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Event Spotlight
Get your tickets now for the 2026 Virginia Black History Month Gala. | Photo via National Landing
February is Black History Month, and Northern Virginia has many events to celebrate and commemorate the occasion.
Black History Month Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 12-5 p.m. | Douglass Community Center, Leesburg | Free | This event features live performances, a variety of Black-owned vendors, and local food trucks.
Black History & Culture Fest | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 1-5 p.m. | Sterling Community Center, Sterling | Free | Browse local vendors, enjoy live performances, and explore engaging educational exhibits at this community event.
The 2026 Virginia Black History Month Gala | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 6-9 p.m. | Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, Arlington | $30+ | Enjoy a variety of musical performances, dinner, and talks, including a keynote address by Emmy-nominated Kadeem Hardison. Get your tickets.
Events
Events
Friday, Feb. 13
Burke Branch Friends Pop-Up Book Sale | Friday, Feb. 13-Sunday, Feb. 15 | Times vary | Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, Alexandria | Price of purchase
Scale your business without scaling your costs thanks to T-Mobile. | Photo provided by T-Mobile
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NOVA is getting a new sports bar. Wood & Iron Gameday is opening its fourth Virginia location later this month — this one’s in Arlington. Known for its bar eats, craft beers, and gameday atmosphere, patrons have plenty to look forward to.They’re also hiring. (ARLnow)
Sports
A pair of Prince William County football prospects is heading to the NFL Combine, the annual showcase for players to show off their skills in the hopes of getting drafted to league. Keep your eyes peeled for Wesley Williams and Bishop Fitzgerald at the event, starting Monday, Feb. 23. (Inside NoVa)
Quoted
“We want to drive people who have need to organizations that can help.” Read more about how Fairfax leaders plan to help unhoused people and reduce panhandling. (FFXnow)
Today Is
Friday the 13th, a day that has been long associated with bad luck. We hope it doesn’t impact you. Research shows, however, that superstitions like these definitely impact black cats, who are less likely to be adopted than other cats. Chloe at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington needs a home. (History.com)
Trending
There’s a problem at the Winter Olympics — medals keep breaking. Well, nobody’s perfect. NOVA’s roads could do with repairing, too, especially now pothole season is here. Find out how to report them in Arlington and Alexandria. (WHAS 11)
Holiday
Roses are red, violets are blue… how much will Valentine’s Day florals cost you? The average price of a dozen roses from a florist in Virginia is $96, according to a new FinanceBuzz study. But if the way to their heart is through their palate, these local happy hours will do the trick for way less.
Try This
The George Washington Birthday Parade returns to Old Town Alexandria tomorrow, Feb. 14. One of the country’s oldest parades, it dates back to 1801. This year’s modified, renovation-induced route starts at St. Asaph and Wolfe streets, and ending at Duke and Pitt streets from 2 to 4 p.m. (ALXnow)
Real Estate
Stability is in style. US homeowners are setting new records for staying put, with the average homeowner now living in their house for about nine years. While your moving boxes gather dust, who says you can’t have a little fun browsing NOVA’s real estate? (Axios)
Community
We love our readers — this Valentine’s Day and always. Your thank-you emails pour in each week, often asking how you can support us. In this season of love, consider making a contribution to support our team and power local storytelling.
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The Buy
Expert-built lessons, podcasts, and speaking practices to help you learn a new language (and gain confidence in your life). Shop Babbel’s 60% off Lifetime subscription sale, giving you unlimited access to all 25 languages forever. Whether you’re planning travel, boosting your career, or learning for personal growth, this is the perfect time to start — and continue for life.
Wait, where’s Ava? Don’t worry folks, your newsletter editor will be back soon. I’m just covering for a couple of days.
In the meantime, what are your weekend plans? It’s looking like tomorrow’s weather will be teasing spring — perfect for a hike. Then it’s back to chilly February reality on Sunday — perfect for some brunch.
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‡10 lines for $150/mo; each additional line $15/mo/line with AutoPay; plus taxes & $35 device connection charge.
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