Karen Smith

Fairfax County

Washington Metropolitan Area

Falls Church

Virginia

Patch AM Team

West Falls Church

Idylwood

Seven Corners

Pimmit Hills

Lake Barcroft

Dunn Loring

Arlington County

Arlington

Ballston

Bailey's Crossroads

Michael O'Connell

McLean

Merrifield

City of Falls Church City Hall

The 2026 Falls Church Arts “Scenes in the City” Plein Air Festival culminates on Saturday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to noon, with a lively morning of outdoor painting, competition, judging, cash awards, and art sales.
The festival will take place on the grounds of Falls Church City Hall, 300 Park Avenue. Visitors can watch artists paint en plein air—French for “in the open air”—as they work quickly on location to capture changing light, atmosphere, and the character of Falls Church.
Before the September 26 finale, artists have had three weeks to capture picturesque and historic scenes throughout Falls Church, including the W&amp;OD Trail, local parks, Cherry Hill Farmhouse, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, and the Falls Church Farmers Market.
More than forty artists will compete for cash prizes. Noted juror Glen Kessler will judge the paintings and announce the winners at noon. The 2025 festival awarded more than $5,000 in prizes, and generous sponsors have made this year’s awards possible.
The morning’s centerpiece is the Quick Draw Competition, in which participants create an original painting within the three-hour festival window and submit it for judging. The competition is open to artists of all ages and skill levels, who may register at the Quick Draw table for a $15 entry fee.
Attendees may also vote for their favorite painting in the People’s Choice Award, honoring the artwork that receives the most public votes.
This free, family-friendly event invites visitors to meet the artists, watch paintings take shape, and purchase original artwork to take home the same day. If it rains, the festival will be held on October 3.

Local Event: Falls Church Arts Plein Air Festival Wraps Up with Competition, Quick Draw Content, and Awards 

Falls Church Arts Plein Air Festival Wraps Up...

The 2026 Falls Church Arts “Scenes in the City” Plein Air Festival culminates on Saturday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to noon,...

Falls Church Arts Plein Air Festival Wraps Up with Competition, Quick Draw Content, and Awards 

The annual “Scenes in the City” Plein Air Festival, sponsored by Falls Church Arts, has been postponed due to the high winds forecasted for September 26. The festival will be held on October 3 from 9 am to 12 pm at the Falls Church City Hall grounds, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church. &nbsp;for more information, visit https://fallschurcharts.org.

Local Event: Falls Church Arts Plein Air Festival Postponed to October 3

Falls Church Arts Plein Air Festival Postponed...

The annual “Scenes in the City” Plein Air Festival, sponsored by Falls Church Arts, has been postponed due to the high winds...

Falls Church Arts Plein Air Festival Postponed to October 3

Essen Apartments

Come experience Essen Apartments in person on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. 
Located at 1801 N. Beauregard St. in Alexandria, Essen brings together modern apartment living and natural serenity, with the 44-acre Winkler Botanical Preserve right next door. Tour thoughtfully designed studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments featuring high ceilings, energy-efficient appliances, full-sized in-unit washers and dryers, and modern kitchens with open shelving and tiled backsplashes.
Explore community amenities including the state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop lounge and sundeck, coworking spaces, pet spa, and BBQ/picnic area. 
Schedule Your Tour Today:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essenalexandria.com/scheduletour" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">essenalexandria.com/scheduletour</a>
And during the Open House, there’s an added opportunity to make your move to Essen easier: apply that day and your application fee and amenity fee will be waived. Come tour, explore, and see what life at Essen is all about!

Local Event: Open House at Essen — Saturday, September 26

Alexandria city

Alexandria

Open House at Essen — Saturday, September 26

Come experience Essen Apartments in person on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. 
Located at 1801 N. Beauregard St....

Saint Ann Catholic Church School And Grounds

Experience a full day of family fun and community spirit featuring exciting rides, bounces, live music, and a beer garden. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of food, join in on bingo and games for prizes, or participate in the 50/50 raffle and a 1.5 mile Falcon Fun Run to support Saint Ann Catholic School programs. Admission is free, with tickets available for purchase for food, drinks, and activities.

Local Event: Saint Ann Fall Festival

Saint Ann Fall Festival

Experience a full day of family fun and community spirit featuring exciting rides, bounces, live music, and a beer garden....

Come back to yourself.&nbsp; Your joy, love, passion and compassion.&nbsp; This experiential day will explore the stories about what women were told we should be that have been passed down for generations. We will uncover the patterns that keep you stuck, begin to move and heal them, to reveal the true you that was buried underneath.&nbsp; You will leave feeling nourished and seen, with a new sense of excitement about how you can show up for yourself moving forward.&nbsp; Francine is a Trauma Certified Licensed Therapist that specializes in helping people live their best lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local Event: Healing The Mother Wound full day retreat

Healing The Mother Wound full day retreat

Come back to yourself.  Your joy, love, passion and compassion.  This experiential day will explore the stories about what...

Arlington, VA– More than 50 artists will open their studios to the public the weekend of September 26 and 27, organizers announced.
his year will mark the ninth <a href="https://arlingtonartstudiotour.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour</a>, an opportunity for people to meet local artists and learn about their processes. Visitors can view the art of over 50 creative individuals who represent a wide range of styles and media. In addition to painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture, artists in the Arlington area are known for printmaking, photography, papercutting, letterpress, and jewelry. While there will be opportunities for visitors to purchase art, the Tour is foremost a community-building event that encourages visitors to discover and appreciate the artists in their neighborhood. T
The Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour depends on the efforts of independent artists, volunteers, and Arlington visual arts organizations. The 2026 Tour is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors, which include Fred Schnider Investment Group, Gerald &amp; Katherine Freshley, and Palette 22. 
The Tour will publish a guide and map with the names, locations and opening hours of participating artists. Printed copies will be available at community centers, arts venues, and libraries by early September. Those interested can also plan their route online: <a href="https://www.arlingtonartstudiotour.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.arlingtonartstudiotour.org/</a>. Studios in South Arlington will be open Sat., Sept. 26 (11 am – 5 pm), and studios in North Arlington will be open on Sun., Sept. 27 (11 am – 5 pm).
An exhibition at the Barry Gallery (Marymount University) will be presented in conjunction with the Tour from Sept. 3 through Oct. 28. Entitled “Off the Grid,” the show will bring together work by the Tour’s artists, highlighting the talent in our community. 

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Local Event: Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour

Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour

Arlington, VA– More than 50 artists will open their studios to the public the weekend of September 26 and 27, organizers...

Hope Flower Farm And Winery

Join The Garden Club of Fairfax for a special day at the beautiful Hope Flower Farm and Winery. Enjoy an inspiring presentation and floral design demonstration by renowned floral designer Holly Heider Chapple, followed by a guided tour of her flower farm and gardens. Guests will also enjoy a catered box lunch, time to explore the winery grounds, and the opportunity to shop for plants, flowers, and unique gifts.

Local Event: Autumn in Bloom   Thursday, October 1, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Fairfax City

Autumn in Bloom   Thursday, October 1, 11 a.m....

Join The Garden Club of Fairfax for a special day at the beautiful Hope Flower Farm and Winery. Enjoy an inspiring presentation...

Autumn in Bloom   Thursday, October 1, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Waterford Foundation

October 2-4, 2026&nbsp; &nbsp;Come experience an autumn celebration of Americana at the Waterford Fair, recognized as one of the Sunshine Artist 200 Best of 2026. This three-day event features juried heritage crafts, historic homes tours, live music, and family-friendly activities, with local food, wine, and beer available for purchase. One Ticket. Three Days. Endless Memories&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=26489&amp;type=tickets&amp;show=custom&amp;custom=61104|61105|61106" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Tickets Here</a>

Local Event: 82nd Waterford Fair

Loudoun County

Leesburg

82nd Waterford Fair

October 2-4, 2026   Come experience an autumn celebration of Americana at the Waterford Fair, recognized as one of the Sunshine...

Alden Theatre

In a world defined by change and reinvention, Ballet Hispánico New York offers an evening at The McLean Community Center's Alden Theatre where movement becomes a form of resilience, reflection, and renewal. MUJERES: Women in Motion features three powerful choreographic voices—each exploring identity, conscience, and cultural inheritance through her own distinct lens. Together, they reveal the plural imagination of contemporary America: layered, rhythmic, and alive with meaning. Don't miss this mesmerizing performance on October 2 at 7 p.m. at The Alden Theatre!
“Ballet Hispánico dances with elegance and lyricism.”—The Washington Post
Runtime: approximately 100 minutes with two intermissions

Local Event: Ballet Hispánico New York: MUJERES; Women in Motion at The Alden Theatre

Ballet Hispánico New York: MUJERES; Women in...

In a world defined by change and reinvention, Ballet Hispánico New York offers an evening at The McLean Community Center's...

Ballet Hispánico New York: MUJERES; Women in Motion at The Alden Theatre

Falls Church Presbyterian Church

When two girls claim to photograph real fairies in 1917 England, their story captures the imagination of a nation desperate for wonder. The Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies explores belief, fame, and the fine line between magic and make-believe.

Local Event: The Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies - Presented by NOVA Nightsky Theater

The Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies -...

When two girls claim to photograph real fairies in 1917 England, their story captures the imagination of a nation desperate for...

The Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies - Presented by NOVA Nightsky Theater

The Tower Club Tysons

Join Marian Homes, Inc. for our 2026 Casino Night Gala on Saturday, October 10, at the beautiful Tower Club in Tysons Corner! Enjoy an exciting evening of casino games, delicious food, silent auctions, fellowship, and fun—all while supporting affordable housing for adults with intellectual disabilities. This year, we’re celebrating 30 years of Marian Homes and investing in the future of our homes through our Home Refurbishment Initiative. Don’t miss this special night! Get your tickets today at <a href="https://donorbox.org/events/939860/steps/choose_tickets" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Purchase Gala Tickets</a>.

Local Event: Marian Homes, Inc. 2026 Casino Night Gala

Fairfax Station

Marian Homes, Inc. 2026 Casino Night Gala

Join Marian Homes, Inc. for our 2026 Casino Night Gala on Saturday, October 10, at the beautiful Tower Club in Tysons Corner!...

Do you have a talented high school actor, dancer or musician ready to take the stage? The James C. Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition gives young performers the opportunity to showcase their talent, receive feedback from respected arts professionals and compete for&nbsp;cash prizes!
Students can compete in Theatre, Dance, Vocal or Instrumental Music by performing two contrasting pieces that showcase their artistry, range and unique voice. The top three performers in each category advance to the Final Competition, where they’ll compete for:
🥇 1st Place — $1,200 🥈 2nd Place — $800 🥉 3rd Place — $400
Who can apply? High school students who live in or attend school within the McLean Community Center tax district.
✨ NEW COMPETITION DATES!
Applications due: Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 Preliminary Round: Week of Oct. 26 Tech Rehearsal: Tuesday, Dec. 1 Final Competition: Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
Give your talent a stage. Apply today and compete for your chance to shine!
Questions? Email <a href="mailto:alden@mcleancenter.org">alden@mcleancenter.org</a>.

Local Event: Apply by 10/19 for the Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition!

Apply by 10/19 for the Macdonald Performing...

Do you have a talented high school actor, dancer or musician ready to take the stage? The James C. Macdonald Performing Arts...

Apply by 10/19 for the Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition!

Hilton McLean Tysons Corner

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trunk-or-treat-tickets-1998249542172?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> </a>Celebrate Halloween at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner with trunk-or-treating, family games, movies, festive food and spooky fun!
Come dressed in your Halloween best and trick-or-treat your way through creatively decorated trunks filled with plenty of sweet surprises. The evening will also feature games, food, beverages, and treats available for purchase, plus two indoor showings of a family-friendly Halloween movie at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Register&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trunk-or-treat-tickets-1998249542172?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;today!&nbsp; 
FOR TREATERS
Festivities begin at 6:00 PM. Bring your trick-or-treat bags, wear your favorite costumes and come ready for an evening of Halloween fun. Admission is free! 
FOR TRUNKERS
Want to join the fun and decorate a trunk? Participation is free, and each registration reserves space for one vehicle. Registered trunkers should arrive at 5:00 p.m. for parking, setup and decorating before trick-or-treating begins at 6:00 p.m.
Please bring individually wrapped, prepackaged candy to distribute throughout the evening. As a thank-you for helping us make the event special, participating trunkers will receive a $20 food and beverage credit to Härth Restaurant &amp; Lounge.
CELEBRATE FOR A CAUSE
A portion of food and beverage proceeds from Trunk or Treat and throughout October will be donated to the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (www.vbcf.org) in support of breast cancer awareness. 
Gather your favorite little ghosts and goblins, put on your best costumes and join us for a Halloween night filled with treats, laughter and family fun. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎃

Local Event: Trunk-or-Treat at Hilton McLean

Trunk-or-Treat at Hilton McLean

 Celebrate Halloween at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner with trunk-or-treating, family games, movies, festive food and spooky...

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