Two Dog Tales

Arlington’s Lubber Run Park is a hidden gem just minutes from the city, that you can enjoy with your dog every month of the year. The park runs along Lubber Run Creek through the Arlington Forest neighborhood, from George Mason Drive to Route 50.

For the hot summer months, the park has picnic shelters, a playground, restroom facilities and plenty of shaded paved paths. Best of all, on most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays you can attend evening dance, music or theater performances at the outdoor Amphitheater.

Chatham, Sundae and I have gone to two concerts this year, the Pops for Pets Arlington Philharmonic concert benefit for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, and an event featuring Hawaiian music and dance. You can sit on the benches surrounding the stage, or set up a blanket on the hillside behind—all are dog-friendly with clear views of the action. It was perfect for Sundae’s short attention span; the concerts only last about an hour and half. 

You can also let your dog take a dip in the stream, but unlike the off-leash dog parks at Shirlington and Glen Carlyn, dogs must stay leashed. Just be careful and remember that storm water runoff feeds into all Arlington streams, there could be elevated bacteria levels and dangerous litter including broken glass and sharp metal.

Amphitheater performances are free and open to the public, and are presented by Arlington Cultural Affairs. There are parking lots at the north end at the community center and at the Amphitheater near the park’s center, plus free parking in the surrounding residential neighborhood.

Lubber Run Park is at 200 North Columbus St., Arlington, VA, 22203.