Take advantage of various writers’ groups in NOVA’s public libraries. | Photo by Carol M. Highsmith via Wikimedia Commons
Think you’re the next Shakespeare — or just getting started? Check out our Northern Virginia poetry guide for resources, events, and opportunities to help you grow your craft.
How to get involved in NOVA’s poetry scene
Want to get involved in poetry locally? Learn the basics or master your skills at these events and groups.
Busboy and Poets offers poetry events at their various locations. Shirlington’s location hosts a weekly open mic night on Mondays from 8-10 p.m. It’s $5 if you sign up online and $8 if you sign up at the door. Don’t miss other exciting events like the 9th Hour Poetry Slam and College Night Open Mic.
Connect with fellow poets at the Northern Virginia Poetry Group, which hosts regular workshops and open-mic events in Centreville.
Kayak Tour: Wildlife of the Potomac | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Riverbend Park Location, Great Falls | $43 | Observe the natural wonders along the Potomac River, including deer, osprey, eagles, fish, and more.
Quintango | 7:30-11 p.m. | Creative Cauldron, Falls Church | $25+ | Catch this contemporary tango group as they team up with classical musicians for a unique sound.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Coffee Education with Red Bean Harvest Coffee | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Columbia Pike Branch Library, Arlington | Free | Discover Colombian coffee, sustainability tips, and enjoy a tasting at Columbia Pike Library — registration recommended.
Crab Feast 2025 | 1-4 p.m. | Aslin Beer Company, Alexandria | $81 | Feast on unlimited crab, sweet corn, and ice-cold beer at this local brewery.
Sunday, Aug. 17
Writers Group at Beatley | 1-4:30 p.m. | Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, Alexandria | Free | Join fellow aspiring writers at this workshop to work on drafts and network with others.
Daily Dose | 2-7 p.m. | Royal Sands Social Club, Washington, DC | $12 | Join us for a skincare event featuring on-site skin analysis, free samples, raffles, DJ sets, happy hour, and more — everything you need for a luxurious self-care experience.
Paint Your Pet: Custom Pet Portraits | 3-5 p.m. | Shop Made in VA, Alexandria | $81 | Learn the essentials of watercolor painting while creating a portrait of your furry best friend. Perfect for beginners and pet lovers alike.
A new Japanese restaurant is coming to Del Ray. Pak Soii Izakaya and Bar signed a lease at 1909 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria. Expect dishes like sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls. Check back in for opening date information.(ALXnow)
Read
Tens of thousands. That’s approximately how many books are available at the biannual book sale hosted by The Friends of Reston Regional Library. The sale began yesterday and goes through Sunday, Aug. 17. Perfect for back-to-school shopping. (FFXnow)
Community
ALIVE! is looking for city residents to volunteer and help distribute food to those in need this month. Attendees are asked to bring reusable grocery bags + proof of residency. See how you can help. (ALXnow)
Number
5. This is how many locations Tatte Bakery + Cafe will have in Virginia after the newest location opens in Fairfax City. This spot is set to open at 11040 Main St. in Fairfax City on Wednesday, Aug. 27. It will be the second in Fairfax, with another planned for Falls Church. (FFXnow)
Shop
It’s almost back-to-school season, and Paddywax Candle Bar has a gift for all of the teachers. Use code TEACHER20 to get 20% off various classes through Sunday, Aug. 31. Make sure to bring a valid faculty ID to your reservation.
Development
A once-abandoned lot at 9571 Fairfax Blvd is getting new life. Area 2 Farms, backed by a $25,000 Fairfax City Economic Development grant, will open by year’s end — growing this organization that’s bringing locally grown produce to the DMV. (FFXnow)
Try This
Celebrate National Thrift Store Day on Sunday, Aug. 17, with great deals at various thrift chains. Take advantage of 50% off clothing at Salvation Army, $5 off $25 at Goodwill (through Tuesday, Aug. 19), and $15 off $40 at Savers. I’ll be doing some shopping at one of the Goodwills in Arlington.
Tech
Did you know? The Virginia Lottery app features a massive library of daily games and prizes. Play online or visit a retailer near you for even more chances to win.*
Featured Deal
Put your business’s message here in as little as two days when you score 15% off your first ad buy on our self-service ad portal. Redeem your discount with code NEW15 at checkout.
Wellness
Wellness
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The Serum, powered by clinically proven Mitopure. | Photo by Timeline
As we age, skin loses the firmness and elasticity that gives it a youthful appearance. A key reason? Skin cells lose energy, hindering essential functions like collagen production.
This one’s definitely worth the trip. Just over an hour from downtown Arlington, the Flying Circus Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Bealeton on September 20–21. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the sights — and even take a ride in a hot air balloon yourself.
Our favorite back-to-school find for college students: an upholstered storage ottoman. Dorm rooms don’t offer much space, so smart storage solutions are a must. This ottoman delivers with a roomy interior and soft teddy velvet fabric — combining function with style.
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.
On my run yesterday morning, I caught the first signs of fall — Courthaus Social has its Oktoberfest banner up. The celebration runs from Friday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 21, and promises a lively lineup: stein-holding contests, best-dressed lederhosen competitions, and live music throughout the weekend.
‡The Serum disclaimer: Based on an 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial of 36 healthy women aged 40 to 65 years.
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