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Northern Virginia Farmers Markets: Year-Round & Seasonal

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Did you know every farmer’s market purchase supports local farmers and makers, preserves tradition, and strengthens Northern Virginia’s local economy? From Arlington and Fairfax Counties to Loudoun County and more, you’re invited to shop local today!

YEAR-ROUND MARKETS
ALEXANDRIA, VA
ANNANDALE, VA
ARLINGTON, VA
ASHBURN, VA
BRAMBLETON, VA
BURKE, VA
FAIRFAX, VA
FALLS CHURCH, VA
GREAT FALLS, VA
HERNDON, VA
LEESBURG, VA
LORTON, VA
MCLEAN, VA
MERRIFIELD, VA
OAKTON, VA
PURCELLVILLE, VA
RESTON, VA
STERLING, VA
VIENNA, VA

Looking for an Eat Loco, Fresh Farm, or Mt. Vernon Farmers’ Market? You’re in the right place!

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Soar Together Family Day: Maps & Navigation

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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly

Which way to adventure? The Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum invites families to Soar Together Family Day: Maps & Navigation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly!

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, visitors will discover how people find their way — to school, across the country, through the skies, and even to another planet. The day features hands-on activities, conversations with experts, and navigation and mapmaking experiences.

Along the way, kids and kids-at-heart will learn how location, direction, and route planning connect everyday travel with aviation and space exploration — from how pilots navigate the skies to how scientists map the Moon, Mars, and other worlds.

Even better, the center’s Second Saturday Sun-viewing program takes place the same day.

Get to know this destination! Commonly known as the Udvar-Hazy Center, the National Air and Space Museum’s Chantilly location showcases the history and science of aviation, spaceflight, planetary science, and more. Visitors can see nearly 2,000 aviation artifacts and over 900 treasures from space, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.

Admission is free; parking at the Udvar-Hazy Center is $15.

Details:
Website

Date:
Nov 14, 2026

Cost:
Free Admission ∙ $15 Parking

Location:
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center ∙ Chantilly, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Old Town’s Boat Parade of Lights

‹‹ More Holiday Boat Parades

It’s time to deck the hulls and light up the night at the 26th annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights!

On December 5, 2026, you’re invited to watch dozens of festive, brightly lit boats as they cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline as the sun sets over Old Town’s historic waterfront.

Be sure to come early to not only secure the best viewing spot, but to enjoy dockside festivities at Waterfront Park. There will be plenty to eat and drink, including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, plus family-friendly activities and more.

Plan ahead: waterfront parking garages are known to fill up before the event, and street closures will be in effect nearby. Metro (King Street station) and the free King Street Trolley make getting there easy — or catch the glow from the water aboard a CityCruises water taxi!

Details:
Website

Date:
Dec 5, 2026

Location:
Old Town Waterfront ∙ Alexandria, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

PRCS WinterFest

‹‹ More Holiday Fun

Celebrate all the season has to offer at WinterFest, coming to Hal & Berni Hanson Park on December 5, 2026. Families of all ages can soak up high-energy entertainment, browse a winter market featuring local vendors, and share plenty of holiday cheer!

Kids can try ice activities, catch live music, and hop aboard miniature train rides. Little ones will love meeting Elsa, Anna, and Olaf from Frozen, along with other winter characters — and Santa’s making an appearance, too.

Don’t miss the interactive walking path, where local nonprofit organizations will be on hand. Best of all, kids’ activities at this special event are free!

Details:
Website

Date:
Dec 5, 2026

Location:
Hal & Berni Hanson Park ∙ Aldie, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Winter Walk of Lights

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
‹‹ More Holiday Illuminations

Annually, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland! From November 11-January 3, 2027, bring the family for a 1/2-mile, self-guided stroll through the gardens at the Winter Walk of Lights.

Now in its 15th season, this beloved tradition draws as many as 110,000 visitors yearly to wander among sparkling trees and static and dynamic light displays inspired by nature, winter, and the holidays. The paved trail is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, too.

Like this? Then check out our…
DMV Holiday Illuminations Guide

Warm up with a hot beverage (with or without spirits), or try the new chilled Amaretto Snow Globe for a festive twist. Cap off the evening by roasting marshmallows for s’mores, and pick up a limited-edition 2026 ornament to take a little of the magic home.

Tickets for December 4-31, 2026 are sold online only (no sales at the gate). For other dates, NOVA Parks recommends buying in advance, since some nights sell out.

Get to know this destination! Meadowlark Botanical Gardens spans 95 acres of ornamental display gardens and native plant collections, with lakes, forests, and walking trails to explore. Take in views of the Piedmont hills, visit the Korean Bell Garden, or step inside the restored 18th-century log cabin. Even better? Enjoy special and seasonal events throughout the year.

Details:
Website ∙ Facebook

Dates:
Nov 11-Jan 3, 2027

Location:
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens ∙ Vienna, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Lights on the Bay

‹‹ More Holiday Illuminations

The beach at Sandy Point State Park is a summer must, but have you seen it in winter? From November 23-January 3, 2027, the shoreline glows in a whole new light!

You’re invited to Lights on the Bay — a scenic two-mile illuminated drive along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. A beloved holiday tradition for more than 30 years, the show features over 70 animated and stationary displays lining the roadway.

There are lots of ways to make your visit more immersive. Tune your radio to holiday music as you cruise, and grab a pair of 3D glasses (sold at the park entrance) to watch select displays pop. Pick up a scavenger hunt card at the gate, too — spot the hidden items along the route and enter for a chance to win a prize!

Furry family members are welcome to ride along, too. Don’t miss Lights & Leashes — three nights when you can stroll the route on foot with your leashed pup. Santa stops by during Lights & Leashes and on select days throughout the season, so check the website for his schedule.

Even better, proceeds benefit the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, the county’s largest and oldest animal welfare organization.

The show runs nightly, including holidays. Buy tickets online to save time at the gate, or purchase them there. Military personnel and first responders receive discounted admission at the gate with valid ID on December 21 and 27.

Come back when the weather warms up, too. Sandy Point State Park spans 786 acres along the bay, with sandy beaches made for swimming, sandcastles, and picnics. If the beach isn’t your speed, nature trails wind through the park, many with sweeping bay views.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Nov 23-Jan 3, 2027

Location:
Sandy Point State Park ∙ Annapolis, MD

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Trail of Terror @ Douglas Park

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ More Halloween Fun

Enter if you dare — Arlington’s Douglas Park neighborhood is serving up spooky (& not so scary) Halloween fun!

On October 24, 2026, little monsters and brave souls are invited to enjoy an afternoon of excitement at the Trail of Terror! Here’s how the day unfolds:

  • Witches Ride
    Grab your bike & robes — the ride meets at Monroe Park.
  • Kids Party
    This year’s Little Monster Arcade theme means even the youngest Halloweeners get in on the action!
  • The Haunted Trail
    The main event! Brave kids can venture down the trail for a few frights.

Entry is by suggested donation, with proceeds benefiting the Arlington Food Assistance Center and the Randolph Elementary PTA. Check the event’s Facebook page for times and updates before heading out.

Details:
Facebook

Date:
Oct 24, 2026

Location:
Douglas Park ∙ 16th St S & S Quincy St ∙ Arlington, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Hocus Pocus Takes Over Audi Field

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ More Halloween Fun

Grab your broomstick and your coziest blanket, because the Sanderson sisters are taking over where DC United and Washington Spirit call home.

On October 29, 2026, Audi Field is turning the pitch into a spooky-season outdoor theater with a Halloween-inspired screening of Hocus Pocus. Families are invited to spread out on the field or settle into the stands for a night of witchy fun under the stars, with concessions available for purchase during the movie.

Seating is general admission, and pitch access is first come, first served, so arrive early if you want a spot on the grass. Chairs, outside food, and pets aren’t allowed (service animals are welcome), so pack a blanket and review the bag policy before you head out.

Details:
Website ∙ Tickets

Date:
Oct 29, 2026

Location:
Audi Field ∙ 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Free! Build a Dump Truck

Kids are invited to get creative at Home Depot!

Each monthly workshop features a themed build-and-take project perfect for young makers. Even better? It’s free — you just need to pre-register!

Details:
Website ∙ Pre-Register

Location:
Find your preferred Home Depot location

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Saturday Morning Live @ the National


‹‹ More Live Shows for Kids

The National Theatre is excited to introduce children to the arts! Join them throughout the year for their free performing arts series, Saturday Morning Live!

Admission is free with registration (tickets are released on Eventbrite approximately one month before each show). Walk-ups are also welcome if space is available.

Nov 14 & 21, 2026
Marvelous Mickey, Circus Star
Step under the Big Top and into the magical world of the circus! Join Mickey as he discovers the hard work and determination it takes to become the next circus star. You won’t want to miss bubble magic, scarf juggling, and (of course) a final tightrope act that will dazzle and amaze. Catch this imaginative, interactive program led by returning favorites, Only Make Believe!

THESE EVENTS HAVE PASSED

Oct 10 & 24, 2026
Rompe Cajon
Grupo Rompe Cajon explores the African roots of Peruvian culture with live traditional music and dance, including Peruvian tap. Kids get to play Afro-Peruvian percussion instruments like the cajon and cajita, sing along, and learn a few dance steps. Best for ages 3-6, but all are welcome. ASL-interpreted.

Sept 12, 2026
Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe
Enjoy a Main Stage celebration of lion dance, the Chinese tradition performed to mark auspicious occasions. Watch Northern Virginia’s own Choy Wun dancers and musicians at work, then take the historic National Theatre stage yourself. Best for ages 3-6, but all are welcome.

June 13 & 27, 2026
Taiko Adventure!
Mark H. Rooney brings the power of taiko drumming to life in this high-energy, highly interactive program rooted in Japanese tradition. Traditional and contemporary songs, dynamic rhythms, and big drums highlight movement and audience connection.

May 9 & 23, 2026
123 Andres
GRAMMY winners Andres and Christina bring lively, bilingual concerts in Spanish and English that get kids singing, dancing, and learning. Known as “rock stars for little language learners,” they share music loved on stages worldwide and beyond.

Apr 25, 2026
Good Morning, Good Night
Imagination Stage presents a gentle, multi-sensory story for little ones as Winnie and August guide the day of waking birds and baking clouds, and the night of lighting stars and chasing away bad dreams.

Mar 14 & 28, 2026
Writing Stories! Wowser Bowser!
Written by Duncan Hood, Matthew Johnson, and Gale Nemec, this is an installment of Adventures in Time! The Time Travel Series is an interactive musical journey through time. Kids meet Washington, DC icons Helen Hayes and Benjamin Banneker, learn about their contributions, and discover how to write their own stories.

Feb 14 & 28, 2026
Words, Beats, & Life
Celebrate hip-hop culture with Words, Beats, & Life DC, the longest-running hip-hop arts nonprofit. Through performances and interactive fun, WBL showcases this vibrant art form’s creativity and impact.

Jan 10, 2026
The Remix
Sole Defined brings a rhythmic rollercoaster of dance and music, inviting students to step into both roles. This high-energy performance celebrates creativity in a safe, engaging environment.

Details:
Website ∙ Eventbrite

Location:
The National Theatre ∙ 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Updated Oct 27, 2026