Clarendon Ballroom, a multi‑level nightclub in Arlington, Virginia, is opening a portion of the Clarendon neighborhood to the public for a free block party this Saturday. The event, called the Summer Jam Session, will run from 2:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the block between Liberty Tavern and O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub on North Irving Street.

The party will feature an outdoor stage that will play pop, country, and rock hits. Yard games such as cornhole and giant Jenga will be available for visitors. According to the source, the owner of Clarendon Ballroom, Mike Bramson, said, “We’re incredibly excited to bring the Summer Jam Session to Clarendon.” He added that the event’s variety of live music and entertainment will allow people with different musical tastes to find something they enjoy.

Musical performances will include local country musician Jackson Perkins, the cover band “Lights Out by 8,” and DJ DConte. The lineup is designed to appeal to a broad audience, with each act scheduled to play during the afternoon and early evening. The event will transition to a rooftop afterparty after dark, providing an additional venue for guests.

Food and beverage options will be available for purchase. Vendors will offer boardwalk fries, funnel cake, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Bramson told ARLnow that the event will begin with a $2.50 “kick the keg” deal on beers from the first two kegs of the afternoon. The event is free for guests 21 and over, but a VIP package is available for $11.44 through Eventbrite. The VIP package includes a fast‑pass check‑in, a welcome alcohol shooter, and access to a VIP viewing area.

Bramson is still awaiting a final walkthrough with Arlington County’s Special Events Committee. He expects around 1,000 attendees. The Summer Jam Session is the first summer‑themed block party hosted by Clarendon Ballroom, but Bramson said it will not be the last. “We’re excited about the possibility of expanding the festival in future years by partnering with other bars and restaurants along the block,” he said. The venue hopes to turn the event into a larger neighborhood celebration in subsequent years.

The block party is part of Clarendon’s growing mix of dining, nightlife, and community events. The neighborhood has become a walkable, mixed‑use area with a variety of shops and restaurants. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 22, 2026, and will run until 9:30 p.m. with a rooftop afterparty continuing into the evening. The event is free for guests 21 and over, with a VIP option available. Clarendon Ballroom’s owner, Mike Bramson, remains optimistic about the event’s success and future expansion.