Virginia’s largest fair returns to Manassas from Aug. 8–16, bringing nine days of non-stop fun for the whole family. From live shows and livestock displays to motorsports and classic fair attractions, there’s something for everyone.
We’re especially looking forward to the classic fair food dishes — you can’t go wrong with a mouthwatering funnel cake.
Pro tip: Admission is ticketed, but parking is free. Arrive early to grab a good spot.
Asked
Asked
Last call — what song best represents NOVA?
We’re curating a playlist for NOVA, and we’re looking for your ideas. You could be featured in a future newsletter. 👀
Daytime Book Club | 12-1:15 p.m. | Kingstowne Library, Fairfax | Free | Chat about “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese with fellow bookworms at this discussion group.
Thursday, Aug. 7
Horseback Trail Ride | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon | $100 | Howdy, y’all. Bring out your inner cowboy and learn how to ride a horse on a trail.
Friday, Aug. 8
Civil War Cuisine Campfire | 7-8:30 p.m. | Fort CF Smith Park, Arlington | $9 | Experience the food + drinks that Civil War soldiers consumed, along with the classic campfire snacks like s’mores.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Introduction to Intuitive Collage Workshop | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Alexandria | $55+ | Give your mind a break by learning the art of collage, mixed media, and journal writing.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Cosmic Craft Nite | 4-6 p.m. | Fibre Space, Alexandria | Free | Connect with the queer community at a relaxed craft night — bring whatever you’re working on and hang out.
Thompson Restaurant Group plans to open two new restaurants at Great Falls Plaza in Sterling. Ms. Peaches Kitchen, inspired by Warren Thompson’s late grandmother, is expected to open Monday, Aug. 25. The group also plans to swap out Velocity Wings for Austin Grill. (Washington Business Journal)
Sports
This one is for all of the Loudoun County families with future soccer stars. Register your children for the PSA Fall Recreational Soccer League — and the second sibling plays for free. Whether your child is new to the game or dreams of being the next Messi, it’s a fun and affordable way to play. (The Burn)
Mansion Monday
Tucked away among the trees, this hidden mansion in Leesburg is a true paradise — so secluded, you might miss it if you’re not looking closely. We’re dreaming about a summer night swim in the pool as fireflies dance around the property.
Pets
Our tails are wagging — it’s officially August, which is National Dog Month. The best way to celebrate is by spending some quality time with your four-legged friends, and we recommend exploring one of these local, dog-friendly places.
Which stamp are you voting for?
Photo via USPS
Trending
See that picture above? Imagine getting one of those in the mail. No, not the jellyfish. USPS is hosting a vote through the end of September to bring back some of its most popular stamps, with options including Pixar characters, American history, and birthday shoutouts. Have your say.
Try This
Beyoncé ended her Cowboy Carter tour with a nostalgic surprise, reuniting Destiny’s Child to sing a medley of their greatest hits. While we couldn’t be there in Las Vegas when it happened, you’ll find us performing the encore at Music Box Karaoke in Falls Church. (Variety)
Trending
Older generations are getting confused by the “Gen Z stare” — a blank and expressionless glance that usually conveys boredom, judgment, or indifference. It’s often done by younger people in public; if you haven’t seen it yet, be on the lookout next time you’re dining at one of these outdoor spots. (The Guardian)
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.
The fair is coming to town. | Photo via Fairfax County
Make the most of August. Check out our insider’s guide to this month for all things concerts, sports, fairs, and more.
Concerts + shows
Jonas Brothers | Tuesday, Aug. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow | $43+ | You don’t have to wait until the “Year 3000" to soak in modern yet nostalgic tunes at the trio’s 20-year anniversary tour.
“Carmen” | Friday, Aug. 15 | 6:30 p.m. | Filene Center, Vienna | $39+ | Join Wolf Trap Opera’s performance of Georges Bizet’s iconic work set in 1820s Seville, following the life and love of its fiery eponymous star.
Sports, sports, and more sports
Your Washington Nationals are set to host a bunch of teams in August, with the Brewers, Athletics, Phillies, Mets, and Rays all making their way to the nation’s capital. Take yourself to a ballgame at Nationals Park.
The organization hack you need for calm, clarity, and less clutter:
🥪 Simplify your sandwich + snack bag drawer with SpaceAid’s bamboo bag storage organizer.
☕ Make your coffee station extra cute with a coffee organizer complete with a slide-out drawer for coffee pods.
🧳 Don’t overlook compression packing cubes for your next trip — you’ll fit twice as much and keep luggage organized.
🧹 This best-selling magnetic chore chart looks cute on the fridge and helps the family stay on task.
👛 Slip a purse organizer into your tote bag for instant relief from a jumble of lipstick, gum, and snacks (no judgement).
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’s play a little game. Do you know which coffee shop in NOVA this is? Send us your guesses here. The first person to guess correctly will receive a shout-out in an upcoming newsletter.
Have you been to this coffee shop? | Photo via NOVAtoday
Hint: It’s in the Pentagon City neighborhood in Arlington.
}})
}})
