Football season is back, which means it’s time to root for the Commanders again. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons | Joe Glorioso | All-Pro Reels
Whether you’re a sports fanatic — or just look good in red and white — when it comes to athletics, NOVA has no shortage of teams to support. Our city is home to some of the most loyal fans in the country; become one of them with this guide to everything you need to know about NOVA sports.
🏈 Washington Commanders (NFL) | Est. 1932
This professional football team, based in Washington, DC, is part of the NFC East division. While the team currently plays in Landover, Maryland, they are planning to build a new stadium where RFK Stadium is located.
Just five miles east of DC, you can watch the Washington Commanders, with a capacity of 67,617.
⚾ Washington Nationals (MLB) | Est. 2005
This Major League Baseball team competes in the National League East division. It was originally founded as the Montreal Expos in 1969, and the team relocated to DC in 2005.
Rock the Block! | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Old Town Square, Fairfax | Free | End the week right with a rockin’ concert as you sip on a beer and munch on snacks from local vendors.
Silent Dance Party | 7-8:30 p.m. | Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station Plaza, Reston | Free | Dance your heart out with friends and family while wearing headphones — headsets available with ID.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Frayed Knots | 12-4 p.m. | Green Tree Tavern, Leesburg | Price of purchase | Catch this versatile band as they bring their own originals to life and put a unique spin on your favorite classics.
Shuck + Sip | 12-6 p.m. | Mt. Defiance Cider Barn, Middleburg | Price of purchase | Take advantage of oysters from King Street Oyster Bar, various ciders, crafted cocktails, and Loudoun County wines.
James Walkinshaw, former chief of staff to Rep. Gerry Connolly, was elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Civic
We recently reported on the special election in Fairfax County’s 11th Congressional District, where Democrat James Walkinshaw won decisively, capturing 74.9% of the vote over his opponent, Stewart Whitson.
Today is
September 11, also recognized as National Day of Service and Remembrance and Patriot Day. The September 11 National Memorial Trail plans to host its third annual Tour de Trail: Pentagon on Sunday, Sept. 28. This event features a walk and a bike ride and meets at National Landing’s Water Park at 9 a.m.
Opening
Fava Pot is opening at 1624 Boro Place in Tysons on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Egyptian eatery will take over the space previously occupied by Tasty Kabob in The Boro. (FFXnow)
Biz
Say goodbye to Peri Peri Original + Kallisto Steakhouse in Crystal City, but a new Nash and Smashed location is on its way. Owner Zayan Abbasi told ARLnow that the location could open as early as late fall. (ARLnow)
Festival
Let them eat cake. Head to Bluemont Station Brewery + Winery on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. for Cakechella 2025. Indulge in cakes, cookies, ice cream, and even wedding cakes from more than 26 vendors. Get your tickets here.
Art
Calling all aspiring actors and actresses. The Little Theatre of Alexandria will be holding auditions for their performance of A Christmas Carol, which will be performed from Dec. 6 to 20. Auditions will be next month — see when and where they will be held. (ALXnow)
Development
By the end of 2028, you can expect more aircraft at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The project will add 44,000 sqft, and the Air and Space Museum is campaigning to raise $60 million in private donations. (Inside NOVA)
Community
The 200 block of King Street in Alexandria is one step closer to being closed to vehicular traffic. The Alexandria City Council has approved the first ordinance to close this block after a successful pilot program. (ALXnow)
State
In Virginia, early in-person voting for the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, begins Friday, Sept. 19, and continues through Saturday, Nov. 1. Voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for a variety of races, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.
Plan Ahead
Don’t let your seasonal event get lost in oversaturated community calendars. Feature it right here in NOVAtoday + get primo placement in front of our 21,700+ engaged subscribers. Get started.
Pumpkin spice lattes are back — and so is our quest for the perfect fall boots. Here are our top five picks of the season:
👢 These knee high boots strike the perfect balance between function and style with an anti-slip rubber outsole and chic buckle detailing.
👢 Free People’s Western booties feature a sophisticated two-inch heel, patent leather, and appliqué details for under $70.
👢 Spot us wearing these vanilla-hued suede pointed toe ankle booties to date nights and dinner parties all season long.
👢 These timeless Chelsea ankle boots are a steal for under $50. Oh, and they’re top-rated on Amazon.
👢 Sporty meets sleek in Eurosoft’s ultra-comfortable side zip boots complete with a padded footbed + round toe design.
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.
This vibrant mural welcomes visitors to Area 2 Farms. | Photo by NOVAtoday
Did you catch yesterday’s article? I had the chance to tour Area 2 Farms, a local indoor farm in Arlington. One detail I didn’t include was the beautiful mural you see above. Be sure to check out the story to learn more about the farm, how to get fresh local produce, and even ways you can support their work.