We’re excited to introduce the NOVAtoday Holiday Gift Guide this November. Want first dibs on a feature? Lock in your spot now + get 20% off with code EARLYBIRD20. Hurry — this offer ends Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Insider’s guide to October
October is full of different fall-related activities for you to take part in around NOVA. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Lucky you. You just found NOVAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Northern Virginia each month. Vienna Oktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Historic Church Street, Vienna | Free | This well-beloved Oktoberfest in Northern Virginia features various marketplaces, free kid-friendly activities, a business expo, and many beer and wine gardens with food.
Art on the Avenue | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria | Free | Stroll through Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, featuring over 300 artists and food vendors. Enjoy fun kid-friendly activities and take part in volunteer opportunities.
Fall Wine Festival | Friday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Oct. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon | $40+ | Savor a selection of Virginia-made wines on the lawn at Mount Vernon, all while enjoying stunning views of the Potomac River.
Plans for Reston Town Center’s expansion, also known as RTC Next, are becoming more concrete. The Fairfax County Planning Commission approved the developer’s revision of the 2018 plan. See how the plans have changed. (FFXnow)
Drink
Loco Lion Brewery is set to celebrate its grand opening in Loudoun on Saturday, Oct. 4. Located at 36577 Heskett Lane in Hillsboro, the brewery will offer a blend of British and American pub experiences to the county. (The Burn)
Coming Soon
Ahead of its winter opening, Dok Khao Thai Eatery is hosting a pop-up at the West Falls Grand Opening and Fall Fest on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’ll be able to try zero-proof cocktail samples, Bangkok wings, and steamed dumpling appetizers. (ARLnow)
Open
The new JW Marriott in Reston is now home to a new restaurant and bar. The Simon is a full-service restaurant serving everything from brunch to dessert, and Schar Bar offers small bites along with a cocktail and wine menu. (The Burn)
Try This
Amazon’s Headquarters 2 is turning two years old, and is celebrating with a community event on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event will take place at Met Park in National Landing, offering a local DMV market, live science experiments, and hands-on tech experiences. (ARLnow)
Ranked
Alexandria has once again been ranked among the best places to live, earning the number two spot on a list of the top 10 East Coast cities, according to real estate experts. Specifically, the Old Town neighborhood was shouted out. Don’t miss our Old Town neighborhood guide.
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, NOVAtoday Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Edu
Discover your creative potential with Inward & Artward School of Creativity’s online classes this fall. Engage in courses like Creativity & Personal Mythology and Writers Accountability Groups to build resilience and sustain inspiration. Plus, apply for the 2026 hybrid Creative Facilitator Training for a unique learning journey. Enroll.*
Backed by research, this skincare restores skin vitality. | 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.
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A HEPA air purifier that’s 60% off for a limited time. We love that style is not compromised for function — it features a sleek exterior + eliminates 99.97% of air particles so you can have an odor and dust-free environment.
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.
A couple of nights ago, I saw singer Sam Fender perform at The Anthem, located on the Wharf in DC. It was such a fun concert, and I must say, I do love this concert hall. Make sure to check out these music venues in and around NOVA.
Live music at a concert is a certain kind of special. | Photo by NOVAtoday
‡Mito-Biotic™ Skincare from Timeline disclaimer: Based on an 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial of 36 healthy women aged 40 to 65 years.
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