Soak up the season on this patio with panoramic views and all the summer feels. | Photo via Rooftop Recess
Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 17 Northern Virginia patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.
Restaurants
Ada’s on the River | Alexandria | Partially shaded
Set right on the banks of the Potomac River, this patio offers the ideal spot to relax outdoors. Whether you’re enjoying brunch, lunch, dinner, or happy hour, the view is always a part of the experience.
Coffee Shops
Northside Social | Arlington + Falls Church | Partially shaded
This popular patio is serving up flavorful coffee, along with food, beer, and wine. You can also enjoy delicious baked goods while basking in the sunlight.
Watercolors Workshop: Boat, Reflection & Sky | 2-3:30 p.m. | City of Fairfax Regional Library, Fairfax | Free | Join artist Jyotsna Umesh to learn watercolor techniques for creating a water scene painting.
Saturday, July 19
Pollinator Garden Work Day | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Mason Neck State Park, Lorton | Free | Head to Mason Neck State Park for a day of volunteer gardening to help care for pollinator gardens, support wildlife habitats, and promote environmental stewardship.
Sunday, July 20
Dialogues of the Carmelites with Wolf Trap Opera | 2 p.m. | Filene Center, Vienna | $93+ | This opera tells the story of Blanche de la Force, a young woman torn by fear and faith — there will also be a pre-performance discussion.
Monday, July 21
Mini Medics | 12-12:45 p.m. | Oakton Library, Oakton | Free | Children 5-10 will learn about first aid through activities + crafts.
Tuesday, July 22
Shangri-La-La, A Comedy Musical | 7-9 p.m. | Arlington Drafthouse Theater, Arlington | $25 | Catch this musical comedy act that depicts a true lawsuit filed against Siegfried & Roy, the Las Vegas magic duo.
For the first time, Fairfax County Public Schools will issue a proclamation recognizing July as Disability Pride Month. Commemorate the occasion with community members and attend tonight’s event from 7-7:45 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School.
Eat
Free food. Now that we have your attention, the New York-based chain, Blazin’ Chicken and Gyro, is opening in Fairfax City today. To commemorate the opening of the second DC-area location, they’ll offer free food, juices, and milkshakes from 5-9 p.m. (FFXnow)
Opening
Alshami Restaurant, a new Syrian restaurant, has opened in Arlington. Offering up salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and more, don’t miss this new spot at 5216 Wilson Blvd. (ARLnow)
Arts
An artisan pop-up market series is coming to Crystal City starting this weekend. The Landing Local Artisan Market will have 16 vendors on Saturday, July 19 from 5-9 p.m. at 1601 Crystal Dr. This is the first of three this summer. (ARLnow)
Community
Alexandria is developing its plan for new affordable housing by 2040. On Wednesday, July 30, the Alexandria Housing Affordability Advisory Committee will host a virtual meeting to discuss details at 7 p.m. via Zoom. (ALXnow)
Sports
Two Fairfax County natives were selected in the 2025 MLB Draft. James Quinn-Irons of George Mason University went to the Tampa Bay Rays, and Griffin Stieg, a McLean High graduate and Virginia Tech student, was picked by the Seattle Mariners. Also, the Alexandria Aces had seven alumni drafted by MLB teams, setting a franchise record. (FFXnow, ALXnow)
Cause
Old Town Run Club will host a Meet & Greet Charity Fundraiser on Saturday, July 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Union Street Public House. The event will support the club’s 9/11 commemorative run, and all proceeds will go to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
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Home
Imagine stepping into a sleek, modern shower and not tripping over a peeling tub. HomeBuddy can match you with a local pro for a spa-worthy remodel — get a free estimate.*
Save hundreds when you shop Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale for top deals on apparel, home, beauty, and more. We’re adding these five to our cart before they sell out:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
One of my true loves is live music, and I am trying to figure out which concert I want to attend next. Currently, I am eyeing tickets to see the band Flyte at the Pearl Street Warehouse in DC. There’s something about seeing a smaller band at a smaller venue. Looking to catch some live music yourself? Check out our upcoming concerts guide to see what’s coming to the area.
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