Capital Weather Gang declared summer over before Labor Day weekend even started, and it seems that our early fall brings with it no shortage of things to do. So, while you’re rushing out to get your pumpkin spice latte and apple cider doughnuts, be sure to leave time for some for art, concerts and festivals.
Greater Falls Church Foodie Trek
After the success of the inaugural trek, Falls Church restaurants are going it again. Running Sept. 1-Nov. 30, locals and visitors can explore the Little City’s dining scene one eatery at a time. Pick up a passport at any participating location (or print one at home), collect a stamp when you visit and submit your completed passport for the change to win one of three prize baskets filled with gift cards and goodies. Participating restaurants include Banh Mi Oi, Clare & Don’s, Thompson Italian and Seoul Prime.
Maximalism!
This regional juried show celebrating excess, abundance, bold visual expression and sensory overload opens at the Arlington Artists Alliance’s gallery at The Crossing Clarendon. Running Sept. 4-Oct. 12, it features works by D.C.-area artists. 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Luzia
Cirque du Soleil takes over Tysons Sept. 6-Oct. 19. Designed to evoke a dreamlike, imagined Mexico, the show features stunning visuals and dazzling acrobatic feats. Catch a performance under the Big Top at Lerner Town Center across from Tysons Galleria. Tickets start at $60. 8025 Galleria Drive, TysonsÂ
NaLa Noches
National Landing is kicking off a Latin music series Sept. 18, 5-7 p.m. The weekly performances are handpicked by D.C. trumpet legend Joe Herrera. First up will be Max Rosado and the 7th Street Band. On Sept. 25, catch Gigi MacLaughlin. The event if free and so is a can of Topo Chico Sabores flavored sparkling water. Plus, MoCA Arlington will be there to offer hands-on art activities. Metropolitan Park, 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
MasterChef All-Stars Live!
Watch head-to-head culinary battles and jaw-dropping creations from your favorite star chefs in this night of food, fun and fierce competition on Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $49.65. Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
2025 Founding Debates
The George Washington Presidential Library is partnering with More Perfect and the Listen First Project to host this year’s program. Speakers Sam Feist, CEO of C-SPAN; Liz Joyner, founder and president of The Village Square; David McCullough III, co-founder and CEO of The American Exchange Project; and John Wood Jr., former vice-chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, will discuss ways to bridge political divides. The free event is Sept. 24, 7-8:30 p.m. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mt. Vernon
Connecting Arms for Empowerment, Equity & Inclusion
Learn more about the work that Arm & Arm does to help people during times of recovery and transition at a special event at Busboys and Poets on Sept. 25, 6-9 p.m. The event will feature testimonials, show the history of the organization’s work and present engagement opportunities in Northern Virginia. Plus, there will be a silent auction with items such as paintings by a local artist, a dinner cruise on Reston’s Lake Anne and a four-night stay at the Woodstone Meadows condos at Massanutten Resort. All proceeds will support Arm & Arm programming. 4251 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Clarendon Day
The beloved street festival returns to the area around the Clarendon Metro Plaza Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. spanning eight blocks that will be closed to traffic. The fun includes live music by Justin Trawick, Pebble to Pearl and and Collective, a Kids Zone packed with inflatables for the younger set, and food from local restaurants such as Ambar, Delhi Dhaba and Spice Kraft Indian Bistro. Shop for goodies from vendors such as Abloom Earrings and the Bathing Raven Candle Co. 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Amazon Community Day
Celebrate Amazon HQ2’s second anniversary at this free family-friendly event Sept. 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. New this year is the Think Big Experience, where guests can dig into binary code, explore the wonders of robotics and engineering, and witness live science experiments, featuring performances by The Science Guys of Baltimore. Stroll through Amazon Alley to check out small businesses at this pop-up market, and play lawn games and customize a tote bag with screen printing while listening to a live DJ spin tunes. Kiddos will enjoy the Lego wall, a bubble show and covering themselves in glitter tattoos. Other features include a Culinary Scavenger Hunt involving discounts at South Block, Mae’s Market and Toby’s Ice Cream, plus a Boozy Brunch Garden with a selection of local craft beers and brunch-ready beverages. Metropolitan Park, 510 14th St. S., Arlington
Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour
This eighth annual event, to be held Sept. 27 and 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., has more than 50 participating artists. Check the interactive map for studios on the tour, as well as nearby restaurants and supporting businesses. The weekend-long open house includes painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelry designers and more. To make the tour possible, AVAST partners with local galleries, arts organizations and businesses to host art shows and events. For a preview, check out works by this year’s participating artists on display at MoCA Arlington through Sept. 7.
Mosaic Fall Festival
URBNmarket and FRESHFARM are partnering with Mosaic District to host an outdoor festival Sept. 27 and 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. with more than 90 vendors selling handmade and vintage goods. Enjoy special performances on the center stage, and let kids run wild in the games corner. Be sure to paint a pumpkin to take home. 2910 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Second Annual Beer & Wine Festival
National Landing’s Water Park is bringing back this popular event Sept. 27, 1-5 p.m. Sip on beer and wine from local vendors while enjoying live music, playing lawn games and getting your face painted. Tickets to purchase the beer and wine will be available at the entrance. Each drink costs one ticket and each ticket is $5. 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
West Falls Fall Festival
To celebrate the opening of The Commons condos, this mixed-se development will host a fall festival Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event includes games, community art, live entertainment, and a Sip & Stroll that lets guests can explore neighborhood businesses while noshing on light bites and enjoying seasonal sips. Collect stamps at each spot you visit and be entered to win a prize. Pop-up bites and drinks also will be available from Dok Khao Thai Eatery, Honoo Ramen Bar, Jake’s Gourmet Popcorn and Lillian Nathalie Cake. 201 W. Falls Station Blvd., Falls Church
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Medieval times are here again. Renfest returns with all of its revelry on select dates now through Oct. 19. Party like it’s the 15th century, watch live entertainers, eat steak on a stake with a cup of mead, and buy a corset or chainmail from an artisan to look the part. Tickets prices vary by age and day. Check the website for details. 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis