Plus, Fiesta Fairfax is this weekend.
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JBG SMITH

Today’s Forecast

79º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:03 a.m. | Sunset 6:55 p.m.

High tide 3:16 p.m. | Low tides 9:22 a.m. and 9:03 p.m.


Learn a latte

NOVA_Coffee_Class_Sept29
Did you know the difference between a latte and a cappuccino is the foam? | Photo by Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels
Whether you’re aiming to be a top-notch barista or just want to brew better coffee at home, check out these four Northern Virginia coffee shops offering hands-on coffee workshops and classes.

Rare Bird Coffee Roasters | Falls Church

  • Cupping sessions: Explore the world of coffee tasting and learn to identify flavor profiles like a pro.
  • Latte art for beginners: Discover the basics of milk texturing and practice creating beautiful designs.
  • Espresso for beginners: Learn how to pull the perfect shot of espresso with the right technique and timing.
  • Brewing for beginners: Master pour-over, French press, and other manual brewing methods for great coffee at home.
3 more cafes

Asked

☕ What’s your coffee shop vibe?

A. Chatting with a friend
B. Nose in a book
C. Locked in, working at my computer
D. People watching
E. Other
My cafe vibe is...
JBG SMITH

Events

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Jane Austen Inspired Free Hand Embroidery | 4-6 p.m. | Pohick Regional Library, Burke | Free

Garden Talks: Bees + Honey | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Central Library, Arlington | Free

Thursday, Oct. 2

Pink Martini All-Stars Concert | 7:30 p.m. | The Birchmere, Alexandria | $112

Friday, Oct. 3

“Bump in the Night” Opening Night | 7-9 p.m. | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Alexandria | Free

Saturday, Oct. 4

Art on the Avenue | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria | Price of purchase

Vienna Oktoberfest | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Historic Church Street, Vienna | Price of purchase
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash
JBG SMITH

News Notes

Opening

A new restaurant and beer garden is coming to Falls Church this November. Stratford Garden, located at 300 W. Broad St., will feature seating for approximately 300 guests and will be dog-friendly, offering a welcoming space for both people and their pets. (ARLnow)

Development

Construction on the Reston North Park playground is scheduled to begin in October. The project is expected to last eight weeks, improving accessibility and safety. The park will be closed for the duration of construction. (FFXnow)

Traffic

The free event, AI Unlocked, begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. at the Alamo Drafthouse. The event will include various road closures starting on Wednesday, Oct. 1. See which roads in the area will be closed. (ARLnow)

Community

Over the weekend, Oasis: The Listening Bar and the soon-to-open Glowbar in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood were broken into. Oasis had just opened a little over a month ago, and Glowbar was preparing to launch. The restaurant is temporarily closed, but when they’re both open, stop by to show your support for these local businesses.

Eat

Dulles Town Center mall is now home to a new Mexican restaurant, Pakos Fresh Mex — the team behind popular food trucks across the DMV and El Texano Bar + Grill in Alexandria. Get dishes like tacos, quesadillas, pupusas, and nachos. (The Burn)

Coming Soon

Want to experience an evening like you’re in The Great Gatsby? The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden is hosting a Roaring Twenties speakeasy night on Saturday, Oct. 4. Activities include a Charleston dance lesson, a dance contest, and a silent auction. (ALXnow)

Plan Ahead

The ALX Pink Gala will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, from 7 to 10 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Tickets are priced at $100 for general admission and $150 for VIP access. (ALXnow)

Finance

Tackling debt is crucial for many Americans in 2025. This trending card — “worth its weight in gold,” according to experts — offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2027. (Read: Nearly two years of interest-free payments.) Learn more + apply.*

Watch

Psst … you shouldn’t be paying for multiple streaming services. Save money and watch all your favorite blockbusters when you bundle Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plans start at $16.99.*

Community

National Landing’s newest destination

Presented by JBG SMITH
A slideshow of images showcasing things to do at 1900 Crystal Drive in National Landing
A vibrant new streetscape is transforming National Landing. | Photos provided by JBG SMITH
At the base of two stunning apartment communities — The Grace and Reva — a dynamic new streetscape has redefined Crystal Drive into one of the region’s most exciting destinations.

The woonerf, a pedestrian-friendly promenade combines dining, retail, and lifestyle experiences to create the ideal 18-hour day:
  • Start the day: Coffee at Tatte or Colada Shop; quick stops at PLNTR or nailsaloon.
  • Midday: Run errands at GoodVets or pamper yourself at Drybar.
  • Evenings: Wine at Flight Wine Shop, dinner at Bar Colline, and ice cream at Van Leeuwen.
Learn more

Post of the Day

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Fiesta Fairfax on Saturday, October 4, from 2 to 7:30 p.m. at Old Town Square in Fairfax. Witness vibrant dance performances, eat delicious Latin cuisine, and attend a lively celebration of culture and community.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

Photo frames for those wedding/vacation/grandkid photos you’ve been meaning to hang. Americanflat is having a sale on its stock of photo frames, exclusive for Prime members:

🖼️ Get a set of 10 frames for under $20 and build an instant gallery wall.
💌 Frame the person closest to your heart with 25% off a heart mat insert frame.
🎓 Finally hang your diplomas in your Zoom background with a diploma frame set for under $12.
Shop up to 50% off photo frames

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Ava Wojnowski

Reader Rebecca G. shared this incredible costume, handmade by her daughter. It features stunning stained glass-style panels, each crafted with impressive detail. Truly an amazing creation.
A Halloween costume made by a NOVAtoday reader's family member.

Photo via Rebecca G.

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