Entertainment

A person lighting a candle on a birthday cake.
Entertainment
Where to get birthday deals in Northern Virginia
Celebrate your special day with these birthday deals, from sweet treats to discounts on plants.
January 28, 2026 12:12 PM
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A person hiking along the Potomac River.
City
How to make friends in Northern Virginia
New to the city or just looking to meet some new people? Our guide can help you find the people who most align with your interests.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Grapes in a vineyard.
Bars
Grape escapes: Six wineries to check out around NOVA
Kick back and relax with a glass of wine at one of these wineries with your friends and family this summer.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The signage of Great Waves Waterpark in Alexandria.
City
Your guide to staying cool in NOVA
This heat wave has us feeling, well, hot. Here are some ways you can make the most of the heat and stay cool.
June 24, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Close-up of a butterfly gathering nectar from a blooming native plant.
Entertainment
Where to find community gardens in Alexandria
Grow everything from native flowers to delicious fruits and veggies in your own community garden.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A wall that's painted yellow and filled with shelves of board and card games from the floor to the ceiling.
Culture
An introvert’s guide to Northern Virginia
Want to be more social, but hate the idea of chatting up a stranger? Try these activities for introverts in NOVA.
May 13, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
People walking around a farmers market.
Live
Your guide to farmers markets in NOVA
Get your reusable bag — it’s time to go to the market.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
NOVA-RFKStadium-Apr30.jpg
Sports
A new era for the Washington Commanders
What a new stadium deal between the Commanders and Washington D.C. could mean for fans across the country
April 29, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A tall, red brick house sits on a grassy yard surrounded by trees.
Play
16 of the top free things to do in NOVA
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in NOVA, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
March 24, 2025
Four people from the "Queer Eye" cast are standing behind a desk looking at papers and jewelry sitting on top of the desk. Two of the four are hunched over to get a better look. On the other side of the desk, a man sits and points at one of the jewelry pieces. A "Netflix" banner can be seen in the background.
Culture
“Queer Eye” is searching for local heroes
The Netflix TV show is casting heroes for its next season in Washington, DC and the greater DMV area.
March 14, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
An ariel shot of the 14th Street Bridge spanning the Potomac River to connect Arlington VA and Washing DC with images of the National Mall in the background.
Culture
Movies and TV shows filmed in Northern Virginia
NOVA is a star: You’ll be able to spot local destinations and landmarks while tuning in to these movies and television shows.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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More from NOVAtoday
A GIF saying "2025 Wrapped."
City
Your 2025 NOVAtoday Wrapped: The top news stories of the year
Spotify isn’t the only one having fun — dive into your 2025 NOVAtoday Wrapped.
December 4, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The outside of an Amtrak train at Alexandria Station.
Airports and Transportation
Your guide to the Amtrak in Northern Virginia and DC
Traveling soon, but not feeling the hassle of flying? Check out this guide to Amtrak routes in and around Northern Virginia.
December 2, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A photo of shops along King Street in Old Town Alexandria.
How to shop local on Small Business Saturday
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 24, 2025
 · 
Staff
People shopping at a holiday market in Northern Virginia.
City
Holiday markets in Northern Virginia
Check out these six holiday markets happening throughout December in Northern Virginia — offering art, food, and, of course, holiday cheer.
November 21, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
RIC_NOVA_smithfield_ham_sign_NOV
Weird Virginia laws you might not know about
Have you committed one of these strangely specific crimes? Take a browse through some Virginia laws you might not have known were on the books.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The Panes con Pavo sandwich from Your Only Friend, made with Salvadoran braised turkey, cortido, salted cucumber, Crystal Hot Sauce fried chili oil, Duke’s Mayo, served cold on a soft roll.
Restaurants
Sandwiches, pho, and more: Newly acclaimed restaurants near NOVA
From restaurants to chefs, see which three DC eateries and one culinary talent recently received top accolades.
November 19, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A beer being poured at Courhaus Social.
Live
NOVA happy hour deals to quench your thirst
Hit the town and enjoy a discounted drink at one of these cheers-worthy NOVA happy hours.
November 18, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A photo of Chain Bridge Road in McLean.
Real Estate
Explore one of Northern Virginia’s most expensive roads: Chain Bridge Road
Check out a variety of properties on Chain Bridge Road in McLean — from modern mansions to ones resembling Italian villas.
November 17, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Brunch at SER in Arlington.
Restaurants
NOVAtoday readers’ favorite restaurants
Here are over 25 restaurants that you, our readers, said were your go-to spots around Northern Virginia.
November 14, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Someone using their new digital driver's license.
Government
What is Virginia’s new digital driver’s license?
Virginians can now carry their driver’s licenses right on their phones for added ease and convenience. Learn more about what this means for you.
November 13, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski