NOVA This Week (09/24): Cox Farms Fall Festival

Don't Miss This Week

Fall mode: Cox Farms Fall Festival is the classic seasonal outing, with plenty of family-friendly reasons to make the trip to Centreville.

Local legends: It's Back to “School Daze” with EU brings film and live music together on Saturday for a distinctly Washington celebration.

Thursday, September 24

Browse and make: Start with the Friends of Reston Library Big Fall Book Sale, then give young creators a hands-on challenge at 3D Printing Basics for Kids. For a more theatrical seasonal outing, High Tea with the Highlands pairs a Bridgerton-inspired tea party with Highland cows.

After hours: Boots Back on Campus Line Dancing Night offers a lively way to trade the usual Thursday routine for a dance floor.

Friday, September 25

Book-sale circuit: Pick up local reading material at the Beatley Friends Book Sale, Friends of Burke Centre Library’s Fall Book Sale, Friends of Reston Library Big Fall Book Sale, or the Friends of Tenley Library Book Sale.

Mystery night: Embassy Row Spy Tour with an ex-CIA Officer turns one of Washington’s most recognizable neighborhoods into the setting for an insider-led walk, while Escape Room: Project Genesis keeps the clues indoors.

Saturday, September 26

Local culture: Descenes and Discord: Punk History in Arlington and the DMV digs into the region’s music history, while Bellevue Saturday Cinema: Hispanic Heritage Month offers a film-centered celebration.

Out and about: Lovettsville Oktoberfest brings seasonal festival energy to Western Loudoun, and the Halloween Costume Swap with the Solid Waste Bureau gives old costumes a second life.

Useful weekend work: Learn the basics at a Basic Bicycle Maintenance Workshop or take a pet to the Free Vaccination & Microchip Clinic.

Sunday, September 27

For families: Dog Man Funfest brings a favorite book character to life, while Fall Leaves Sun-prints and Nature Talk makes a seasonal craft out of what’s underfoot.

For readers: Sample your next book at Book Tasting: Fall Reads, then browse the Friends of the Cascades Library Book Sale.

Monday, September 28

Make something: Explore color and art history at Art at the Library: Matisse & Fauvism, stamp autumn designs at DIY Adults: Autumn Napkin Stamping, or embrace the wonderfully specific Shop Class: Dino Nugget Bag Charms.

Local decisions: The Data Center Standards and Locations Project Open House offers a chance to engage with Loudoun’s ongoing growth questions. History-minded visitors can also see the Merci Train Exhibition.

Tuesday, September 29

Try a new skill: Learn laser cutting at Makerspace: Glowforge 101, practice visible repairs at the Visible Mending Circle, or meet Artist-in-Residence Brett Wilson.

On the agenda: Western Loudoun residents can attend the Route 15 Lucketts Bypass Public Meeting, while families can follow StoryWalk: Squawk of Spanish.

Wednesday, September 30

Culture and conversation: Creatives’ Club: Celebrating Latinx Creatives and Hispanic Heritage Month Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Tasting offer two different ways into the evening’s cultural programming.

Books and movement: Discuss Crying in H Mart at Turning Pages, Asian Voices, or get on your feet with Latin Dance Lessons at Aurora Hills. For a larger literary conversation, Ayad Akhtar — The Radiance at Betts Theater is also on the calendar.

Thursday, October 1

Learn and move: Try Line Dancing 101, explore the niche world of In Pleasant Company: American History Dolls, or join the bilingual Cuentos para niños / Stories for Children at Shirlington.

See the city differently: The DC Mural Tour turns neighborhood walls into an outdoor gallery. For a social evening, Naija Trivia Night celebrates Nigerian culture through questions and conversation.

Friday, October 2

Music and food: Hear Cuban music in an unusual setting at the Son Cubano Subterraneo Concert at the Embassy of Cuba, or settle in for The Missing Ingredient: Rooftop Dinner Party at La Vie.

Gentler plans: Families can try Preschool STEAM Play at Courthouse, while adults can choose Tai Chi at Beatley Library or the Arlington 55+ Book Club.

Saturday, October 3

Union Market day: The Union Market District Street Fest fills the neighborhood with seasonal street-fair energy, with the Nu Androids x Union Market Block Party Feat. Marc Rebillet adding a high-volume musical finale.

On the trail and beyond: Spoke ’n Word: W&OD Trail Takeover brings library services outdoors, while Architecture on the Nation’s Front Lawn offers a guided look at the National Mall’s built surroundings.

Different rhythms: Hear Sufi music and poetry at The Flame Calls the Moth, or head waterfront for Vola’s Fall Oysterfest.

Sunday, October 4

Community and culture: Umpukan: A Fil-Am History Month Celebration centers Filipino American history and community. For a more offbeat afternoon, Schwanzfest at Dacha Beer Garden offers a queer take on Oktoberfest in Shaw.

All Week

• Make something useful at the Candle Making Workshop in downtown Leesburg.
• Families can enjoy bilingual reading at Conoce al autor: Lucky Diaz or Cuentos para niños / Stories for Children.
• Take in neighborhood art on the DC Mural Tour.
• Browse the George Mason Friends Fall Book Sale or make a small wearable project at the Make & Take: DIY Jewelry Station.
• Fiber artists can work alongside Paula Lytle’s Make a Sweater, while curious adults can join Socrates Cafe.
• For ongoing community connection, see Memory Café at Central Library or hear Story Tapestries Presents: Afro Blue: A Musical Journey.