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Bards Alley Bookshop

Bards Alley presents&nbsp;Hearts on the Table author Susan Metallo in conversation with Alice Scott and Andrew Joseph White
Susan Metallo visits Bards Alley to discuss her new YA novel Hearts on the Table, a reimagining of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night set during World War I. Join us for the conversation, moderated by bookseller/author Alice Scott and guest author Andrew Joseph White (Hell Followed with Us)!
Boasting an ensemble of queer, trans, and neurodivergent characters, Hearts on the Table follows 17-year-old Violet as she navigates various romantic entanglements on the island where she has been shipwrecked. It is recommended for readers ages 14 and up. Copies will be available for purchase and a post-discussion signing at Bards Alley.
RSVP for free here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/susan-metallo-with-alice-scott-and-andrew-joseph-white-hearts-on-the-table-tickets-2002810130013?aff=ebdsoporgprofile" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">eventbrite.com/e/susan-metallo-with-alice-scott-and-andrew-joseph-white-hearts-on-the-table-tickets-2002810130013?aff=ebdsoporgprofile</a>ABOUT&nbsp;THE&nbsp;BOOKViolet is used to winning—with her mathematical mind, no one stands a chance of beating her at cards, or much of anything else. So, when her wrathful father threatens to marry her and her trans twin brother Seb to the highest bidders, she’s certain they can escape England, even with a war on. But before they reach safety in Italy, a U-boat sinks their ship, and Violet washes up on a small island, on the wrong side of enemy lines, desperate to find her missing twin.
To earn passage to the mainland, where she hopes Seb has landed, Violet disguises herself as a man and accepts a job delivering love poetry for melancholy pacifist Teo, the island’s irritating golden boy. The object of his affection, fair Olivia, is less than enchanted, but she is intrigued by the handsome delivery boy—Violet in disguise. While Violet struggles to sidestep Olivia’s attentions, she’s vexed by her own inconvenient but undeniable attraction to Teo. Add a mysterious newcomer, who converts the love triangle into a square, and Olivia’s autistic sister, who’s concocting a devilish revenge against the island’s biggest bully, and odds are things will only get messier.

Fortunately, playing the odds is Violet’s specialty.
In a twisty transformation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, populated with queer, trans, and neurodivergent characters, Violet’s bold prose alternates with verse chapters from the perspective of autistic musical prodigy Faustina. Susan Metallo’s whip-smart writing and the fresh wartime setting make for a witty, elegant, and high-stakes exploration of love, loss, friendship, and identity.ABOUT&nbsp;THE&nbsp;AUTHORSusan Metallo is a neurodivergent author and youth services librarian. Reasons To Hate Me, her debut novel, was an Indies Introduce Selection for Summer/Fall 2025. She serves as regional advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in New Mexico. “My intentions for Hearts on the Table,” she writes, “were to honor the neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ experiences of the early twentieth century with a balance of accuracy and hope, acknowledging the challenges and discrimination while focusing on agency and joy.”

Local Event: Author Talk: Susan Metallo ("Hearts on the Table")

Author Talk: Susan Metallo ("Hearts on the Table")

Bards Alley presents Hearts on the Table author Susan Metallo in conversation with Alice Scott and Andrew Joseph White
Susan...

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...

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax

Join the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Choir and Capital Harmonia for a musical journey of resilience. The music will start with what we turn to for support: our communities, the beauty of nature, spirituality, and more. The concert will then move from finding strength to taking action.

Local Event: Becoming - a musical journey of resilience

Becoming - a musical journey of resilience

Join the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Choir and Capital Harmonia for a musical journey of resilience. The music will...

Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Rd., NE, Vienna, VA 22180

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate autumn?
Come out for Pumpkins, Potions &amp; Prayers! Kids can try their hand at magic potion brewing while the rest of us dive into our annual pumpkin carving contest. We will also pause to share a time of prayer and enjoy a wonderful BBQ lunch together.
• What to bring: Your own pumpkin, carving tools, and a side dish or dessert to pass around.
• The Stakes: Bring your A-game! We are handing out prizes for the most creative and spine-chilling pumpkins.
Come join us and bring a friend! Let us know you're coming by RSVPing at bit.ly/hocoPumpkin26. All are welcome!

Local Event: Pumpkins, Potions & Prayers

Pumpkins, Potions & Prayers

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate autumn?
Come out for Pumpkins, Potions & Prayers! Kids can try their hand at magic...

Alden Theatre

Real-life couple pianist Margarita Loukachkina and violinist Nikita Borisevich, their piano prodigy son, and their sweet daughter return to the Alden stage for an afternoon of breathtaking chamber music! Longtime audience-favorites, the group is well-known for creating a rich and intimate musical experience that celebrates artistry, connection and the joy of performing together. Enjoy an inspiring program of classical masterworks performed with passion, precision and heart.
Runtime: approximately 90 minutes

Local Event: Beloved Musical Family Returns to The Alden

McLean

Beloved Musical Family Returns to The Alden

Real-life couple pianist Margarita Loukachkina and violinist Nikita Borisevich, their piano prodigy son, and their sweet...

Caboose Brewing Company & Tavern

Bards Alley and Caboose Tavern's book fair returns with autumnal vibesSwing by Caboose Tavern on Sunday, October 25 for a boozy, spooky book fair!

From 3 to 6 p.m., Bards Alley booksellers will be set up with tables of enticing new fiction and nonfiction, cozy or creepy fall reads, and more literary gems. All ages are welcome; while our inventory for this event is primarily geared toward adults, a selection of picture books and children's literature will be available.

Take a peek or settle down for an afternoon of socializing! In addition to curating special book/drink pairings, Caboose is offering happy hour deals throughout the event, so attendees can enjoy $1 off food, $2 off beer, and $3 off wine and cocktails while they browse.

Attendance is free and does not require registration.

Local Event: (Spooky) Books 'n Brews

(Spooky) Books 'n Brews

Bards Alley and Caboose Tavern's book fair returns with autumnal vibesSwing by Caboose Tavern on Sunday, October 25 for a...

The Vine Church

Trunk or Treat
🎃 Costumes, candy, decorated cars, and lots of fun!
Bring the kids in costume and join us for Trunk or Treat! Our church family will have their trunks decked out and ready to hand out plenty of treats to little ghosts, superheroes, princesses, and everything in between.
October 25 • 4:00 PM Free!
Invite a friend and join us for an easy, fun afternoon for the whole family. Come in costume, bring your candy-collecting skills, and get ready to trick-or-treat from trunk to trunk!
🚗 Want to host a trunk? We’d love to have you! Sign up in the entryway or contact the church office to volunteer. Decorate your trunk, bring some treats, and help make the afternoon sweet for our kids!

Local Event: 🎃Trunk-or-Treat🎃

🎃Trunk-or-Treat🎃

Trunk or Treat
🎃 Costumes, candy, decorated cars, and lots of fun!
Bring the kids in costume and join us for Trunk or Treat!...

Luther Jackson Middle School

Most travel soccer teams only open tryouts once per year in March/April. A local club (my son is part of) is opening a rare mid-year window for boys U9-U16 who missed fall tryouts, just moved to the area, or are ready to step up from rec.
<ul><li>Dates:&nbsp;November 3, 5, 10, 12</li><li>Boys U9-U13:&nbsp;5:00-6:30pm</li><li>Boys U14-U16: 6:30-8:00pm</li></ul>
The club is led by a former Premier League pro, Sully Hamid. His son, Bill Hamid, was a US&nbsp;Men's National Team +&nbsp;DC&nbsp;United player. His daughter plays professionally in Sweden. Sully was also recently inducted into the Black Soccer&nbsp;Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
In my experience, as a parent, your kid won't get lost in the shuffle, like they will at a bigger club.
If you're interested, learn more/sign up:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bvbia-pacvirginia.com/player-tryouts" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">bvbia-pacvirginia.com/player-tryouts</a>
*I have no financial interest or interest in this club other than my son being on the team.

Local Event: Rare Spring 2027 travel soccer tryouts

Rare Spring 2027 travel soccer tryouts

Most travel soccer teams only open tryouts once per year in March/April. A local club (my son is part of) is opening a rare...

National Academy of Sciences

This premier event honors and celebrates the prestigious incoming cohort of 22 ARCS MWC Scholars pursuing significant research in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at our five partner universities (identified below). 
The event underscores the importance of ARCS MWC funding in today’s changing financial landscape for scientists and engineers. Moreover, the sustained technical leadership of our keynote speaker, an ARCS MWC Scholar Alum, illustrates the impact that ARCS support has on U.S. innovation, competitiveness, and national security. Attend this event to learn more about ARCS MWC and STEM philanthropy! 
A reception highlighted by a poster session showcasing each Scholar’s cutting-edge research will open the event. ARCS MWC is extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo as the 2026 SAR keynote speaker. Dr. Sandhoo is the Director of the Space Development Agency and the Space Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Missile Warning and Tracking. A renowned national security and technology leader across the private and public sectors, he is a veteran of more than 36 years in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Dr. Sandhoo was an ARCS MWC Scholar during 1995-97 while he was earning his DSc at The George Washington University. In his keynote presentation, he will discuss his career and how ARCS made a difference, both while he was a scholar and now. Co-Presidents Julie Hohl and Jane Riddle say “Dr. Sandhoo’s career reflects the heights our Scholar Alums reach as leaders advancing U.S. competitiveness and national security, emphasizing the continuing importance of the ARCS MWC mission, particularly now given reduced U.S. funding for science and engineering.”
More information about the event and registration can be found at <a href="https://www.RSVPtoARCS-MWC.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.RSVPtoARCS-MWC.org</a>.ARCS MWC, chartered in 1968, has donated $9.3 million through 825 Scholar awards at its five local partner universities, forwarding 100% of corporate, foundation, and individual donations each year to chapter Scholars. ARCS MWC enables innovative STEM inventions in areas such as biomedical research, space exploration, and computing complexity (among others), advancing U.S. competitiveness.&nbsp;Contact: Co-Presidents Julie Hohl and Jane Riddle, <a href="mailto:mwcpresident@arcsfoundation.org">mwcpresident@arcsfoundation.org</a>

Local Event: ARCS Foundation® Metropolitan Washington Chapter 2026 Scholar Awards Reception 

Burke

ARCS Foundation® Metropolitan Washington...

This premier event honors and celebrates the prestigious incoming cohort of 22 ARCS MWC Scholars pursuing significant research...

ARCS Foundation® Metropolitan Washington Chapter 2026 Scholar Awards Reception 

810 Entertainment - Dulles Town Center

<h2>RC Racing Competition</h2>
November 14th: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm<a href="https://www.shopdullestowncenter.com/store/810-entertainment" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">810 Entertainment</a>
Families, friends, and racing fans are invited to enjoy an exciting day of large 1/7-scale remote-controlled car racing on two tracks. Participants will compete in two-person teams, with race cars and equipment provided. Spectators can cheer on their favorite teams and enjoy food and beverages available for purchase inside 810 Entertainment.
Team registration: $110 per two-person team; drivers ages 13 and older
Spectator admission: $5, with a portion of spectator proceeds benefiting BetterALife (Loudoun County non-profit assisting families in need). Kids 12 and under are free!
Details and registration: <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.veloxracingevents.com%2Fevents&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clsmith%40comstock.com%7C62dc2e1132e64a786f9d08df1f071e1f%7C7424a7d966db46969bf4cccf81af11d3%7C0%7C0%7C639263787652375753%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Di%2BmvX13e7UvmPDvtBsBS2gbcPRilH%2FlUY267dqtm9M%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.veloxracingevents.com/events</a>

Local Event: Family & Friends Remote Control Racing Competition (Cars Provided)

Loudoun County

Dulles Town Center

Family & Friends Remote Control Racing...

RC Racing Competition
November 14th: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm810 Entertainment
Families, friends, and racing fans are invited to enjoy...

Family & Friends Remote Control Racing Competition (Cars Provided)

Fredericksburg Convention Center

Join us at the Fredericksburg Convention Center&nbsp;on November 14, 2026 for the Honey Teas and Sweet Treats Festival!All Tickets Include A Premium Experience!

General Admission (9:00am - 6:00pm)
<ul><li>True Honey Teas Canvas Tote Bag ($15 Value)</li><li>UNLIMITED TEA SAMPLING - All Blends!</li><li>Create Your Own Tea Bag Blend Experience</li><li>Chocolate &amp; Tea Pairing Experience with River Sea Chocolates</li><li>Tea Seminars/Classes</li><li>Small Business Marketplace Shopping Experience</li><li>Live Music</li><li>Instagram Photo Opportunities</li><li>And so much more!</li></ul>
VIP (9:00am - 10:00am)
<ul><li>Includes all General Admission benefits +</li><li>A VIP Badge with free enamel pin</li><li>1 hour early entry with greetings from CEO/Founder - Chris!</li><li>A Signature Tea Experience</li><li>Access to the VIP Lounge</li><li>Access to the Japanese Tea Ceremony</li><li>Entry to win +1 FREE VIP Ticket! (Winner Drawn November 1st)</li><li>Entry to win 1 Deluxe True Honey Tea Basket (Winner announced at Festival!)</li></ul>

Local Event: Honey Teas and Sweet Treats Festival / Hosted by True Honey Teas

Fredericksburg city

Fredericksburg

Honey Teas and Sweet Treats Festival / Hosted...

Join us at the Fredericksburg Convention Center on November 14, 2026 for the Honey Teas and Sweet Treats Festival!All Tickets...

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