The Summit on Open-Source Ecosystems (SOSE 2026) takes place in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Participants will have easy access to a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafés, cultural attractions, and historic landmarks.
Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy dinner with fellow participants or planning to explore the nation’s capital before or after the Summit, there is plenty to discover.
Explore the Neighborhood
Virginia Square
Fuse at Mason Square is located in Virginia Square, a walkable neighborhood with restaurants, coffee shops, and convenient access to public transportation. The surrounding area offers several options for a quick meal, coffee, or an informal gathering.
Clarendon
Located just east of Virginia Square, Clarendon is one of Arlington’s most popular dining and entertainment districts. Its restaurants, cafés, and lively atmosphere make it an excellent destination for dinner or evening conversations with fellow participants.
Ballston
Just west of Virginia Square, Ballston offers a wide selection of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Ballston Quarter features a food hall with a variety of cuisines, making it a convenient option for groups with different dining preferences.
For additional recommendations, visit Stay Arlington, Arlington’s official visitor information website.
Dining and Informal Gatherings
The Virginia Square–Clarendon–Ballston corridor offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafés and quick-service restaurants to full-service dining establishments.
Connecting Over Dinner
We encourage SOSE participants to take advantage of the Summit as an opportunity to continue conversations and build connections beyond the scheduled sessions.
The Organizing Committee will help facilitate informal group dinners, providing opportunities for participants to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and continue discussions in a more relaxed setting. Additional information about these gatherings and how to participate will be shared closer to the Summit.
Participation is optional, and dining expenses outside the official Summit program will be the responsibility of individual participants.
Discover Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is easily accessible from Arlington by Metrorail and offers an extraordinary collection of museums, monuments, and cultural attractions. Many of the city’s most popular museums and landmarks are free to visit.
National Mall and Memorials
The National Mall is home to some of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks, including:
- Washington Monument
- Lincoln Memorial
- World War II Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- U.S. Capitol
Learn more at the National Park Service – National Mall.
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Institution operates world-renowned museums covering science, technology, history, art, and culture. Popular destinations include:
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Museum of Asian Art
Most Smithsonian museums offer free admission, although some require timed-entry passes.
Explore the museums and plan your visit at Smithsonian Institution.
Additional Attractions
Other destinations worth exploring include:
- National Gallery of Art — An extensive collection of European and American art, with free admission.
- Library of Congress — Historic architecture, exhibitions, and collections at one of the world’s largest libraries.
- Arlington National Cemetery — A historic national cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Georgetown — A historic Washington neighborhood known for its waterfront, restaurants, and shopping.
- Old Town Alexandria — A charming waterfront district featuring historic streets, independent shops, and restaurants.
For more ideas, visit Destination DC.
Getting Around
The Summit venue is a short walk from the Virginia Square–GMU Metro station, served by the Orange and Silver Lines.
Metrorail provides convenient access to Washington, DC, including the Smithsonian museums, National Mall, and other major attractions. Clarendon and Ballston are also easily reached by Metro or on foot.
For maps, schedules, fares, and trip planning, visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
For directions to the Summit venue and information about arriving from local airports, please see our Venue & Directions page.