Bards Alley Bookshop

Discussion and book signing with local authors Chuck Cascio (Awakenings) and Jim Upperman (Three Photos Wiser)
Join Bards Alley on Saturday, September 26 as we welcome local authors Chuck Cascio and Jim Upperman for a conversation about their respective books Awakenings: Short Stories of Moments That Shape Us and Three Photos Wiser. Both authors are alumni of James Madison High School in Vienna!
In his short fiction collection Awakenings, Cascio depicts people at a turning point in their lives, confronted with a realization or the possibility of change. Upperman's Three Photos Wiser is a novel inspired by the true story of a family's continent-spanning quest to understand their past.
The authors' presentation includes readings, an audience Q&amp;A, and a signing, with both books available for purchase at Bards Alley. If you would like to guarantee your copy of Awakenings and/or Three Photos Wiser, we recommend calling (571) 459-2653 to reserve it for pick-up.
Please RSVP for free here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/authors-chuck-cascio-jim-upperman-awakenings-and-three-photos-wiser-tickets-1996111704843?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/authors-chuck-cascio-jim-upperman-awakenings-and-three-photos-wiser-tickets-1996111704843?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>

ABOUT&nbsp;THE&nbsp;AUTHORS
Chuck Cascio is an award-winning journalist and educator who has published eight books, including, most recently, Awakenings:&nbsp;Short Stories of Moments That Shape Us. After graduating from Wagner College with a B.S. in economics and business and American University with an M.A. in communications, he taught high school and served as faculty advisor to student newspapers in Fairfax County, Virginia. He lives in Reston, Virginia, with his wife, Faye.
Jim Upperman&nbsp;attended Bridgewater College before earning his Master of Education from the University of Virginia and his doctorate degree from Virginia Tech. In addition to being a high school teacher and an assistant professor at George Mason University, he has worked in various administrative roles, including an appointment as Superintendent for Manassas City Public Schools from 1989 to 2000. He retired in 2017 and lives with his wife, Pam.

Local Event: Author Talk: Chuck Cascio and Jim Upperman

Fairfax County

Vienna

Virginia

Author Talk: Chuck Cascio and Jim Upperman

Discussion and book signing with local authors Chuck Cascio (Awakenings) and Jim Upperman (Three Photos Wiser)
Join Bards Alley...

Celebrate literature this Banned Books Week with a silent reading hour at Bards AlleyJoin Bards Alley on Sunday, October 4 as we kick off Banned Books Week with a silent reading event! 

Organized in collaboration with <a href="https://libro.fm/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Libro.fm</a> and <a href="https://silentbook.club/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Silent Book Club</a>, the event will include a dedicated reading hour, a casual writing activity, and refreshments. Doors open at 10 a.m. to give attendees time for mingling and browsing before silent reading starts at 10:30 a.m. While we have a limited number of chairs available, you are encouraged to bring any seating that fits your comfort level. We will also provide a station, complete with stationery and examples, for individuals to write their own shelf talker recommending a frequently challenged or banned book. Your shelf talkers will be displayed in the store throughout October (with permission)!



Registration is required here:&nbsp;<a href="https://bardsalley.square.site/product/a-banned-books-week-silent-reading-event/JF2R5Z23QOCAS556TVHW2GCE?cp=true&amp;sa=false&amp;sbp=false&amp;q=false&amp;category_id=11" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">bardsalley.square.site/product/a-banned-books-week-silent-reading-event/JF2R5Z23QOCAS556TVHW2GCE?cp=true&amp;sa=false&amp;sbp=false&amp;q=false&amp;category_id=11</a>The accompanying $8 deposit can be used on any purchase made at Bards Alley the day of the event, and attendees will receive a free audiobook copy of Banned Together by Ashley Hope Perez or How to Defend Books and Why by Danny Caine, courtesy of Libro.fm.

Local Event: Banned Books Week Silent Reading

Banned Books Week Silent Reading

Celebrate literature this Banned Books Week with a silent reading hour at Bards AlleyJoin Bards Alley on Sunday, October 4 as...

Local author Patricia Tanumihardja presents her latest food-themed picture book Fried Rice SurpriseStart your weekend on a savory note with story time at Bards Alley! Local author Patricia Tanumihardja will treat attendees to a reading of her new picture book Fried Rice Surprise.

Out October 20, Fried Rice Surprise is a delightful story of culinary creativity, following young Fern as she mixes various ingredients to make a fried rice lunch for her friends. It features artwork by Shiho Pate and is ideal for kids ages 4 to 8.

A book signing will follow the reading. If you would like to reserve a copy for pick-up at or before the event, call Bards Alley at (571) 459-2653 or preorder it online here: <a href="https://bardsalley.square.site/product/fried-rice-surprise-pre-order-signed-bookplates-/7ERMG6A3W2CKI4XGD43XT6F3" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">bardsalley.square.site/product/fried-rice-surprise-pre-order-signed-bookplates-/7ERMG6A3W2CKI4XGD43XT6F3</a>

This event is free and does not require registration.ABOUT&nbsp;THE&nbsp;BOOKFern loves opening her lunchbox—sometimes it holds something colorful, sometimes sweet and spicy, but always delicious. When she learns about the Japanese tradition of “mottainai”—never wasting what’s too good to throw away—Fern is inspired to create a meal to share with her friends. Together with her mama, she stirs up a wok of fried rice filled with everyone’s favorite flavors: curry spices, carnitas, pilaf, bok choy, and more. With lively, joyful illustrations by Shiho Pate and a heartfelt story by Patricia Tanumihardja, this picture book celebrates food, friendship, and the magic that happens when different ingredients—and people—come together.ABOUT&nbsp;THE&nbsp;AUTHORPatricia Tanumihardja was born in Jakarta to Chinese-Indonesian parents and grew up in Singapore, where she developed a lifelong love of food and storytelling. She is the author of several cookbooks highlighting pan-Asian flavors as well as children’s picture books that celebrate the connections between food, culture, and community, including Ramen for Everyone and Fried Rice Surprise. She now lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and son, where she continues to write and cook with equal passion.

Local Event: Story Time with Patricia Tanumihardja

Story Time with Patricia Tanumihardja

Local author Patricia Tanumihardja presents her latest food-themed picture book Fried Rice SurpriseStart your weekend on a...

Bards Alley

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Washington Metropolitan Area

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Tysons

Dunn Loring

Oakton

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George Mason Regional Library

Mark your calendars! The George Mason Friends Fall Book Sale is just around the corner. The Friends will host the book sale at George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. 
A Preview sale, $20 per adult, will be held on Wednesday evening, Sep 23 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
The General, free, 4-day sale, will run from Thursday, Sep 24 thru Sunday, Sep 27, from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm daily. 
A great selection of high-quality used books, CDs, and DVDs in various categories for all ages and interests will be available. Come early for the best selection, then back on Sunday for half-price bargains. Visit our website at georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com.
Proceeds support the Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Program, Library Foundation Scholarships, Fall for the Book Festival, and library programs and equipment for the George Mason Regional Library.
See you at the Book Sale!

Local Event: Fall Book Sale at George Mason Regional Library

Annandale

Fall Book Sale at George Mason Regional Library

Mark your calendars! The George Mason Friends Fall Book Sale is just around the corner. The Friends will host the book sale at...

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

Arlington County

Arlington

Saint Ann Fall Festival

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

Got a bike gathering dust? Give it a second life!
Herndon Friends Meeting is once again supporting Bikes for the World, which has distributed more than 200,000 bikes worldwide. Bring your serviceable used adult and children’s bikes, parts, or portable sewing machines to 660 Spring St., Herndon, on September 27, noon–4:00 pm, rain or shine. A $10 tax-deductible donation per bike is requested to help cover shipping.&nbsp;Help us put 100+ bikes back to work!

Local Event: Herndon Friends Meeting Used Bike Collection

Reston

Herndon Friends Meeting Used Bike Collection

Got a bike gathering dust? Give it a second life!
Herndon Friends Meeting is once again supporting Bikes for the World, which...

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

McLean

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

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!...

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Bards Alley, Local Business

Posting Activity

Author Talk: Chuck Cascio and Jim Upperman

SEP

26

7:00 PM

Bards Alley Bookshop, 110 Church St NW, Vienna, VA

Banned Books Week Silent Reading

OCT

4

10:00 AM

Bards Alley Bookshop, 110 Church St NW, Vienna, VA

Story Time with Patricia Tanumihardja

OCT

24

11:00 AM

Bards Alley Bookshop, 110 Church St NW, Vienna, VA

Fall Book Sale at George Mason Regional Library

Saint Ann Fall Festival

Herndon Friends Meeting Used Bike Collection

82nd Waterford Fair

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

Marian Homes, Inc. 2026 Casino Night Gala