Columbia Pike Blues Festival 2026

The Columbia Pike Blues Festival was hosted for the 29th year by the Columbia Pike Partnership.

The community enjoyed a wide range of performers both local and nationally-based at Penrose Square on the Pike.

Photography by Lara Ajami.

ECDC Gala 2026

The Columbia Pike-based Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) held its 2026 fundraising gala with the  theme “Celebrating Welcome.” Speakers included  Mel Nigussie, emcee Bofta Yimam, ECDC founder and executive Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, and Jeremy Kondyk of Refugees International. Entertainment was provided by The Family Band (Ethio-Jazz), an Indian youth dance troupe, and a Ukrainian mother-daughter duo playing traditional Ukrainian bandura.

Thanks to ECDC's Lullit Paulos, Ezana Teferra, Allene Wright, and Kidist Ebenezer.

Photography by Lloyd Wolf. 

Dr. Tsehaye Teferra

Festival Argentino 2026

Festival Argentino was held in Arlington for the 39th year, this time at Kenmore Middle School. The event celebrates Argentine National Day with tango, ballet,  folklore, rock and roll, soccer, arts, crafts, a range of vendors and civic organizations, and food. Some of the many performers were the rock band Zip Code, Ballet Sol Cyan, folklore singer Gustavo Garcia, tango dancers Alexey and Olga, and Marina Bellini and Jonathan Fernandes and harmonica maestro Fabricia Rodriguez.

Photography by Lloyd Wolf.