Northern Virginia, Alexandria & nearby DC
Del Ray Artisans opens its “$125 and Under” exhibit with a reception featuring accessible-priced artwork.
This three-day market features handcrafted art, pottery, jewelry, glasswork, apparel, woodworking, photography, holiday decor, collectibles and specialty food.
A staged murder mystery written by R. Aaron Thompson and adapted by Betsy Hansen and Russell Silber, with dinner-theater presentation and a local cast.
Celebrate Diwali after dark at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington.
The Austrian Embassy hosts a formal celebration with a live orchestra, dinner, dessert and dancing.
The Austrian Embassy hosts a Viennese Ball featuring a live orchestra, dinner, dessert and dancing.
Decades DC hosts a Diwali celebration featuring Bollywood hits, Punjabi anthems and Desi throwbacks.
Decades DC marks Diwali on Friday, Nov. 6, with Bollywood hits, Punjabi anthems and Desi throwbacks.
Watch the comedy Morning Glory with coffee provided by the Friends of the Richard Byrd Library, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Richard Byrd Library.
The DC Jazz Festival’s Fishman Embassy Series comes to the Spanish Cultural Center at the Embassy of Spain.
Teens can make a colorful mosaic coaster at Sterling Library, with directions and supplies provided.
Learn or play Chinese mahjong in a welcoming group at Thomas Jefferson Library, 1–3:30 p.m.; the listing says complete novices are welcome.
Celebrate Diwali with classical music performances, curator talks, a DJ dance party and more at the National Museum of Asian Art.
Take a 90-minute walking tour inspired by Embassy Row, starting at the Samuel Francis Dupont Memorial.
Westover Library’s 10:30–11 a.m. storytime for young children turns the theme into a mini election: dinosaurs vs. astronauts.
Howard University hosts screenings of films made by finalists in the HBCU First LOOK student filmmaker challenge.
John Marshall Library, during open hours. Bring a puzzle and take a puzzle; the exchange is ongoing rather than tied to a single scheduled time.
Pick up supplies at Cascades Library to create a leaf-design suncatcher filled with tissue paper.
Children ages 6–12 can bring their best building ideas to the Lego Competition at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library.
Learn about Medicare coverage at this 1:30–3 p.m. session at Chantilly Regional Library. It is intended for people soon eligible for Medicare, current beneficiaries and their care partners.
Chamber Dance Project presents an intimate evening of music, choreography and collaboration at the Forum at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Anacostia Neighborhood Library celebrates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with a DC-themed scavenger hunt.
Imperial Teen performs live at Comet Ping Pong in Washington.
A distinctive Union Market evening combining live-music energy with a themed food experience.
Participants ages 8 and up roll for a character, problem and setting, then craft a story from the results. The program runs 4:30–5:15 p.m. at Kings Park Library; registration is required.
Middleburg Library invites visitors to find hidden clues and assemble the perfect Thanksgiving feast.
Science Over Coffee examines cancer treatment innovations at the Spanish Cultural Center.
The Infant and Toddler Connection joins City of Fairfax Regional Library for a sensory-friendly session of books, songs and rhymes, 10:30–11 a.m.
Try a sound bath using crystal bowls, chimes and drums at Dolley Madison Library, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Hayfield varsity dance team captain Katelyn leads beginning dance techniques for ages 5–11, 4:30–5:15 p.m. at Kingstowne Regional Library. Comfortable clothes and a water bottle are recommended.
Paint a water landscape with step-by-step instruction from artist Jyotsna Umesh at Gum Spring Library. Supplies and space are limited.
The exhibition explores American stardom through about 20 portraits, sculptures, paintings and related objects.
Sample beers at the 2026 Fall DC Beer Fest at Nationals Park.
Plymouth Haven Christian School hosts a fall festival with community activities and fundraising for the school.
Explore French Dupont Circle on a Saturday noon walking tour.
This in-person Smithsonian studio-arts course explores photomontage on Nov. 7.
Free live music returns to Adams Morgan on Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 5 p.m., at 2424 18th St. NW.
George M. Johnson will speak with Preston Mitchum at the Central Library.
Browse books and more at the Friends of the Herndon Library Fall Blow Out Book Sale, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Library. Cash and credit cards accepted.
A no-experience-necessary writing workshop at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver.
Stop by the Charlie Clark Center for Local History from 10 a.m. to noon to meet staff, tour the reading room and learn about its collections, including maps and monographs.
Create fall-themed miniatures while enjoying seasonal snacks and activities presented by the Ashburn Teen Leadership Council.
The Embassy of the Czech Republic hosts its 2026 Czech Christmas Market.
Celebrate the Mexican holiday with an embassy-style gala at the Mexican Cultural Institute.
From 3–4 p.m. at Central Library, the program looks across thousands of years of Arlington history and examines how Indigenous lives shaped the area.
A local shopping and design event featuring Ezra Arthur and Personal Effects.
Northeast Neighborhood Library presents a 30–40-minute storytime for all ages with an ASL interpreter.
Shop the Friends of Palisades Neighborhood Library book sale; proceeds benefit the library.
The Friends of Tenley Library sell donated books at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library, with proceeds benefiting the library.
Learn traditional tiramisu techniques with an Italian-trained chef and coffee sommelier at Shop Made in DC in Georgetown.
Illusions presents a drag queen dinner show at 2323 18th St. NW, centered on celebrity impersonation and live entertainment.
Interplanetary Criminal shares a November 7 bill with bullet tooth and Cobrastrk in the DC area.
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library offers a beginner crochet session for parents and children, with a simple project to work toward.
Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library hosts a Pokémon movie marathon for fans and families.
Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with a scavenger hunt at Southwest Neighborhood Library.
Search for Pokémon around Anacostia Neighborhood Library in a DC-themed scavenger hunt celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
Learn basic quilting terms and techniques through simple projects, 10 a.m.–noon at Pohick Regional Library. No registration is required, but space is limited.
Wayback Machine director Mark Graham leads a practical workshop on searching the Internet Archive’s extensive collection of saved webpages.
Science Café brings a science discussion or program to 2400 R St NE.
Bring new or gently used coats to Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Neighborhood Library for distribution to people in need.
The program pairs films about carrying an imprisoned activist’s words to the world and confronting illegal logging in Romania, followed by a Q&A at MLK Library.
The Central Library will screen They’re Here by Laura Poitras and Rachel Lauren Mueller and A Month in Minnesota by Anne Sundberg.
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra presents “100 Years of Jazz Giants” on Nov. 7 in an in-person performance.
Join Southeast Neighborhood Library and Labyrinth Games & Puzzles for Game Store Day, part of the American Library Association’s International Games Month.
Follow a self-guided StoryWalk featuring “In the Middle of Fall” the next time you visit Brambleton Library.
Dolley Madison Library, 10:30–11:00 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes for families, with stuffed animals invited to join the fun. No additional registration details were provided.
A participatory sushi-making experience in Washington, D.C., suited to couples or anyone looking for an interactive evening out.
The People’s Archive and Marjorie Watson Young present a short film and conversation about illustrator Carol Stuart Watson’s life and work at Georgetown Neighborhood Library.
This 2:30–4 p.m. talk at Glencarlyn Library explores the Ball-Sellers House, described as Arlington’s oldest surviving home, and its local historical significance.
Learn what’s held in The People’s Archive at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and what it takes to turn archival records into a documentary.
A brunch cruise departing from Washington, D.C., offering a more distinctive weekend meal than a standard restaurant reservation.
After eight weeks of preparation, Washington Improv Theater students perform at Sitar Arts Center.
Jigsaw Dating hosts a travel-themed trivia night designed to spark connections at BIBIBOP Asian Grill in Washington.
Arlington Regional Master Naturalists lead this 2–3 p.m. presentation at Cherrydale Library on Eastern coyotes and their place in the local landscape.
The neighborhood-wide music jamboree features more than 100 bands along with a holiday market.
Enter a Purcellville Library raffle for a bundle of Agatha Christie novels, including both new and previously owned books.
An improv super show at the DC Arts Center where audience members and their friends become part of the evening alongside special guests.
The Central Library presents a performance about censorship, intellectual freedom and the power of stories, followed by a community conversation.
An opportunity to spend part of the weekend writing and engaging with poetry in a local arts setting.
A Sunday market stop for local and regional produce, prepared foods, and other vendors.
The exhibition brings together about 70 photographs from the National Gallery of Art’s collection that are of or by Black Americans.
Follow artist Areej AlQaysi's instructions to paint an Agatha Christie-themed image at Sterling Library.
Therapy dogs and their caregivers from Heeling House host reading time for children in grades K–5 at Rust Library. Space is limited.
Visit District Candle Lab at 1325 5th St NE for a pop-up with Phê X.
Southwest Neighborhood Library hosts a Pokémon scavenger hunt in celebration of 30 years of Pokémon.
Anacostia Neighborhood Library marks Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with a DC-themed scavenger hunt.
Browse art and handmade goods from local creators at Wunder Garten, with drinks and other activities on site.
Search Ashburn Library for a hidden T. rex, then visit the children's desk for a small prize.
Shepherd Park Neighborhood Library is collecting new or gently used coats for distribution during the colder months.
The festival spotlights films by Tibetan producers and creatives in Washington, DC.
William Basinski performs at BERHTA on Nov. 8. Check the listing for venue and ticket details.
Families can explore bison through a National Museum of Natural History program marking National Bison Day.
Cox Farms’ fall festival features apple cider doughnuts, kettle corn and family-friendly slides.
Teens can learn to make Shrinky Dinks at Brambleton Library, revisiting the craft craze of the 1970s and ’80s.
Children ages 6–12 can make their own diya and share books about Diwali, the festival of lights, at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library.
Spend time reading in themed spaces at Cascades Library and earn raffle tickets toward prizes by meeting a reading goal.
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History hosts a Hmong New Year event featuring folk music and cooking demonstrations.
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library hosts a discussion and tasting of books and short-story collections by Indigenous writers for Native American Heritage Month.
Courthouse Library hosts open-ended play with games and activities built around science, technology, engineering, art and math. 10–11 a.m.; no registration required.
Complete an outdoor, self-guided quiz and mystery walk about Agatha Christie and her work at Lovettsville Library.
Third- through fifth-graders can discuss the graphic novel Diary of a Nature Nerd at Cherrydale Library. 4–5 p.m.; registration is recommended and new members are welcome.
Brambleton Library hosts artist Brett Wilson, whose work includes cartoon characters, book illustrations and abstract paintings.
Writers can meet others and explore storytelling techniques in a supportive group at Aurora Hills Library, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library presents a bilingual storytime for families in English and Spanish.
Teens ages 13–18 can join DM John for a dinosaur-themed Dungeons & Dragons adventure at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library. Registration is required.
El Embajador que Cambió la Historia screens at the Spanish Cultural Center at the Embassy of Spain.
A focused cooking workshop at Union Market built around Asian dumpling-making.
Lovettsville Library teaches children how negative space can shape pictures, with hands-on activities for homeschoolers.
Purcellville Library hosts hands-on experiments for children ages 7–12, introducing a range of scientific principles.
A fundraiser at Continues Arcade supporting Marlee’s Misfits, with gaming battles benefiting cats.
Wear pajamas for an interactive storytime with books, songs and rhymes for children ages 0–5 and an accompanying adult. Glencarlyn Library, 6–6:30 p.m.
Residents can weigh in at a public hearing on housing and community development needs in Loudoun County.
Loudoun County program combining stories and food; check the listing for location, time and registration details.
Teens can design original stickers, learn basic design techniques, and use a sublimation printer to bring their ideas to life at Sterling Library.
Test your knowledge of Agatha Christie and her work on a self-guided outdoor mystery walk at Lovettsville Library.
Readers in grades 6–8 meet at Westover Library to discuss the Front Desk series in the library’s So-Not-Mid book club. 3–3:30 p.m.
The Military Women’s Memorial presents its 29th annual Veterans Day program.
Honor veterans by assembling care packages for hospitalized veterans at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History.
Ages 11–15 can bring a friend to Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library for Spoons, Werewolf, reverse charades, Spyfall, Telephone Pictionary and other group games.
At Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, participants can create fall artwork with collected leaves. Bring your own finds or use materials provided by the library.
An evening of personal stories about connections to Korea, followed by a Q&A session.
Students in grades 6–8 can challenge friends, discover games and play Nintendo Switch 2 at Westover Library, 3–4 p.m.
The American Poetry Museum hosts a listening party for a debut album by award-winning spoken-word poet Lyrical Faith.
Children ages 0–5 can join an interactive program combining music, movement and storytelling at Westover Library, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library will offer thousands of books in a wide range of genres. Hardcover books are $4 and paperbacks are $2 unless otherwise marked.
The National Museum of American History hosts beer and cocktail tastings plus an expert panel on how taverns and coffeehouses shaped American culture.
Teens in grades 6–12 can build LEGO creations, take on challenges or work with friends at Glencarlyn Library from 2:30–4:30 p.m.
The Spanish Cultural Center at the Embassy of Spain hosts its Fall Open Doors program in November.
Practice the basics of latte art in a hands-on class at Counter Culture Coffee near Washington.
The French Embassy hosts this comic opera about a Swiss farmer, a forged love letter and soldiers who help him pursue an independent woman.
An evening at Cramton Auditorium honoring the stories, triumphs and complexities of Black womanhood.
Learn the basics of pet sitting at this public Loudoun County animal-focused event.
Shop for local art and unusual finds at Lost Boy Cider’s November pop-up market.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Senior Manager of Behavior and Training shares tips for living harmoniously with dogs and cats and answers attendees’ specific questions.
Players of all skill levels are welcome at this free chess meetup, held 2–4 p.m. in the Cherry Conference Room. Sets are available, or participants may bring their own.
Writers meet every other Saturday at Courthouse Library to share work, offer constructive criticism and support one another. The group meets 10 a.m.–noon in the Cherry Conference Room.
Children ages 6–12 can build imaginative dreamhouses from paper and ink at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library.
Westover Library’s monthly Knits & Flicks gathering combines casual yarn crafting with a movie and conversation among fellow crafters. 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the Longfellow Room.
Central Library hosts families with children ages 12–36 months for storytime and play stations. The program runs 10:15–11 a.m. in the Quincy Room; registration is recommended.
The nine-concert Schubert 200 series begins with a program celebrating the composer’s chamber music at Church of the Epiphany.
Watch live tuna carving and oyster shucking, then try fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired specialty cocktails at UPSIDE on Moore.
Loudoun County hosts a public ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for Union Street School.
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library invites attendees to play a wide range of board games, with the option to bring a friend or meet other players.
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library offers thousands of books across many genres, with hardcovers priced at $4 and paperbacks at $2 unless otherwise marked.
A community celebration of kimjang, Korea’s tradition of making and sharing kimchi, with cultural programs, K-pop performances and a kimchi workshop.
Professor Annelise Brody Morani leads a portraiture tour at 2 p.m. in English and a second tour at 3:15 p.m. in Italian at the National Gallery of Art.
Discuss David Grann’s “The Wager” over a drink at Samuel Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2800 South Randolph Street, Arlington, from 7–8 p.m. Newcomers are welcome.
The Capital City Go-Go face the Raptors 905 on Nov. 16.
The event examines alternative approaches to interreligious encounters in the context of genocide and political violence at AU’s School of International Service.
Drop in at Columbia Pike Library from 6–7 p.m. for dinosaur crafts, coloring pages, snacks and a selection of dinosaur books.
Musician and historian Ken Avis discusses the history of popular music at Central Library’s Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium, 3–4:30 p.m., tied to his new book.
Browse a curated selection of books at Jackie Lee’s while enjoying custom cocktails.
Fans of horror movies, books, television, and video games can connect and work on horror-themed DIY projects at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library.
The Windmill Jazz Collective provides live music during this storytime for ages 0–5 and an accompanying adult at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library.
The Embassy of France’s Maison Française hosts a program bringing together French and American scientists.
Learn the basics of home canning in this Loudoun County workshop. See the official listing for venue, time and registration information.
Families with preschoolers can explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through open-ended games and activities at Courthouse Library, 10–11 a.m.
Learn beginner embroidery stitches for making snowflake designs that can decorate clothing, totes and handkerchiefs—or cover stains. The Shop, 1–2:30 p.m.
Aurora Hills Library welcomes Incubator Artist Elizabeth Bloom for an evening reception, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library hosts a book club supporting authors whose books have been banned or challenged and discussing freedom of expression.
Join a group-led discussion about death and dying at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. No set agenda or objectives; tea and sweets will be provided.
Teens ages 13–18 can join DM John for a dino-themed Dungeons & Dragons adventure at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library. Registration is required.
“Faith in Harmony: Voice” is presented in person on Nov. 17 as part of the Smithsonian’s collaborations programming.
A presentation on the danger, intrigue and conflict of historic Rosslyn, held at Courthouse Library from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn to use the free Tinkercad web app to design and print snowflakes. Central Library, The Shop, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Teens ages 13–18 can bedazzle anything they bring to James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library; rhinestones will be provided.
Picnic Theatre Company presents a written and directed production by Steve Rochlin at La Maison Française.
Bring clothing or textiles to Cherrydale Library from 2–4 p.m. and learn visible-mending techniques alongside other community members.
Paint at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library with instructions for the monthly project, or create a unique work of your own.
A free technology and professional-training program at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, presented with Edu-Futuro and Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center.
Loudoun County session offering strategies for families dealing with selective eating; consult the listing for location, time and registration details.
Oddball Cinema returns to Beatley Library with an eclectic selection of lesser-known films that never found a mainstream theater audience.
Hear a lecture on what childhood research says about “I can” versus IQ in Adams Morgan.
Loudoun County hosts a low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic for pets.
Microtheater 250: Across the Atlantic — From the Page to the Stage takes place at the Spanish Cultural Center.
Loudoun County Planning Commission public hearing. Review the official calendar entry for the agenda, location, time and participation details.
Learn the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form with Jorge Banales at Beatley Library. The class is free and open to the public; the schedule has changed and it meets on the first and third Fridays.
The 2026 National Women’s Soccer League championship comes to Washington on Nov. 21.
The Embassy of France celebrates the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau with French wine, cuisine and music on Nov. 21.
Kids ages 8–13 can play Dungeons & Dragons at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library; no previous experience is necessary.
Celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau at La Maison Française at the Embassy of France.
Shop letterpress stationery and one-of-a-kind jewelry at Open to Being, with Colombian coffee from Red Bean Harvest Coffee.
A hands-on workshop at Hamiltonian Artists using collage to imagine futures for yourself and your community.
Oddball Cinema returns to Beatley Central Library with a lesser-known film selection for viewers looking beyond the usual theater lineup.
Participants will read selections from Mary Oliver and her “Poetry Handbook,” then draft an original poem. No experience is necessary at the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library.
Shop vintage treasures, jewelry, distinctive gifts and more at The Observatory’s holiday pop-up.
The Smithsonian presents a performance in its Masterworks of Five Centuries series on Nov. 22.
Children ages 0–5 and their adults can hear stories, sing and move in Beatley Central Library’s outdoor Reading Garden, even in chilly weather.
The Capital City Go-Go play the Long Island Nets on Nov. 24.
“Seasons of Light” comes to Smithsonian Discovery Theater on Dec. 1.
Attend an in-person Discovery Theater presentation of “Seasons of Light” at the Smithsonian.
Attend an in-person Discovery Theater presentation of “Seasons of Light” at the Smithsonian.
Dirty Habit’s Chalet Nights brings s’mores, seasonal cocktails, games and indoor winter-lodge atmosphere to 555 8th St NW.
The Chris Paul HBCU Classic comes to Washington on Dec. 4.
Bring a team to Lost Generation Brewing Company and compete for Lord of the Rings supremacy.
A seasonal Dance Place performance that could anchor a December arts outing.
The U.S. Army Band presents its 2026 American Holiday Festival at DAR Constitution Hall.
The annual Swedish Holiday Market returns to House of Sweden, hosted by the Swedish Women’s Educational Association DC with the Embassy of Sweden.
The GW University Band performs under Professor Michael Schmitz as part of the Corcoran Program of Music at Lisner Auditorium.
Explore displays from more than 70 embassies, shop for artisanal goods, sample global bites and watch live cultural performances at the Ronald Reagan Building.
American University’s School of International Service hosts the launch of Professor Omekongo Dibinga’s book Trigger Words: How Political Language Has Made America Less Inclusive.
See an independent-fashion runway show and shop from participating brands at 1770 Euclid St NW.
A holiday cultural event with a strong local arts and community focus.
The Capital City Showcase brings stand-up comedy, a trivia competition and a karaoke battle to HIGHLINE RxR.
Shop one-of-a-kind wares and meet local makers at this holiday pop-up at 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW.
A distinctive holiday-season performance at Dance Place for readers looking beyond traditional seasonal programming.
