It’s back-to-school season — learn more about your local districts. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
The Northern Virginia region has a plethora of school districts. We’re giving you the 411 on enrollment, student-teacher ratio, tuition, and more for the area’s major school districts. And don’t worry, there won’t be any homework.
Inova Blood Drive | 1-4 p.m. | Central Library, Arlington | Free | Register to donate blood and receive a free insulated lunch bag, while supplies last.
Country Night with Delta Spur | 7 p.m. | Tally Ho Theater, Leesburg | $22+ | Put on your cowboy boots and hat for a toe-tappin’ Country Night packed with music, fun, and Southern charm.
Jaws: 50th Anniversary | Friday, Aug. 29-Monday, Sept. 1 | 8:30 p.m. | Airbus IMAX Theater, Chantilly | $18 | Celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” the iconic thriller that redefined cinema and continues to haunt beachgoers half a century later.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Jokes on Tap: Free Comedy Night | 7-9 p.m. | Port City Brewing Company, Alexandria | Free | Comedy and craft brews? The perfect pairing. Join us for a hilarious night at the brewery.
Monday, Sept. 1
The Labor Day Car Show | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | University Drive, Fairfax | Free | Calling all car lovers. Check out cars, both old and new, at this annual car show.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
John Legend | 8 p.m. | Filene Center, Vienna | $64+ | This Grammy-award-winning singer will perform his famously known hits during his “Get Lifted — 20th Anniversary World Tour.”
The annual Falls Church Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a full day of food, fun, and community activities. Taste tickets are available for $3 each, with most food and drink items requiring just one to two tickets.
Drink
The Virginia Beer + Wine Festival will return to Arlington’s Crystal City neighborhood on Saturday, Sept. 27. Water Park will fill with Virginia-based drinks vendors, live music, and lawn games. (ARLnow)
Opening
A new Wawa is coming to NOVA. Wawa is opening a new location in Dumfries at 3600 Pointe Center Ct. on Thursday, Sept. 4. The first 100 customers get free t-shirts, and all visitors can enjoy free coffee through Sunday, Sept. 7. (InsideNOVA)
Biz
Could this be the end of The Garden restaurant in Alexandria? It has been reported that this property, located at 1503-1505 Mount Vernon Ave., is listed for lease starting Monday, Sept. 1. The lot measures 10,706 sqft, with 1,100 sqft of that space being interior. What do you want to see in this spot? (ALXnow)
Pets
EatLoco Farmers Markets is hosting its cutest dog contest. You have until Monday, Sept. 1 to cast your vote on which pup you want to win. Who will you vote for?
Environmental
A new program in Loudoun County is being implemented next month to improve invasive species removal efforts. The Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance is spearheading these efforts, and currently has 78 Loudoun homeowners as members. Learn more about the program. (Loudoun Now)
Coming Soon
A golf-themed bar will be replacing the vacant space in Ballston, where BarTaco was once located. Loopers Tavern is currently expected to open in March of 2026, featuring various golf-inspired creations. See what you can expect. (ARLnow)
Congratulations to Tonya Sutherland, winner of the 2025 ‘I Voted’ Sticker Contest. Her winning design will be featured on this year’s official voting stickers. Check out her winning artwork here.
Featured Deal
Best-selling activewear and everyday apparel up to 60% off? Athleta’s taking an extra 30% off sale items now through Monday, September 1. Shop the sale.*
Health
Health
Work with a dietitian for $0 out of pocket
Presented by Nourish
Nourish helps you develop healthy habits that last — all over telehealth and covered by your insurance. | Photo via Nourish
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian through Nourish — an easy-to-use platform that connects you with the right care to support your health goals.
Nourish helps match you with a Registered Dietitian for telehealth appointments, so you can access hyper-personalized, clinical-grade nutrition care that’s right for your health journey.
I’ve officially reached that point in summer where I’m counting down the days to fall. Until the season fully arrives, soak in these stunning scenes from Alexandria that give off serious autumn vibes. Ready to jump-start your fall plans? Don’t miss our lineup of September events.
Meridian’s original hair trimmer, now 40% off for Labor Day. This unisex shaver was built for beards, chest, legs, and bikini lines, is 100% waterproof, and was top rated by Elle, Esquire, GQ, and Forbes. Psst — Shop tons of great markdowns like this one while Labor Day sales last.
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.
Dog-watching is the new people-watching. I spotted this adorable pup around Arlington and couldn’t resist snapping a pic. Want to see your furry friend featured in a future NOVAtoday newsletter? Just send us a photo, your pet’s name, and a fun little tidbit about them — you might just see their wagging tail in an upcoming edition.
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