Plus, a free capybara encounter.
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Today’s Forecast

96º | 5% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:08 a.m. | Sunset 8:21 p.m.

High tide 1:15 p.m. | Low tides 7:24 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.


Editor’s Pick

National Landing Water Park

A place you go to socialize, explore an interest, connect with nature, or unwind. Also known as a third place.

That’s what awaits at Arlington’s National Landing Water Park, boasting nine market-style food options from a range of cuisines, including burgers, Thai, Americana, pizza, and Vietnamese. Local bagel chain Call Your Mother Deli just joined the party, too.

The region’s only outdoor food hall also hosts various events — we’re fans of Live Music Fridays at the Fountain. The free, family-friendly event runs through August.

The Buy

This No. 1 best-selling aftersun body butter. We swear by this product’s 12-hour hydration and scrumptious coconut fragrance.
Shop more Amazon bestsellers

Events

Wednesday, July 30

Summer Tomato Tasting | 6-7 p.m. | Arlington Mill | Free | It’s knowledge to know a tomato is a fruit, it’s wisdom to bring your own to this event to enjoy the tastes of summer alongside other fiber-full friends.

Thursday, July 31

Snake and Turtle Feeding | 5:30 p.m. | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale | $8 | Watch a snake, toad, and turtle feeding and learn more about the animals from expert staff.

Friday, Aug. 1

Summer on the Green Concert Series | 6:30-8 p.m. | Vienna Town Green | Free | Soak in the summer sounds of local rock and dance band Fat Chance — remember a chair or blanket.

Saturday, Aug. 2

NBA Cookout | 4-9 p.m. | Arlington Beer Garden | $18+ | Sorry, basketball fans, but this “NBA” stands for “Nothing But AfroVybz” at this Afro-inspired cookout chock-full of eats, drinks, and summer sounds.

Sunday, Aug. 3

Family Day with Young Historians | 2-5 p.m. | Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Alexandria | $0-$5 | Take part in a guided tour and hands-on activities about period clothing and chocolate making.

Monday, Aug. 4

Yoga At The Library | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, Alexandria | Free with reservation | Give yourself the gift of relaxation, breathwork, and mindfulness to start your week right — remember a mat, towel, and water.
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Following the DC Council’s approval of an $11.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, we’re getting closer to some answers on a new RFK campus stadium. Officials are meeting on Friday, Aug. 1 to hold their first vote on a revised financial plan with the Washington Commanders, featuring a $1 billion slice of the pie. (Washington Business Journal)

Opening

A new, luxury boutique hotel is opening in Leesburg. Guests can stay in Hotel Burg starting Friday, Aug. 1 with 39 rooms to choose from and a range of locally sourced culinary options. Not to mention the adjoining 22-acre event venue capped by a historic stone barn. The photos are stunning. (Northern Virginia Mag)
Two NOVA restaurants are among the best places to eat in the DC area, according to the New York Times. Arlington’s Bostan Uyghur Cuisine was one, and Mama Chang in Fairfax was the other, as both made the publication’s new top 25 list. We feel like two isn’t enough — send in your snubs.

Eat

There’s more where that came from. ALXnow readers have been voting for the best barbecue spot in Alexandria, with the polls closing at midnight last night. And the winner is...

Quoted

“They’re kind of like a video game come to life.” Those were words spoken by Matt DuPlessie, founder and CEO of Level99, an entertainment concept with agility tests designed for adults. You can look forward to food, drink, and American Ninja Warrior-style fun in Tysons Corner Center starting next month. (Washington Business Journal)

Weather

Will it ever cool down? Actually, yes. Today is set to be the last day of the current heatwave, predicted to end with some lightning storms tonight. Starting tomorrow, July 31, we’ll be back to regularly scheduled programming, and you can make the most of the NOVA sunshine. Maybe even an outdoor meal.

Biz

Connect with our Instagram followers by partnering with NOVAtoday for a sponsored social post. Choose between our feed or story placements — or why not both? Explore even more advertising opportunities with us + elevate your brand’s reach.

Job

Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.

Travel

Psst — You’re making flying too complicated. Sign up for Going and get emailed when flights to your dream destination are up to 90% off.*
Just dropped: limited edition colors of Bissell’s viral carpet cleaner, the Little Green Machine. Get all the stain-removing, deep-cleaning action in purple or in blue.*

Post of the Day

Want to meet the world’s largest rodent? Reston’s NOVA Wild zoo can help.

A pair of lucky winners can get up-close and personal with the endearing creatures by entering the facility’s free giveaway.
Want to be featured?

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

Answered

Last week, we asked you for your must-visit DC museum

An interior room at the National Museum of Natural History. Dinosaur skeletons are seen across the room behind barriers, with displays and placards explaining each one.

Where’s Ben Stiller when you need him?

Photo via Smithsonian Institution

And it was a close one, with a narrow win going to the National Museum of Natural History which got 33% of the votes.
  • 30% voted for the National Air and Space Museum.
  • 23% chose the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
  • 10% of respondents said the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
  • And 4% of you chose “Other.”
The vote's still open

The Wrap

On this day, July 30, in 1930, the first-ever FIFA World Cup final took place, with host nation Uruguay defeating neighboring rivals Argentina 4-2. Fun fact: The Egyptian team was supposed to play at the tournament, but had to withdraw because they missed their South America-bound boat.

The closest games to NOVA at next year’s North American tournament are taking place in Philly. Don’t miss the boatsign up for ticket updates.
A headshot of editor Patrick. He is smiling in front of a green background on the left of the image, with his name written in full on the right.

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