Plus, check out this book crawl coming to NOVA.
04.07.2026 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

Subscribe

Today’s Forecast

51º | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:44 a.m. | Sunset 7:37 p.m.

High tide 12:39 p.m. | Low tides 6:26 a.m. + 7:28 p.m.

We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Northern Virginia. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Celebrate one year of NOVAtoday

NOVA-landing-bg.jpg
Dive into the stats of NOVAtoday’s first year.
Happy birthday to NOVAtoday. It’s officially been one year of daily newsletters, and we’re here to break down your favorites and mine. Make sure to let us know what content has been your favorite so we can keep improving our newsletter.

First, take a peek at our first-ever newsletter.

Our readers’ favorite articles

  1. Where to have fun with kids in Northern Virginia
  2. Take a hike: A guide to trails around Northern Virginia
  3. 16 of the top free things to do in NOVA
  4. 20+ upcoming concerts headed to Northern Virginia
  5. Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in NOVA

Our most-read newsletters

  1. What’s next for Reston Town Center?
  2. Six developments coming in 2026
  3. It’s pho season + unique fine dining experience
  4. Where the food critic eats + check out these two mansions
  5. Arlington restaurant expands + museum events

I want to say thank you to everyone who has been following along with us — whether it’s been since April 7, 2025 or if this is your first newsletter — I’m so grateful that you’re here.
Editor Ava's top picks

Asked

Have any thoughts about our newsletter?

Share your thoughts, along with a little bit about yourself, so we can better tailor our newsletter for you.
We want your feedback

Inova Health

Events

Tuesday, April 7

Life Drawing: Gesture and Short Poses Session | 7-9 p.m. | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Alexandria | $10+

Wednesday, April 8

Chess For Adult Players | 7-8:30 p.m. | Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, Falls Church | Free

Thursday, April 9

Meet the Artists: Darden Purcell & Mason Jazz Vocalists | 2:15-3:30 p.m. | RCC Hunters Woods, Reston | Free

Friday, April 10

Upcycle Your World | 2 p.m. | Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon | $12

Saturday, April 11

Art Blooms at Mosaic District | Saturday, April 11-Sunday, April 12 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Mosaic District, Fairfax | Free

Sunday, April 12

Finish the Race Spring Car & Motorcycle Show 2026 | 1-4 p.m. | Calvary Temple, Sterling | Free, RSVP
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

The outside of the Friends to Lovers bookstore in Old Town Alexandria.

This NOVA bookstore is one of the many in the bookstore crawl. | Photo by NOVAtoday

Read

Many bookstores in Northern Virginia will be taking part in this Bookstore Crawl Passport Program. You can get your passport at any participating store, and you have until Sunday, May 31 to check out as many as you can. You’ll even have a chance to win prizes.

Real Estate

43. That’s how many acres Cana Vineyards & Winery in Middleburg spans, and it’s now on sale for $9 million. Take a look at the property. (Northern Virginia Magazine)

Shop

Revamp your closet by stopping at the N’Used Spring Sidewalk Sale on Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 12. Be sure to bring your own bag, and keep in mind that dressing rooms will be closed, so plan accordingly.

Try This

Cherry blossom season is coming to an end, but there are still some more celebrations to check out. Don’t miss the Art of Pink event on Friday, April 10, or this Cherry Blossom Celebration at The Crossing Clarendon on Saturday, April 11. What perfect ways to cap off the season.

Community

Enjoy a meal with fellow community members at The Longest Table Vienna. This free event will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 12 to 2 p.m. Note: Registration closes Monday, April 20. (Northern Virginia Magazine)

Opening

National Landing is welcoming a bunch of new businesses. See what’s coming to the area. Make sure you’re subscribed to NOVAtoday, as we’ll be sure to update you when these spots open. (Northern Virginia Magazine)

Festival

Ahoy Mateys. You can now get tickets for tours of four different ships at the Sails on the Potomac event. This festival will take place from Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14, and is part of the America250 celebrations. Get your tickets here. (ALXnow)

Mailbag

We recently asked where readers would want to see a little library around Northern Virginia. Reader Daria D. says that the Carlyle section of Alexandria is a Free Little Library desert. If you’re interested in starting one, check out the official webpage.

Did You Know?

Virginia State Park visitors can reserve and borrow all-terrain wheelchairs for free at six different locations. Mason Neck State Park is the nearest participating park to NOVA, ~35 minutes from downtown Arlington. See all six participating parks and find reservation details.

Arts

Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton is getting a glass-blowing studio called the Hot Shop. This space will be open to the public, offering community members the chance to create their own glass art pieces. In addition to hands-on experiences, visitors can enroll in classes and observe live demonstrations. It’s expected to open late 2026 or early 2027. (Northern Virginia Magazine)

Outdoors

While warmer weather brings flowers, it also brings other living things… like ticks. Alexandria has launched its tick bite prevention program, with a variety of spring talks for residents to check out. Make sure to get a free tick remover tool from the Alexandria Health Department or at one of the many educational events.

Post of the Day

An Instagram post about paddle programs at Lake Accotink in Springfield, VA.

Grab your paddles, we’re hitting the water. | Post via @fairfaxparks

Looking to try kayaking? Sign up for kayaking programs at Lake Accotink Park, like nature kayaking or kayaking basics. It’s the perfect way to get some fresh air while learning about the natural world around you.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

A casual maxi skirt with a flattering high-rise design, ultra-soft material, and pockets. Slip it on for an afternoon running errands, dress it up for dinner with friends, and everything in between.
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Ava Wojnowski

A common shopping and dining area in Northern Virginia.

Where in NOVA is this? | Photo by NOVAtoday

Can you guess what part of NOVA I walked around in this past weekend? Stay tuned for a newsletter in the coming weeks to learn more.

P.S. — Let me know what parts of Northern Virginia you’d like me to check out.

{optout_confirm_url}

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

ADVERTISE | GUIDES | EVENTS | SHOP | SUPPORT

† Disclaimers and Legal | * Advertising Policy

The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2026 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602