Get a Free Workout at The Plaza at Mason Square in Arlington

All activities are free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

By Kate Oczypok • Posted September 17, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.

Courtesy George Mason University

George Mason University’s Plaza at Mason Square offers weekly special events and programming open to the university community, as well as the larger Arlington neighborhood. The classes nourish both mind and body, whether you’re up for a K-Pop dance workshop or meeting fellow pet parents.

The outdoors classes run through November 1 and are free to attend. Registration is not required, and they are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Before you head to class, you can check the website for updates.

Ping Pong Power Hours

Mondays, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

De-stress and set aside some time on the plaza to play some table tennis. Singles and doubles are welcome, as are guests who just want to come watch the fun.

Tuesdays, 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Dog owners are welcome Tuesday evenings for a weekly social with their canines. Pup cups will be available, and pet parents are welcome to mingle and form a better sense of community, all while sharing stories about their pets.

Outdoor Yoga with Mind the Mat

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

According to University Life Mason Square administrative assistant Janoah Syers, yoga with local studio Mind the Mat is The Plaza at Mason Square’s most popular event. Offered every Wednesday evening, the class uses energetic movement through yoga poses. Guests should bring their own yoga mat and all levels are welcome.

Pilates with Mind the Mat

Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This custom HAWT (Having A Wonderful Time) Pilates class uses moves and music through guided movements. Interested participants should bring their own yoga mat, towel and water bottle.

Chess with Silver Knights Chess Academy

Fridays, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Exercise your mind with a game of chess with Silver Knights Chess Academy on Friday afternoons. Learn new strategies and meet new people at this weekly event where all chess levels and ages are welcome.

Dance with Born 2 Dance Studio

Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Learn some new weekend dance moves at this class with Born 2 Dance Studio that meets Saturday afternoons. Beginners and pros are welcome, and bringing a water bottle is recommended.

New This Year:

K-Pop with WJ Dance Studio

Mondays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The newest event at the plaza is all about the world of K-Pop. Learn beginner-friendly choreography set to K-Pop tunes with WJ Dance Studio. Be ready to move and bring plenty of water.

Feature image courtesy George Mason University

Kate Oczypok

Contributing Writer

Kate Oczypok has been a freelance writer since 2011, and is proud to be a regular contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine in digital and print since 2020. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, People.com, Better Homes and Gardens, and locally The Georgetowner and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from American University and a M.Ed. in Education from Penn State. She also teaches virtual piano lessons in the after school hours and does portrait photography on weekends.