16 of the top free things to do in NOVA | Looking for ways to enjoy NOVA without breaking the bank? We’ve put together a list of free activities from the arts to eats.
LAC Studios Spring Show and Sale | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | LAC Studios, Arlington | Cost of purchase | Shop small and support local artists at this gallery that offers limited openings to the public.
Spring Fling: An Old Town Block Party | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Old Town, Alexandria | Free | Check out 30 Old Town businesses along with activities, trunk shows, and demonstrations.
Sunday, May 4
Old Town Run Club Spring Fling: May the 4th be With You | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cameron Run Regional Park, Alexandria | $40 | Celebrate National Star Wars Day with a 10K + 1-mile fun run and walk — make sure to dress up to enter the costume contest.
Virginia Opera: “Loving v. Virginia” | 2 p.m. | Concert Hall, Fairfax | $40+ | Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony present “Loving v. Virginia,” an opera about the landmark civil rights case of an interracial couple in 1958.
Monday, May 5
Freedom Concert at Netherlands Carillon | 4-6 p.m. | Netherlands Carillon, Arlington | Free | The Dutch Regimental Orchestra, the US Army Band, and Dutch singer Julia Schutten will perform together to celebrate 80 years of freedom.
Children’s Day or Kodomo no Hi | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Oakton Library, Oakton | Free | Celebrate Children’s Day by decorating koinobori (carp streamers) as well as other Japanese crafts.
Saturday, May 17
Arlington Palooza | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lubber Run Community Center, Arlington | Free | Listen to live music, shop from street vendors, grab a bite from the food truck alley, and more.
The Democratic + Republican primary elections in Virginia are June 17, but early voting starts today and goes until June 14. Read here for more important election information. (10Wavy)
Try This
Today marks the start of DC’s 86th Annual Flower Mart. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, shop flowers, listen to live music, and more. What a perfect spot to get a Mother’s Day gift.
Arts
Are you interested in poetry and want to bring that passion to the Arlington community? The county is seeking its next Poet Laureate for the 2025-2027 term. Applications are open until Saturday, June 7.
Opening
A new Peruvian chicken restaurant called Cuco’s Peruvian opened this past Wednesday in the Vienna Shopping Center, previously occupied by another Peruvian restaurant called Don Pollo. Cuco’s Peruvian is currently in a soft opening with a more limited menu — we’re eyeing the Peruvian Chicken Wings. (FFXnow)
Sports
Hey batta batta. The Alexandria Aces have officially announced their 2025 schedule — the perfect summer activity. Their home opener at Frank Mann Field will be June 4 against the Thunderbolts. (ALXnow)
Cause
NAMI’s 17th Annual Walk in Northern Virginia is Sunday, May 4, at Bren Mar Park from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Join to raise mental health awareness, celebrate recovery, and inspire hope. Everyone is welcome to walk in this free event, and donations are encouraged.
Number
$965.5 million. That’s how much the Alexandria City Council unanimously chose to allocate to the 2026 Fiscal Year. This new budget is set to go into effect on July 1 and will not lead to an increase in real estate taxes for Alexandrians.
Plan Ahead
Many of you may know that the deadline to have your Real ID ready is May 7, but you may not know that a Real ID will be required to enter Arlington National Cemetery. If you’re above 18 years old and entering the cemetery through a security checkpoint, you’ll need to present your Real ID after this deadline. (WTOP)
Development
Attention commuters who take I-495 in the Tysons area — traffic will be moving to the newly constructed outer lanes so construction for the new express lanes can begin. Forthcoming toll lanes are planned to open later this year. (FFXnow)
Traffic
Overnight maintenance on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 9, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Expect frequent traffic stops during this time and plan for delays. (ALXnow)
Real Estate
New data from Apartment List + Zumper shows that Arlington’s rent prices are still on the rise. The median rent in the city has risen to $2,639, marking a 0.6% month-over-month increase, in line with national trends. (ARLnow)
Listen
Explore soundscapes around the world with this interactive map. The map features over 7,000 sounds from 130 countries and territories. For Arlington, someone uploaded music titled “Silent Soldiers” for the fallen in Arlington National Cemetery.
Fun Fact
2,051. That’s how many feet above river level China’s Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge — set to open this summer — is, making it the new title-holder for the world’s tallest bridge. Compare that to the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, which has a clearance of 69 ft. (CNN)
Tomorrow Is
Free Comic Book Day. The celebration of the genre allows fans to grab free comic books, including titles from franchises like “Spider-Man,” “Archie,” and “Minecraft at select locations. Use this map to find a participating spot, like Borderlands Comics + Games.
The Wrap
The Wrap
I’m starting to put together my summer bucket list — corny, I know — but it helps me keep track of all the activities I want to do. One thing on my list: Pops in the Park, where the Arlington Philharmonic will perform at the Lubber Run Amphitheater. What’s on your summer bucket list?
}})
}})
