SEE IT FIRST: FIFTY SHADES OF GREY AT ARCLIGHT CINEMAS TONIGHT iN BETHESDA - SHOWTIMES AND SPECIALS

A great many girls-night-out and Valentine's Day dates this weekend will involve the movie Fifty Shades of Grey. Those who can't wait that long will want to head to the 8:00 PM showing tonight at ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery Mall. There will be several other screening of the film there tonight, as well. You can see all showtimes and ticket availability for tonight here.

The theater is going all-out with Fifty Shades-themed cocktails available at the bar in the lobby (you can also bring them into the movie):

·        Mr. Grey, earl-grey infused Hendricks gin, lemon, ginger syrup and bitters

·        Red Room, white rum, triple sec, Chambord, pinapple and cranberry

·        Lip Bitter, vodka, sparking wine, peach schnapps

·        Curious, Woodford reserve, apple spice, bitters

They will also offer chocolate-covered strawberries and Champagne. One other bonus for those on dates: no ads blasting prior to the movie at this theater.

E.L. JAMES BOOK SIGNING WILL TURN BETHESDA ROW FIFTY SHADES OF GREY TONIGHT

Provocative, bestselling author E.L. James, whose Fifty Shades of Grey hit #1 on the New York Times list, is coming to Bethesda Row in-person tonight.

James will sign that book at the Bethesda Row Barnes and Noble at 7:00 PM tonight, May 4.  In  addition, she will be signing special, collectible cards for customers who buy NOOK Book versions of Grey, or the Fifty Shades Trilogy bundle.

James is drawing massive crowds at appearances like this.  So please give yourself extra time to find a parking space.  The two lots right across from the bookstore were recently closed.  In short, parking is going to be tight!

I recommend using this helpful Bethesda Row parking guide.  There's even a map you can print out, that shows all of the places you can park.  And the free Bethesda Circulator bus can whisk you to Barnes and Noble from most of them.

But wait, there's more!

The book signing isn't the end of the night for Fifty Shades of Grey fans!  At least two restaurants have been inspired by this E.L. James appearance to create signature cocktails - for one night only!

Bring your copy of Fifty Shades of Grey to Redwood on Bethesda Lane afterward, present it to your server or bartender, and you will get a Grey Goose Martini for only $8!

Then head around the block to Mussel Bar on Woodmont Avenue, and behold the Miss Steele Martini!  That one will be $7.

Expect this to be a standing-room-only event.  Try to get there as early as you can.  And relax afterward with a special drink.

A great start to the weekend for E.L. James fans in the DC area.

Barnes and Noble, 4801 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda. 301-986-1761.