EVENTS 2025
Jan 25
Chinese New Year Festival
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with live music, dragon and lion dances, children’s games and crafts, Asian cuisine, Chinese language workshops, and a dragon parade. Learn more at funinfairfaxva.com.
Jan 26
McLean Chocolate Festival
A family-friendly event featuring vendors offering a variety of chocolate treats, along with chocolate-related games for children. Learn more at funinfairfaxva.com.
Feb 8
Winter Ice Fest and Ice Carving Competition
Artists create sculptures from huge blocks of ice. The event includes music, treats, and illuminated sculptures at dark. Details at funinfair faxva.com.
Feb 1-2
Chocolate Lovers Festival, Fairfax
An annual two-day festival featuring chocolate tastings, competitions, crafts, and family-friendly activities in Old Town Fairfax. Learn more at funinfairfaxva.com.
Mar 1-31
Woodlawn Needlework Show
A month-long exhibition showcasing fine needlework from around the country, with opportunities to purchase unique items. Details at virginiafairsandfestivals.net.
Mar 28
Faces & Figures Art Exhibition
An exhibition focusing on artworks depicting human faces and figures, featuring fine art and fine craft exhibitors. Details at virginiafairsandfestivals.net.
Yayla Bistro
Authentic Turkish restaurant serving traditional dishes in a stylish, contemporary setting.
2201 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213
Phone: (703) 533-5600 | Web: yaylabistro.com
Tuscarora Mill Restaurant
High-end New American fare & Virginia wines served in a refined dining room, rustic bar or atrium.
203 Harrison St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: (703) 771-9300 | Web: tuskies.com
Virtue Feed & Grain
In a revamped 18th-century granary, this hip tavern offers elevated pub grub & a lively bar scene.
106 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (571) 970-3669 | Web: virtuefeedgrain.com
Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?
Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.
Artie’s
A menu of American seafood & meat classics, plus a bar & boathouse decor with scale models.
3260 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA
Chadwicks
Neighborhood bar with English pub decor, happy hour, burgers & American fare, plus patio seating.
203 Strand St, Alexandria, VA
The Wine Kitchen
Rustic-chic choice offering a seasonal New American bistro menu with a range of wine pairings.
7 S King St, Leesburg, VA
Green Pig Bistro
Scot Harlan’s nose-to-tail ethos turns out American-French dishes in a modern, kitschy spot.
1025 N Fillmore St Suite D, Arlington, VA
Lightfoot Restaurant
Chandeliers & fireplaces fill this elegant former bank now issuing inventive New American fare. 11 N King St, Leesburg, VA
The Warehouse
Steak, seafood & classic American dishes are served in a casual yet elegant historical space.
214 King St, Alexandria, VA
The Espositos
Down-to-earth dining space offering familiar Italian eats such as pasta, pizza & meat dishes.
9917 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA
Ada’s on the River
Trendy venue serving steak & seafood, plus weekend brunch, cocktails & a robust wine list.
3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA
Trungo’s
Brewpub offering craft beers & local wines plus American bar eats in a vintage storefront.
2C Loudoun St SW, Leesburg, VA
Cowboy Cafe
Convivial, Western-inspired joint serving up burgers & other pub grub with a kick plus drinks.
4792 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA
EVENTS 2025
Apr 12
Northern Virginia Housing Expo
A free public event offering resources for first-time buyers and renters, including exhibits, workshops, and financial coaching. Visit www. novahousingexpo.org.
Apr 26-27
Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival
Historic Leesburg blooms with landscapes and gardens, featuring over 150 vendors, food, music, and children’s activities. Details at funinfairfaxva.com/april-events-northern-virginia.
April 25 - May 4
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
A ten-day festival featuring a wine festival, carnival, parades, fireworks, and various contests celebrating the apple blossom season. Visit us at virginia.org.
May 16-18
Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Enjoy wine tastings from 16 Virginia wineries on the east lawn of George Washington’s estate, along with live music and tours of the mansion. Details at www.virginia.org.
Jun 13-14
Taste of Reston
The largest outdoor food festival in Northern Virginia, featuring samplings from local restaurants, live entertainment, and a family fun zone. Visit funinfairfaxva.com.
Jun 21
Manassas Jazz Festival
The Manassas Jazz Festival is an annual event in Historic Downtown Manassas, Virginia, featuring live jazz performances along with tastings
EVENTS 2025
of wine, beer, and spirits from local and regional vendors. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon of music and refreshments in a relaxed outdoor setting. Details at visitmanassas.org.
Jul 17-20
Fauquier County Fair
Experience traditional county fair attractions including livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, and a variety of food vendors. Visit dullesmoms.com.
Jul 20
Purcellville Wine & Food Festival
Enjoy tastings from local wineries and restaurants, live music, and artisan vendors in the charming town of Purcellville. Learn more online at dullesmoms.com.
Jul - Aug (various)
Summer of Sunflowers at Burnside Farms
Wander through over 70 acres of blooming sunflowers, participate in photo opportunities, and enjoy the picturesque farm setting. Learn more at burnsidefarms.com.
Aug 2
African American Heritage Festival
Celebrating its 32nd year, this family-friendly festival honors African American culture with music, entertainment, dances, vendors, exhibits, food, art, crafts, history displays, children’s games, and free school supplies. Details at visitmanassas.org.
Aug 23
Around The World Cultural Food Festival
Hosted at Oronoco Bay Park, this festival brings together diverse cuisines from various cultures. Attendees can savor international dishes, enjoy cultural performances, and explore artisan vendors. Learn more at visitalexandria.com.
EVENTS 2025
Aug 24
Located in Historic Downtown Manassas, this festival features over 40 local vendors offering a variety of international street foods. The event also includes live entertainment, a DJ, craft vendors, and a Kids’ Zone with activities like face painting and balloon animals. Learn more at visitmanassas.org.
Aug 30-31
Virginia Scottish Games
Celebrate Scottish heritage with traditional athletic competitions, bagpipe performances, Highland dancing, and cultural exhibits. Details at vascottishgames.org.
Sep 13
Cox Farms Fall Festival
A family-friendly festival featuring hayrides, giant slides, a corn maze, farm animals, and seasonal treats. Learn more at familytripguides.com.
Sep 27
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
Enjoy German culture with traditional music, dancing, food, beer gardens, and family activities in this annual celebration. Learn more at virginia.org.
Oct 1 - 31
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Great Country Farms
Celebrate the autumn season by picking your own pumpkin straight from the patch. The festival features pig races, a corn maze, and marshmallow roasting at the bonfire. Details at greatcountryfarms.com.
Oct 10-12
Capital Art and Craft Festival
Hosted at the Dulles Expo Center, this festival showcases a wide array of art and craft vendors, offering unique handmade items perfect for early holiday shopping. Learn more at capitalartandcraftfestivals.com. continued on page 17
Be Flexible: Travel during off-peak seasons for cheaper flights and accommodations. Midweek flights are often more affordable than weekend ones.
Stay Smart: Skip pricey hotels and opt for hostels, vacation rentals, or even house-sitting gigs.
Eat Local: Ditch the tourist traps and try street food or local markets for authentic, wallet-friendly meals.
Use Freebies: Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with free days, and parks brimming with charm.
Plan Ahead: Book tickets early to snag the best deals.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. With these tips, you can make memories that are priceless—without spending a fortune! Where will your next adventure take you?
EVENTS 2025
Oct 11
Fairfax Fall Festival
A large street festival featuring arts and crafts vendors, gourmet food, children’s activities, and live entertainment. Learn more at yourintegrityhome.com.
Oct 19-20
Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
Celebrate the autumn season with 18th-century demonstrations, horsedrawn wagon rides, and early-American music at George Washington’s estate. Details at dullesmoms.com.
Nov 3
Alexandria Fall Festival
Enjoy the autumn ambiance with local vendors, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities at River Farm. Learn more online at dullesmoms.com.
Nov 23
Vienna Turkey Trot
Participate in a fun run or walk to support local schools, featuring a 5K race, 10K race, and a kids’ fun run. Learn more at virginia.org.
Dec 6
Manassas Christmas Parade
Kick off the holiday season with a festive parade featuring marching bands, floats, and an appearance by Santa Claus in Historic Downtown Manassas. Learn more at virginia.org.
LGBTQ+ PROTECTIONS IN FAIRFAX COUNTY
On June 14, 2021, the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights & Equity Programs (OHREP) in partnership with Aging Rainbows hosted a virtual event “LGBTQ+ Protections in Fairfax County.” Web: www.fairfaxcounty.gov
AGING RAINBOWS
Our mission is to provide community outreach, education, supportive programs, foster inclusive care communities and care providers, expand socialization opportunities, and intergenerational programs in the Northern, VA area and throughout the country for LGBT older adults. Web: agingrainbows.org
SAGE
The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging is the country’s first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers. Web: lgbtagingcenter.org
EQUALITY VIRGINIA
Founded in 1989 as Virginians for Justice, Equality Virginia is the leading advocacy organization in Virginia seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. equalityvirginia.org
AGLA
AGLA is a vibrant, grassroots membership organization that strives to improve the quality of life and meet the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) community and allies. AGLA respects diversity and builds relationships with civic groups and community leaders. Web: agla.org
NOVA PRIDE
Cultivate and grow a coalition to educate, advocate, and celebrate in service to LGBTQ+ Northern Virginians and its’ straight allies. Web: www.novapride.org
RESTON PRIDE
Reston Pride is made up of LGBTQIA+ persons and their allies. For the past few years, we have had the honor and privilege of providing the Reston area with resources and opportunities to engage, celebrate, empower, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Web: restonpride.org
Feeling drained by endless notifications and screen time? A digital detox might be just what you need to reclaim your energy and focus!
Start small—try unplugging for an hour a day. Use this time to read, journal, or simply relax. Gradually extend your tech-free periods to rediscover what life feels like offline.
Create phone-free zones, like your bedroom or dinner table, to reconnect with yourself and loved ones. Replace mindless scrolling with meaningful hobbies, like painting, yoga, or gardening.
You’ll notice big changes: better sleep, improved concentration, and more time for what truly matters. It’s not about ditching tech completely—it’s about finding balance.
So, go ahead! Power down to power up your life. What will you do with your reclaimed time?
