay here
Non-Members pay $20 Create an Account here
Non-Members must create an account on CourtReserve and sign a waiver.
* Due to the small number of Clinic participants allowed, cancellations in the 48-hours prior, or no-shows, will be charged the full fee. Please email pickleball@arlingtoncommon.org in an acceptable time frame if your plans change. We will try to accommodate you with a credit to your account. Thank you.
Advanced Pickleball Clinic
Expert pickleball coach Jerry Wall will be conducting three pickleball clinics designed for more experienced (3.25-3.75) players who want to level up their game with high-level strategy and skill development.
Players should expect fast-paced drills with advanced strategies, including third-shot drops and drives, defensive resets against hard hitters, and tried-and-true tactics to elevate your game to the next level.
Try one or book all three!
Clinics are maxed at 8 players each
Arlington Common Members pay $15 Register and pay here
Non-Members pay $20 Create an Account here
Non-Members must create an account on CourtReserve and sign a waiver.
* Due to the small number of Clinic participants allowed, cancellations in the 48-hours prior, or no-shows, will be charged the full fee. Please email pickleball@arlingtoncommon.org in an acceptable time frame if your plans change. We will try to accommodate you with a credit to your account. Thank you.
Play for Peace Coffee Hour
Please join us for this special, fun coffee hour dedicated to Peace. There will be music, coffee, treats and good conversation. We would love you to share a favorite song, play an instrument, or just dance along with us on the porch. We truly appreciate you in our community and hope to see you there! Everyone is Welcome!
Open Mic Night
Come join us for a free night of music and fun in the Performance Hall at The Arlington Common! Whether you're a seasoned performer or just want to showcase your talents, this is the perfect opportunity to take the stage and shine. Grab your friends and family for a fun evening of entertainment and support local artists. Don't miss this chance to be part of a lively and creative community.
If you’d like to perform you can sign up at the door or email vtcabin@comcast.net
See you there!
Skills & Drills Pickleball Clinic
Our resident pickleball instructor, Jerry Wall, will work with players on the key shots in pickleball, including dinking and serving. We will also practice strategies around court positioning, placement of the ball, coming up to the non-volley zone (aka the kitchen), and sustaining rallies.
Clinics are $12 for members and $18 for non-members. Space is limited to 8 participants.
To register: Members should log in to their CourtReserve account; non-members must create an account on CourtReserve.
Due to the small number of Clinic participants allowed, cancellations in the 48-hours prior, or no-shows, will be charged the full fee. Please email pickleball@arlingtoncommon.orgi in an acceptable time frame if your plans change. We will try to accommodate you with a credit to your account. Thank you.
Skills & Drills Pickleball Clinic
Our resident pickleball instructor, Jerry Wall, will work with players on the key shots in pickleball, including dinking and serving. We will also practice strategies around court positioning, placement of the ball, coming up to the non-volley zone (aka the kitchen), and sustaining rallies.
Clinics are $12 for members and $18 for non-members. Space is limited to 8 participants.
To register: Members should log in to their CourtReserve account; non-members must create an account on CourtReserve.
Due to the small number of Clinic participants allowed, cancellations in the 48-hours prior, or no-shows, will be charged the full fee. Please email pickleball@arlingtoncommon.orgi in an acceptable time frame if your plans change. We will try to accommodate you with a credit to your account. Thank you.
A Tropical Paradise Pickleball Party
Mark your calendars and join us for A Tropical Paradise Pickleball Party! Hawaiian shirts, tropical prints, vibrant colors, and bright, breezy beachwear are encouraged.
Add a little island flair with tropical accessories— coconut bras and hula skirts optional.
This is sure to be a fun evening with new & known friends, great food, open play, and spirited on-the-court pickleball challenges. Prizes and bragging rights will be awarded. Not a pickleballer? Spectators are essential to cheer on from the sidelines!
The menu features: Hawaiian chicken skewers, Luau pineapple mango salsa, Aloha sweet potatoes, Hawaiian macaroni salad, and Piña Colada Mocktails.
Cost to attend is $15 for Fitness and Pickleball Club members; non-members pay $20. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Log in to your CourtReserve account, or Create an account HERE.
Space is limited to the first 40 registrants.... sign up now!
The Extraordinary Caterpillar
Join us for a peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest and mightiest superheroes!
To reveal the inner workings of our planet’s foundational food web, naturalist Sam Jaffe from The Caterpillar Lab, uses dazzling macro-videography to magnify tiny, fantastical, anime-like creatures – caterpillars! Sam’s images reveal a weird and wonderful world beyond imagination of behavior, form, and function that will inspire people to take a second look at the hidden world happening in their own yard.
A film by Jeff McKay, featuring Doug Tallamy, Sam Jaffee and David Wanner
This event is free to all and is presented by the Arlington Garden Club and hosted by the Arlington Common.
Skills & Drills Pickleball Clinic
Our resident pickleball instructor, Jerry Wall, will work with players on the key shots in pickleball, including dinking and serving. We will also practice strategies around court positioning, placement of the ball, coming up to the non-volley zone (aka the kitchen), and sustaining rallies.
Clinics are $12 for members and $18 for non-members. Space is limited to 8 participants.
To register: Members should log in to their CourtReserve account; non-members must create an account on CourtReserve.
Photography and Installation by Susan Weiss
The Arlington Common is pleased to present If You Can Want, You Can Need, a new work by artist Susan Weiss exploring beauty, desire, and the line between wanting and needing.
The exhibition combines a series of original Polaroid photographs and a box installation of the black tulip. Together, these works examine how ordinary objects become symbols of aspiration, accumulation, and obsession. The black tulip – appearing almost impossibly dark yet revealing itself as deep purple upon close inspection – serves as a metaphor for the illusions that fuel desire and the promises that often remain out of reach. The box installation reinforces this concept in a structural landscape that evokes endless acquisition, while the intimate Polaroid photographs invite slow looking and close consideration. Viewers are asked to consider how beauty is constructed, considered, and pursued, and how the act of wanting can evolve into something more urgent.
Join Susan for the Opening Reception on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM in the Watkins House at the Arlington Common.
This event is free and open to the public.
Gallery Hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 1-3 PM , and Saturday from 10 AM-12 PM
Susan Weiss is a photographer and filmmaker whose work explores identity, beauty, memory, and systems of observation. Her projects investigate the relationship between personal experience and the broader cultural narratives.
Corporate sponsorship: Duck Tape/Shurtape Technologies
Family Coffee Hour with Pichona Bakery Saturday
Join us for outdoor games and indoor crafts, along with great coffee, treats and conversation!
Volunteers and Suggestions are appreciated
Contact Chris if you’re interested at programming@arlingtoncommon.org
Open Mic Night
Come join us for a free night of music and fun in the Performance Hall at The Arlington Common! Whether you're a seasoned performer or just want to showcase your talents, this is the perfect opportunity to take the stage and shine. Grab your friends and family for a fun evening of entertainment and support local artists. Don't miss this chance to be part of a lively and creative community.
If you’d like to perform you can sign up at the door or email vtcabin@comcast.net
See you there!