NOVA This Week
NOVA This Week

NOVA This Week (08/20): 2026 Around the World Cultural Food Festival

Everything worth leaving the house for this week.

A construction worker in Belgium recently struck a gold bar with his jackhammer while digging under an old brewery foundation. It is certainly a much more exciting way to start a workday than the usual routine.

Don't Miss This Week

2026 Around the World Cultural Food Festival

A free community festival celebrating global flavors and cultures.

Mercadito MXDC at La Cosecha

A vibrant celebration of Mexican artisans, makers, and culture in Northeast DC.

Thursday, August 20

For families and kids: The libraries are full of activity, from the 3rd Annual Back to School Bash @ Benning Library to a Just Your Imagination Workshop with The Phillips Collection, and a hands-on cooking session with Pat Tanumihardja where kids can learn to make miso ramen. Teens can also join a specialized miso ramen takeover at the Central Library.

Get creative or catch a film: Explore the Alexandria Oddball Cinema for quirky picks, or drop by the Cortland Community Pop Up.

More:

Friday, August 21

For teens and families: Local teens can enjoy a Summer Carnival or learn digital fabrication at the Teen Maker Lab. For others, there is a family building and surrogacy conference happening in DC.

Arts and entertainment: Catch an intimate comedy show in Glover Park, view abstract art by David Modler, or head to the arena for Washington Mystics basketball.

More:

Saturday, August 22

Hands-on learning: You can sharpen your prose at an acting workshop for writers, learn basic self-defense, or explore modern art from Picasso to Pollock.

Food and culture: Learn to cook Ethiopian classics or enjoy a book journaling workshop for kids.

More:

Sunday, August 23

Crafts and creativity: Get festive with cupcake decorating or make a custom Cricut tote bag.

Music and movies: Enjoy live music at Cascades Library, an immersive listening experience at 600T, or a family movie matinee of Elio.

More:

  • A book club session for the novel 'The Sisterhood'

Monday, August 24

Community and class: Learn the basics of stained glass, test your DC knowledge at Ask a DC Native, Live!, or join the Back to School Bash at Southwest Library.

Tuesday, August 25

Books and nature: Dive into a botanical book talk, join a plant-focused book club, or learn about Revolutionary War espionage.

Community and craft: Find a listening ear at the Friendship Bench, learn visible mending, or dance at a family dance party.

Wednesday, August 26

Games and exploration: Try American Mahjong, join the DC Summer Puzzle Challenge, or take a tour of the District Vibes exhibition.

Workshop and science: Learn to upcycle snack wrappers, discuss managing invasive plants, or learn about the Roman Space Telescope.

Thursday, August 27

Books and leisure: Enjoy a silent reading party, a book tasting at a vineyard, or a library takeover with the Nationals.

Games and entertainment: Learn Chinese/Hong Kong Mahjong, catch late night comedy in Dupont, or attend a bicycle safety rodeo.

Friday, August 28

Music and culture: Catch Sango at La Cosecha, a cultural arts bonus night, or a documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire.

Food and family: Enjoy King Bullfrog's Hoppy Hour or a date night cooking class.

More:

Saturday, August 29

Arts and improv: Explore Art & Conversations of Freedom or try improv at MLK Library.

Books and wellness: Hear a book talk by John Wasowicz, an history of America via pies, or a workshop on herbal medicine.

More:

Sunday, August 30

Art and music: Visit a pop-up art exhibition in Chinatown or enjoy a classical concert at the French Embassy.

Wellness and books: Learn about sound and well-being or join the book club for 'The Sisterhood'.

Forward this to someone you know in Northern Virginia.

Subscribe here

Northern Virginia and nearby DC
Built from city, civic, and local source tracking.