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Northern Virginia Events

Your weekly guide to what is happening in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, and Prince William, with weekday checks for new events and service opportunities.

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Erykah Badu at Wolf Trap
Sunday, September 20, 7:30 PM · Filene Center, Vienna
Date nightFriendsLive Music

This is the show of the week and arguably the last true lawn-picnic night of the season. Badu at the Filene Center is exactly the kind of...

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This is the show of the week and arguably the last true lawn-picnic night of the season. Badu at the Filene Center is exactly the kind of pairing Wolf Trap was built for — a legend, an outdoor amphitheater, and just enough September chill to justify a blanket. Pro tip: skip the $30 on-site parking and grab a spot along Trap Road if you're willing to walk ten minutes. Pack real food (cheese, bread, a bottle of red) — the lawn crowd here does it right and you'll feel underdressed with a bag of chips. Tickets $40–$150.

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MoCA on the Move: Paw-casso Party + Adoption Event!
Sunday, September 20, 3:00 PM · Metropolitan Park, Arlington
FamiliesFriendsArts

Dog-friendly art party with adoptions, a DJ, and make-with-your-dog activities in Met Park. If you already have a dog you love, bring them...

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Dog-friendly art party with adoptions, a DJ, and make-with-your-dog activities in Met Park. If you already have a dog you love, bring them. If you don't, don't come — you will leave with one.

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Hairspray
Sunday, September 20, 2:00 PM · Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas
FamiliesAll agesTheater

Community-theater Hairspray at Hylton, matinee timing, $30. A perfectly cheerful Sunday afternoon plan — parking is easy, seats are...

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Community-theater Hairspray at Hylton, matinee timing, $30. A perfectly cheerful Sunday afternoon plan — parking is easy, seats are comfortable, and the show is impossible to dislike.

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Book Talk with Dr. Saladin Ambar – "The Crimes that Shaped Lincoln"
Sunday, September 20, 3:00 PM · Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Alexandria
Free

Free Lincoln-era history talk for a quieter Sunday.

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Free Lincoln-era history talk for a quieter Sunday.

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Join Falls Church Arts for the Geometrix Artist Talk
Sunday, September 20, 2:00 PM · Falls Church Arts
Free

Free artist talk tied to the current gallery exhibition.

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Free artist talk tied to the current gallery exhibition.

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Rock & Roll for Golden Souls
Sunday, September 20, 3:00 PM · Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge, Fairfax

Elvis tribute fundraiser, $50, benefiting older-adult services.

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Elvis tribute fundraiser, $50, benefiting older-adult services.

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Fall Family Days! DIY Stamps + Stationery
Sunday, September 20, 10:00 AM · Met Park, Arlington
Free

Free outdoor family art programming with music.

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Free outdoor family art programming with music.

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Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: The Victorians' Sexual Underworld
Sunday, September 20, 6:00 PM · Highline RxR, Arlington

Beer-hall history lecture — exactly what the format promises.

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Beer-hall history lecture — exactly what the format promises.

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Live Music: Lulu's Fate
Sunday, September 20, 2:00 PM · Ashburn Library
Free

Free Appalachian/country-blues set at the library.

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Free Appalachian/country-blues set at the library.

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Drop-In Mahjong
Sunday, September 20, 1:00 PM · Rust Library, Leesburg

Newcomers welcome at a friendly recurring meetup.

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Newcomers welcome at a friendly recurring meetup.

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Learn to Salsa!
Monday, September 21, 6:30 PM · Kings Park Library, Burke
Date nightSoloArts

Free adult salsa lesson at the library for Hispanic Heritage Month — a low-key Monday-night plan that is genuinely more fun than it sounds...

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Free adult salsa lesson at the library for Hispanic Heritage Month — a low-key Monday-night plan that is genuinely more fun than it sounds. Solo attendees welcome; they'll pair you up.

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Yom Kippur at Kol Ami
Monday, September 21, 10:00 AM · UU Church of Arlington

High Holiday

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High Holiday

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Sunflowers & Soulfire at River Farm
Thursday, September 24, 6:00 PM · River Farm, Alexandria
FamiliesDate nightLive Music

Free outdoor concert on 25 acres of gardens overlooking the Potomac — River Farm is one of those places locals forget exists until they go...

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Free outdoor concert on 25 acres of gardens overlooking the Potomac — River Farm is one of those places locals forget exists until they go once and can't stop bringing people back. Bring low chairs and a picnic. The sunflower fields will still be doing their thing this late in September, which is half the point. Arrive by 5:30 for parking and the good grass.

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Fall Wreath Class
Thursday, September 24, 6:00 PM · Lark Brewing Co., Aldie
Date nightFriendsArts

$65 gets you a real wreath and a drink at Lark, a small farmhouse brewery in Aldie that's worth the drive on its own. Excellent...

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$65 gets you a real wreath and a drink at Lark, a small farmhouse brewery in Aldie that's worth the drive on its own. Excellent friends-night plan with something to take home.

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Summerbration Fab Fridays: A Tribute to Dolly Parton
Friday, September 25, 7:30 PM · Reston Station, Reston
FamiliesDate nightLive Music

Free Dolly tribute in the Reston Station plaza — this is the last Fab Friday of the season and the plaza gets genuinely lively. Grab drinks...

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Free Dolly tribute in the Reston Station plaza — this is the last Fab Friday of the season and the plaza gets genuinely lively. Grab drinks at one of the surrounding spots, stake out standing room by 7, and lean in. The crowd skews late-20s-to-40s and it plays like an unofficial happy hour with a band. Metro-accessible via Reston Town Center.

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All Things Go Music Festival
Friday–Sunday, September 25–27 · Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia
Date nightFriendsFestival

Technically Howard County, spiritually a NoVa road trip. Three days of the biggest indie-pop lineup of the year at Merriweather —...

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Technically Howard County, spiritually a NoVa road trip. Three days of the biggest indie-pop lineup of the year at Merriweather — Friday, Saturday, Sunday. If you're driving, park in the outer lots and walk in — the shuttle from the far lots is faster than trying to inch out at midnight. Bring a portable charger. Wear closed-toe shoes.

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Empty the Shelters
Friday–Sunday, September 25–27, 12:00 PM · Fairfax County Animal Services, Lorton
FamiliesTeen/collegeKids

Waived-fee adoption weekend at the Lorton campus. If you've been thinking about it, this is the weekend. Bring a carrier, come early, and...

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Waived-fee adoption weekend at the Lorton campus. If you've been thinking about it, this is the weekend. Bring a carrier, come early, and be honest with yourself about whether the third dog is really "a good idea."

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Sam Feldt At Clarendon Ballroom
Friday, September 25, 9:00 PM · Clarendon Ballroom, Arlington
Date nightFriendsNightlife

Dutch house DJ at the Clarendon Ballroom — a proper late-night set to close out the week. 21+, dress up a little, and understand you will...

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Dutch house DJ at the Clarendon Ballroom — a proper late-night set to close out the week. 21+, dress up a little, and understand you will not hear a full conversation until 2 AM.

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Clarendon Day
Saturday, September 26, 11:00 AM · Clarendon Metro Park, Arlington
FamiliesFriendsLive Music

Arlington's signature street festival, and if you've never done it, this is the year. Music on multiple stages, a KidZone, food from just...

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Arlington's signature street festival, and if you've never done it, this is the year. Music on multiple stages, a KidZone, food from just about every Clarendon restaurant with a tent, and the kind of crowd that spills naturally into the bars afterward. Take the Metro — parking near Clarendon on festival day is a fool's errand. Pair it with the Clarendon Day Pre & Post Party at Mason Square Plaza for coffee in the morning and a live band into the evening.

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Manassas Latino Festival
Saturday, September 26, 11:00 AM · Harris Pavilion, Historic Downtown Manassas
FamiliesFriendsFestival

One of the biggest Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in the region, and Historic Downtown Manassas is a genuinely great setting for it —...

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One of the biggest Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in the region, and Historic Downtown Manassas is a genuinely great setting for it — the pavilion anchors everything and the surrounding streets fill up with music, dance, and food. Come hungry. Pupusas, arepas, tamales — the vendor game here is strong and the lines move faster than at the Fairfax festivals. Free, family-friendly, and worth the drive down 66.

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John Crist Live Special Taping
Saturday, September 26, 7:00 PM · Capital One Hall, Tysons
Date nightFriendsComedy

Comedian John Crist is taping his next special at Capital One Hall — meaning you might end up on camera, and meaning the material will be...

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Comedian John Crist is taping his next special at Capital One Hall — meaning you might end up on camera, and meaning the material will be sharp because taping nights always are. Dress a step up from casual, arrive early, and don't sit in the front row if you don't want your reaction immortalized. If Crist isn't your speed, Rt. 123 Comedy featuring Zack Lyman is at the same venue that night — a DMV comics showcase with a lower stakes vibe.

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Red Wine, Explained: A Guided Wine Class and Tasting
Saturday, September 26, 4:00 PM · Wine Junction, McLean
Date nightFriendsFood & Drink

The best date-night sleeper of the week. $55 for a guided flight through reds with actual instruction — you'll leave able to explain why...

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The best date-night sleeper of the week. $55 for a guided flight through reds with actual instruction — you'll leave able to explain why you like what you like, which is genuinely useful. Great as a two-person plan or a small friend group. Book ahead; these fill.

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Ryan Beatty — Arms Over Armor Tour
Saturday, September 26, 8:00 PM · Lincoln Theatre, Washington
Date nightFriendsLive Music

Beatty's live shows have quietly become some of the most emotionally intense in indie-pop; the Lincoln is a small, seated-and-standing room...

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Beatty's live shows have quietly become some of the most emotionally intense in indie-pop; the Lincoln is a small, seated-and-standing room that suits it. Sold out means sold out — check now.

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George Washington Whiskey Tasting
Saturday, September 26, 2:00 PM · George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill, Alexandria
Date nightFriendsFood & Drink

Tasting at the actual working reconstruction of Washington's distillery on Mount Vernon land — the only place you can taste rye made to his...

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Tasting at the actual working reconstruction of Washington's distillery on Mount Vernon land — the only place you can taste rye made to his 1799 recipe. Genuinely cool, genuinely rare, and pairs well with a Mount Vernon walk beforehand.

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84th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
Saturday, September 26, 10:00 AM · Old Town, Alexandria
Date nightFriendsHistory & Tours

Self-guided tour of historic Old Town homes you otherwise never get to see the inside of, benefiting Inova Alexandria Hospital. $45. Wear...

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Self-guided tour of historic Old Town homes you otherwise never get to see the inside of, benefiting Inova Alexandria Hospital. $45. Wear real walking shoes and start early — the best houses fill by noon.

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Reston Association's Community Yard Sale
Saturday, September 26, 8:30 AM · Reston Association HQ, Reston
FamiliesTeen/collegeMarket

The biggest yard sale of the Reston calendar. Come at 8:30 sharp with cash and low expectations, leave with a lamp you didn't know you...

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The biggest yard sale of the Reston calendar. Come at 8:30 sharp with cash and low expectations, leave with a lamp you didn't know you needed.

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Brentsville Bluegrass Concert
Saturday, September 26, 5:30 PM · Bristow
FamiliesFriendsLive Music

Low-key bluegrass in Prince William County — the kind of local show where you'll recognize half the band's day jobs. Bring chairs.

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Low-key bluegrass in Prince William County — the kind of local show where you'll recognize half the band's day jobs. Bring chairs.

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Do It Your Way 0.5k
Sunday, September 27, 2:00 PM · Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
FamiliesFriendsSports

A 500-meter "race" that is really a walk with jokes, benefitting the South Lakes HS PTSA Food Pantry. Lake Anne Plaza is a scenic and...

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A 500-meter "race" that is really a walk with jokes, benefitting the South Lakes HS PTSA Food Pantry. Lake Anne Plaza is a scenic and slightly under-loved corner of Reston that's perfect for this — grab a coffee at Lake Anne Coffee House and make an afternoon of it. Excellent low-stakes plan with kids or a friend group.

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Ask E. Jean, Alexandria Premiere
Sunday, September 27, 6:00 PM · The Lyceum, Alexandria
Date nightFriendsArts

Virginia premiere of the E. Jean Carroll documentary at the Lyceum — a genuinely intimate venue for a film that most people will end up...

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Virginia premiere of the E. Jean Carroll documentary at the Lyceum — a genuinely intimate venue for a film that most people will end up seeing on a laptop. $15. Come early, get a drink in Old Town after.

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Takoma Park Folk Festival
Sunday, September 27, 10:30 AM · Takoma Park Middle School
FamiliesFriendsLive Music

Multiple stages, craft vendors, and food across a full afternoon — one of the region's best free festivals if you don't mind driving across...

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Multiple stages, craft vendors, and food across a full afternoon — one of the region's best free festivals if you don't mind driving across the river. Bring a folding chair.

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NextStop Theatre's: The Second Best School Shooting
Opens Monday, September 28, 7:00 PM · NextStop Theatre, Herndon
Date nightFriendsTheater

The U.S. premiere of a British comedy-drama with a title that is going to keep some people out of the theater and pull others in. NextStop...

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The U.S. premiere of a British comedy-drama with a title that is going to keep some people out of the theater and pull others in. NextStop consistently punches above its weight, and this is exactly the kind of risk they take well. $45. Not for kids; genuinely for grown-ups who like their theater with teeth.

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Ravyn Lenae Presents: Blue Island
Tuesday, September 29, 7:30 PM · The Anthem, Washington
Date nightFriendsLive Music

Ravyn Lenae headlining The Anthem on the Blue Island run — her live show has caught up to the record, and the Anthem is the right room for...

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Ravyn Lenae headlining The Anthem on the Blue Island run — her live show has caught up to the record, and the Anthem is the right room for it. Green Line to Waterfront and walk, or use the Wharf parking garages if you must drive. Doors always earlier than you think.

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Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter
Tuesday, September 29, 7:30 PM · 9:30 Club, Washington
FriendsSoloLive Music

Yes, really — Jones, Cook, and Matlock with Frank Carter (Gallows, Rattlesnakes) fronting, and it's at the 9:30 Club, not an arena. If...

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Yes, really — Jones, Cook, and Matlock with Frank Carter (Gallows, Rattlesnakes) fronting, and it's at the 9:30 Club, not an arena. If you've ever wanted to see three-quarters of the Sex Pistols in a room that holds 1,200 people, this is the only version of that reality on offer. Earplugs recommended, not optional.

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Kanan Gill: Not This Again
Friday, October 2 · International stand-up headliner at Capital One Hall.
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ARTS by George! – Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Saturday, October 3 · Yes, that Jeff Goldblum, playing jazz piano at GMU's annual benefit — will sell out.
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Vienna Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 3 · The biggest free town Oktoberfest in the region; Church Street shuts down for it.
Free
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The 31st Annual Art on the Avenue
Saturday, October 3 · Del Ray's flagship arts festival with 350+ artists — plan the parking now.
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Complexions Contemporary Ballet – Star Dust
Sunday, October 4 · Bowie-scored contemporary ballet at Hylton — a serious date-night pick.
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Paws in the Park 2026
Sunday, October 11 · Alexandria's biggest dog-and-family fall festival on the waterfront.
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VOCES8 – Great Performances at Mason
Saturday, October 17 · World-class British vocal ensemble, one night only, $30–$60.
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Big Shows

Erykah Badu at Wolf Trap — Sunday, September 20 · Filene Center, Vienna · Last great lawn night of the season with a genuine icon Ravyn Lenae Presents: Blue Island — Tuesday, September 29 · The Anthem, DC · The R&B tour that's actually delivering live Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter — Tuesday, September 29 · 9:30 Club, DC · Three-quarters of the Pistols in a 1,200-cap room Shaboozey — Outlaws Never Die Tour — Wednesday, September 30 · The Anthem, DC · Country-crossover moment with limited remaining availability Lucinda Williams and Her Band — Wednesday, September 30 · 9:30 Club, DC · Two DC nights — Lincoln Theatre 9/29 and 9:30 Club 9/30 John Crist Live Special Taping — Saturday, September 26 · Capital One Hall, Tysons · Comedy taping night, sharper material guaranteed

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