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.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
For your furry friend
Doggone Good Time at Dog Daze | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lake Fairfax Park, Reston | $15 | Celebrate the end of summer with a splash by bringing your pup to this dog-only swim event — they deserve some summer fun too.
Loudoun Pet Expo | Sunday, Sept. 7 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Franklin Park, Purcellville | Free entry | Check out vendors, dog games, and other pet-friendly festivities. Looking to become a pet owner? There will also be adoption opportunities.
FXBG Pet Palooza | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 9 a.m. | Fredericksburg Convention Center, Fredericksburg | $8+ | Explore a wide selection of pet merchandise, treats, and fun toys for your furry companions + come meet lovable rescue pets ready for their furever homes.
Low-Cost Vaccine + Microchip Clinic | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington | $0+ | Keep your cats and dogs safe by getting them vaccinated for rabies and distemper, as well as microchipped.
Check out the indie, folk group, The Lumineers, this month. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
See your favorite singers
John Legend | Tuesday, Sept. 2-Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 8 p.m. | Filene Center, Vienna | $64+ | This Grammy-award-winning singer will perform his famously known hits during his “Get Lifted — 20th Anniversary World Tour.”
The Lumineers | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 6:30 p.m. | Nationals Park, Washington, DC | $82+ | Hear this folk band as they perform both old hits and songs from their new album, “Automatic,” with opening performances by Vance Joy and Chance Peña.
Tyler Childers | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 7 p.m. | Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow | $194 | Recently releasing his new album “Snipe Hunter,” the acclaimed artist brings new songs like “Oneida” and “Bitin’ List” to the stage, alongside fan-favorites such as “All Your’n” and “Lady May.”
Fairs, festivals, and other festivities
Fairfax Sports Card, Pokemon, and Collectibles Show | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Comfort Inn University Center, Fairfax | Price of purchase | Looking for the next sports card to add to your collection? Check out what various local vendors have to offer.
Colonial Market + Fair | Saturday, Sept. 13- Sunday, Sept. 14 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mount Vernon | $15+ | Pay the cost of admission to this 18th-century historical site and travel back in time to a themed fair where you can shop for ceramics, jewelry, soaps, and other old-time goodies.
BBQ + Barrels | Friday, Sept. 19 | 7-10 p.m. | Nationals Park, Washington, DC | $70+ | Sip and savor 100+ varieties of whiskey while enjoying barbecue and live music.
Mosaic Fall Festival | Saturday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | District Avenue, Fairfax | Price of purchase | Sip on a drink, listen to live music, and shop local vendors while walking around the Mosaic District.
Fall means football season. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
All of the athletics
Loudoun United FC vs. San Antonio FC | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 5 p.m. | Segra Field, Leesburg | $11+ | Support the NOVA soccer team as they take on San Antonio FC in an action-packed match. It’s also “Salute to Service” night — an opportunity to honor those who serve in our armed forces.
Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants | Sunday, Sept. 7 | 1 p.m. | Northwest Stadium, Maryland | $193+ | Football season is upon us. Root for your Washington Commanders as they take on the New York Giants.
2025 Tour de Trail: Pentagon Memorial | Sunday, Sept. 28 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Water Park, Arlington | $40 | Take part in this meaningful walking and cycling race to support the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
Looking for a laugh
Aaron Chen | Thursday, Sept. 4- Saturday, Sept. 6 | Times vary | Arlington Drafthouse | $24 | Don’t miss this award-winning Australian comedian and actor as he brings his sharp wit and unique charm to the stage.
Encore Comedy Show | Saturday, Sept. 13 | 8 p.m. | $7+ | Crooked Run Fermentation | Kick back with a refreshing drink and enjoy a night of nonstop laughs featuring a standout lineup of East Coast comedians.
Adam Sandler | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | $39+ | This world-renowned comedian is heading out on his “You’re My Best Friend Tour,” and he’ll be making a stop in DC. Pro tip: His tours in 2022 + 2023 sold out, so make sure to get your tickets now.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.