NOVA This Week (09/03): 9/11 Ceremony 25th Anniversary

Don't Miss This Week

Arlington marks a somber milestone on Friday with the 9/11 Ceremony 25th Anniversary, a public commemoration twenty-five years on from the Pentagon attack — the kind of local gathering worth showing up for even if you just stand quietly at the edge.

On Saturday, DC's citywide art crawl returns with Art All Night: District of Wonder, one of several neighborhood editions happening this month that turn libraries, storefronts, and side streets into free galleries until late.

Thursday, September 3

Something different: Loudoun's High Tea with the Highlands pairs a Bridgerton-style tea party with actual Highland cows — as niche and charming a seasonal outing as this week offers.

Make something: Loudoun's Candle Making Workshop and DC Library's Five-Minute Horror Filmmaking Workshop both hand you a finished thing by the end of the night — one a candle, the other a tiny scary movie.

Families can catch Fairfax County's Bilingual (Spanish-English) Storytime, history buffs get a rundown of Forty Historic Properties in Loudoun County, and Alexandria's Line Dancing 101 teaches Motown and Oldies moves to anyone willing to try.

Friday, September 4

Global DC: An ex-CIA officer leads the Embassy Row Spy Tour, while the KanKouran 43rd Annual Conference and Concert brings a major West African cultural gathering to the area — two very different ways to see the diplomatic and diaspora sides of the city.

For a quieter morning, Fairfax's Coffee & a Classic: Show Boat pairs a classic film with fresh coffee, and Loudoun's Davis Mansion Tours opens up a piece of local history.

Families have Family Archery in Loudoun, and it's also Library Card Signup Month if you've been meaning to get one.

Saturday, September 5

Fairfax County libraries go full whimsy with Murder at the Faerie Ball, an interactive murder mystery for anyone who wants a little immersive theater on a Saturday.

Arlington pairs culture and history with a Bellevue Saturday Cinema: Hispanic Heritage Month screening and a Center for Local History Open House, where staff open up the archives for a guided look.

Swap and craft: DC Library hosts a Clothing Swap, and Fairfax runs Crafternoon: Decoupage Handheld Fans for a hands-on afternoon project.

• More: Arlington's Basic Self-Defense Class with EvolveAll at Courthouse offers practical skills for anyone interested.

Sunday, September 6

The DC State Fair returns as the city's big seasonal celebration of local food and agriculture — worth the trip if you haven't been.

Sunday nightlife: VERZUZ: Gogo Battle at Sax brings DC's homegrown sound to the stage, while ADIPOSE: Comedy Show & Plus Size Clothing Swap mixes stand-up with a fashion swap.

Creative types can enter Loudoun's 5th Annual Novel Expressions Art Contest or trade décor at DC Library's Holiday Decor Swap.

Tuesday, September 8

For book lovers: Loudoun hosts Meet the Author: Daniel Kraus, a Pulitzer Prize winner, alongside its ongoing Essay Discussion Club.

Game night: DC Library's Come Play Mahjong!, Alexandria's teen Duncan and Dragons: Dino Adventure, and its LEGO Night cover tabletop options for every age.

DC Library also runs a Free Walk-In Legal Clinic for anyone who needs it, no appointment necessary.

Wednesday, September 9

The DC Comedy Festival opens across DC, Maryland, and Virginia — the kickoff to a multi-day regional run.

Make something: Loudoun's Makerspace: Create Your Own Embroidery Design and its Novel Expressions Art Contest both reward showing up with something to work on.

Loudoun also offers a History Hour: To Dress the Whole Army and the more serious Let's Talk About Domestic Violence conversation.

Thursday, September 10

Storytime, twice over: Loudoun offers the genuinely unusual Storytime at the Airport and its recurring Family Storytime with Paws to Read, where kids read aloud to therapy dogs.

Arlington's Banned Books Club: "Kindred" tackles Octavia Butler's novel head-on.

Also in Arlington: the Bienvenido a la Biblioteca Central / Welcome Week Library Tour and the supportive Memory Café at Central Library both build community in quieter ways.

• More: THE OCEAN KNOWS: A Melodic Narrative blends science and music into one performance.

Friday, September 11

Anacostia's art scene takes over with Art All Night Anacostia: Good Trouble, Louder! and its companion brunch, celebrating the neighborhood's creativity and history.

Embassy Row goes tropical for the night with Rooftop Night in Havana, a Latin band and rooftop setting under the stars.

Arlington teens have Brick and Chill: Teen LEGO® Hangout, a low-key weekend option.

Saturday, September 12

Art All Night continues with the Riggs Park & Manor Park edition, spotlighting local artists and small businesses in that corner of the city.

Get outside: the DC Bike Ride and Loudoun's Tree-mendous Adventure! both make the case for spending the day outdoors.

Music and food: Arlington's Magnolia Quintet: Let's Dance! brings a dance-themed concert, and Hill Center's Silk Road Cooking Series: Zanzibari Pilau teaches Zanzibari flavors hands-on.

• More: Alexandria's Building Better Bonds! offers expert advice for pet owners.

Sunday, September 13

Hill Center's American Roots Concert Series features The Little Mercies to close out the week musically.

Alexandria's Generations at Woodlawn looks at local heritage at the historic estate.

Sunday out: the RFK Farmers & Flea Market and Union Market's Alchemy Collective for Box & Flow cover a lazy morning of shopping and movement.

• More: Brews & I Do's: A Wedding Pop-Up lets couples meet local vendors over beer.

All Week

• Fairfax County's Loving Poetry Workshop explores sensory writing and memory with a professional poet.
• Arlington's Make Talking Artwork lets families animate their own art with simple tech.
• DC Library screens MLK Docs: Landfall at its central branch.
• Pajama Movie Night @ Tenley is a cozy family film night, pajamas encouraged.
• DC Library's Photography at Rosedale is a hands-on STEAM workshop for kids.
• Loudoun's Puzzle Swap connects jigsaw hobbyists looking to trade.
• Arlington's Intergenerational Storytime brings youth and seniors together.
• DC Library hosts Uncle Ty-Rone, a family puppet and music show.
• Fairfax's Death Café offers an open, unusual conversation about mortality.
• Fairfax's First Saturday Book Sale supports local library programs while you dig for finds.