On Saturday, Sept. 6, stop by the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston for Dog Daze. | Photo via @fairfaxparks
We can’t believe fall is already here. Here’s your ultimate September guide, packed with everything from pet-friendly events to must-see comedy shows.
For your furry friend
Doggone Good Time at Dog Daze | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lake Fairfax Park, Reston | $15 | Celebrate the end of summer with a splash by bringing your pup to this dog-only swim event — they deserve some summer fun too.
See your favorite singers
John Legend | Tuesday, Sept. 2-Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 8 p.m. | Filene Center, Vienna | $64+ | This Grammy-award-winning singer will perform his famous hits during his “Get Lifted — 20th Anniversary World Tour.”
Fairs, festivals, and other festivities
Colonial Market + Fair | Saturday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 14 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mount Vernon | $15+ | Pay the cost of admission to this 18th-century historical site and travel back in time to a themed fair where you can shop for ceramics, jewelry, soaps, and other old-time goodies.
Knits and Knots at Herndon Library | 2-4 p.m. | Herndon Fortnightly Library, Herndon | Free | Drop in for a relaxed knitting session — get expert guidance from a seasoned knitter or bring your own project and work at your own pace.
Friday, Aug. 29
Line Dancing | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Fair Winds Brewing Company, Lorton | $5 | Get your boots on and show off your dance skills at this line dancing event.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Middle Eastern Food Festival | Saturday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Holy Transfiguration Church, McLean | Price of purchase | Savor a variety of Middle Eastern dishes while the whole family enjoys fun-filled activities like face painting and a petting zoo.
Pasta + Ravioli Making Class with Wine | 2-4 p.m. | Ashburn Wine Shop, Wine Bar + Bistro, Ashburn | $55 | Uncork, unwind, and sip on fine wine while you learn to make fresh pasta from scratch in a fun culinary experience.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Tour 2025 | 8 p.m. | The Anthem, Washington, DC | $90+ | Strut down the red carpet and experience a night of glamour, fierce performances, and fabulous energy as talented drag queens light up the stage.
Want to reach Northern Virginia locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Graphic by 6AM City
Let’s be honest: advertising can feel like a lot.
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Mandala Kitchen + Bar, a full-service Nepalese restaurant, is set to open soon at the Ashburn Square retail center. Guests can expect seated dining with waitstaff and a menu showcasing the flavors of Nepal. (The Burn)
Arts
Fairfax County seeks local artists to create digital art for The One—the new bus rapid transit along Richmond Highway. In partnership with ArtsFairfax, selected works will appear at station sites. The first submission window is open now through Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. (FFXnow)
Older Adults
Virginia’s Farm Market Fresh program offers $50 produce cards to eligible adults 60+. Applicants must meet income limits: under $2,413/month for individuals or $3,261 for couples. Apply now to enjoy fresh, local produce. (ALXnow)
Community
Looking for some volunteering opportunities? Volunteer Alexandria + JustServe plans to host the Community Volunteer Fair on Saturday, Sept. 13. Learn about opportunities from over 45 nonprofits from 2-4 p.m. at 2810 King St. (ALXnow)
Opening
After a two-week renovation, the Old Town Sandwich Shop plans to reopen at 127 S. Peyton St. on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Soon, you’ll once again be able to order classic sandwiches like a steak + cheese sandwich or a meatball sub. (ALXnow)
Travel
It’s not quite flying cars, but we sure are getting close. Waymo, the self-driving car company, is on its way to DC by 2026. These vehicles have been seen in NOVA, as they prepare to conduct tests on DC streets. (ARLnow)
Eat
Recently, we reported on how a new Hilton opened in Rosslyn. There is also a new restaurant and coffee shop coming to town, connected to this hotel. Indulge in steakhouse-inspired dishes at Locket or snag on-the-go dishes and Starbucks coffee at Scott’s Coffee Shop & Mart. (ARLnow)
Restaurant Roundup
Speaking of new restaurants… We had more than 58 restaurants open this year alone. See our roundup of all new and coming soon restaurants — and be sure to bookmark it to stay in the know.
Biz
Ready to launch ads in your pajamas? Our Self-Service Ad Portal gives you instant access to thousands of engaged readers — click, create, conquer. Got a real estate listing or a local event? Get it seen, stress-free.
Finance
The institutional firms that backed Uber and Venmo also invested in Pacaso, whose co-ownership tech revolutionizes the $1.3 trillion vacation home market. Pacaso has earned $110 million+ in gross profit to date. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO. Invest for $2.90/share before the opportunity ends Sept. 18.†‡*
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.
🦡 Recently, I asked if any Badger alumni were reading the newsletter — and I’m excited to give a shoutout to fellow UW–Madison alumna Ann S., Class of 1972. Will I see you at one of these local sports bars during college football season?
‡‡Finance “investment method” disclaimer: This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the Nasdaq is subject to approvals. Comparisons to other companies are for informational purposes only and should not imply similar success. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.