An introvert’s guide to Northern Virginia | If you’re more of an introvert — or your social battery just needs a recharge — but you still want to get out of the house, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of low-key activities that let you enjoy NOVA solo.
Find a run club in the Northern Virginia area | Looking to meet new people and stay active? Try joining one of NOVA’s many running clubs. With groups for every pace and experience level, there’s a perfect fit for everyone.
Where to plan your next brunch date in NOVA | We don’t know about y’all, but our favorite meal of the day is brunch. Here are 15+ spots to check out in NOVA for every occasion.
Events
Events
Saturday, May 17
2025 Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Health Fair | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center, Fairfax | Free | Learn about cancer prevention, genetic research going on at Inova, on-site and take-home cancer screenings, and more.
2025 Hula Lite Workshop | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Fairlington Community Center, Arlington | $71 | Learn about either the kahiko (ancient) or ‘auana (modern) hula forms in these instructor-led classes.
McLean Day 2025 | 11 a.m. | Lewinsville Park, McLean | Free | The festival is back and bigger than ever for its 110th year, with live music, gourmet food trucks, games, amusement rides, and endless fun.
Sunday, May 18
Bookstagrammer Breakfast | 9-11 a.m. | Old Town Books, Alexandria | $11.50 | Get a first look at Old Town Books’ summer reading guides and enjoy coffee, breakfast, and bookish conversation.
3rd Annual Northern Virginia Tea Festival | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Elden Street Tea Shop, Reston | $30 | Choose from three immersive tracks — Historical and Cultural, Culinary and Tea Etiquette, or Kids Track — to explore the rich world of tea in a way that suits your interests.
Braddock Bark Festival | 1-4 p.m. | Lake Accotink Park, Springfield | Free | Enjoy a doggie splash area, a kids activity table, giant board games, dog adoption opportunities, and more.
Tuesday, May 20
Bug Hike | 4-5 p.m. | Fort CF Smith Park, Arlington | $6 | Kids ages 6 to 10 can catch and release bugs while exploring the trails.
Saturday, May 24
D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls | 7:30 p.m. | Audi Field, Washington, DC | $22+ | Put on your black and red to cheer on our home team as they face off against our biggest rivals.
It’s Arlington Palooza tomorrow, which means… road closures. Due to this event and various 5K races this weekend, you can expect temporary closures in Arlington Forest and Rock Spring, both Saturday + Sunday. Learn more about the specifics. (ARLnow)
Development
Fairfax County Park Authority is looking for public comment on a plan for three potential pickleball courts at Greenbriar Park. You have until 5 p.m. on June 13 to give your feedback.
Opening
After three years of construction, the African American Heritage Park and the new Hoffs Run Interceptor are set to reopen with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 7 at 10 a.m. The goal of the project is to help reduce flooding in the area. (ALXnow)
Plan Ahead
In case you missed it, this past week was Virginia Hurricane Preparedness Week. Make sure your emergency kit is prepared + that you understand the different storm messages.
Closing
Imagine Artwear in Old Town Alexandria is closing, but the good news is it will remain open through June. Owner Carol Supplee secured an extra month, and all merchandise is now 50% off until the final day. (ALXnow)
Stat
The NOVA + DC region has been ranked No. 2 among the best metros for working moms. According to the report, 73% of mothers with children under 18 are employed, with nearly 17% working from home. In DC specifically, 77.2% of moms are in the workforce, averaging 38.9 hours per week. (CoWorking Cafe)
Travel
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has released its 2024 Annual Aircraft Noise Report, covering noise data and analysis for both Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. Daily activity levels are returning to what they were pre-pandemic.
Number
$122,000. That’s how much annual income a Virginia resident would need in order to afford a 3-bedroom home, according to Realtor.com and DC Economics. Similar predicted averages are observed in Alaska, Florida, and Tennessee. Compare all 50 rankings.
Ranked
Arlington, Alexandria, + DC’s metro area have been ranked as the No. 3 summer destination, according to WalletHub’s list of “Best Summer Travel Destinations.” If you don’t want to play the host, check out Airbnbs in Arlington + Alexandria.
Holiday
Brace yourself for Memorial Day travel — this year is likely to break a 20-year-old record with nearly 45.1 million people on the move. Don’t forget that you need a REAL ID to fly. Here’s how to get yours.(Axios)
Community
The Southern accent may be disappearing. According to recent research, there’s been a diminishment of the regional accent in certain communities — including folks who grew up in the NOVA area. Which leads us to ask — do you have a Southern accent? Let us know.
Read
If you’re re-reading ACOTAR again, you’re not alone. Romance is the most popular genre in Virginia. Old Town Books in Old Town Alexandria hosts a bunch of book clubs, including its Bad Romance Book Clubs. For the meeting on June 20, they’ll be reading “A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke.” (Visual Capitalist)
Asked
Asked
💼 Which US city ranked higher than NOVA + DC as the best metro area for working moms?
Earlier, we reported on the potential ban of gas-powered leaf blowers in Alexandria. On Tuesday, the City Council voted 5-1 in favor of the ban. The final vote and public hearing are scheduled for tomorrow.
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