Northern Virginia

A handful of things to do in NoVA that should be on your calendar.

11th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge
April 2
Sample international fare from some of the best chefs in the world as more than 20 chefs cook authentic fare. There will be entertainment and cocktails, plus awards. Must be 21+ years old. All you can eat, too. // Washington, DC

Annandale Carnival
April 4-14
It’s carnival time in Annandale. Happening in the KMart parking lot on John Marr Drive. If you can’t make it you can also check out a carnival at Dulles Town Center ending April 7, or one at Potomac Mills April 11-22. // Annandale

Shakespeare in the ‘Burg
April 5-7
The Bard is on stage as Middleburg gives over to his famous works with a weekend full of performances and a champagne brunch. // Middleburg

Art Blooms at Mosaic
April 6-7
Don’t want to head to D.C. for the cherry blossoms? This weekend Mosaic puts the focus on the beautiful plumes with artworks, workshops, music, entertainment, a farmers market and beer garden. // Merrifield

Kokedama Workshop
April 7
Learn to make your own beautiful kokedama, or moss ball, that will bring unique life to your space. // Falls Church

A handful of things to do in NoVA that should be on your calendar.

THEATER
Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity
Opens Feb. 26
Three women are tasked with restoring a Rembrandt painting that has been damaged, though their environment is something else: they are trapped in a museum during a hundred year war. The women: an art restorer, a nurse and their captor. // Signature Theatre, Shirlington

MUSIC
Sister Hazel
March 2
You’re teen/college-year musicians are back. Leesburg’s Tally Ho hosts Sister Hazel for a night. // Leesburg

LANDSCAPE
Prune Like a Pro
March 2
It’s time to get those shrubs in shape for the spring. Experts at Merrifield Garden Center will bring your through tips and tricks so you can make sure you are manicuring correctly. // Merrifield

SHOPPING
D.C. Annual Flea Market
March 2-3
Find those one-of-a-kind items that bring life into your home design at this year’s D.C. Annual Flea at the Dulles Expo Center. // Chantilly

FOOD
Fairfax City Restaurant Week
March 3-9
Almost every meal of the day will have a deal on it in at the 20+ participating restaurants for Fairfax City Restaurant Week that kicks off this Sunday. Participate through the even app and you can win bonuses and prizes. // Fairfax City

A handful of events to get on your calendar this week.

MUSIC
Aaron Carter
Feb. 20
After a 15-year pause Aaron Carter is back on stage at Jammin Java this week to play his new album. // Vienna

COMEDY
Preacher Lawson
Feb. 21
We met him on America’s Got Talent now the comedian Preacher Lawson is taking the local stage at George Mason Center for the Arts to get the laughs with his clean, goofy and high-energy routine. // Fairfax

THEATER
The Wolves
Through Feb. 24
A bold, dramatic comedy, The Wolves is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated play about the lives of suburban high school girls and the obstacles of life they face. // Herndon

DESIGN
Capital Remodel and Garden Show
Feb. 22-24
The weekend of home DIY is back as the Capital Remodel and Garden Show takes over the Dulles Expo Center this weekend with guest Clint Harp of HGTV’s Fixer Upper on the main stage Friday and Saturday. // Chantilly

KIDS
Grand Opening of BusyBees
Feb. 23
The newest play spot for those under 48-inches is holding its grand opening BusyBees in Fairfax Corner is the spot for little ones to expend their energy at this indoor playground where they can run, jump, spin and fly. // Fairfax

A handful of events to get on your calendar this week

MUSIC
Arlo Guthrie
Feb. 8-9
The Birchmere hosts Arlo Guthrie, who follows in his father’s (Woody Guthrie) footsteps of folk music with a focus on tackling social injustices. // Birchmere, Alexandria

HOLIDAY
Wine and Chocolate Pairing
Feb. 8-17
Paradise Springs Winery goes sweet with their special event that pairs decadent chocolates made by local artisans with a full tasting of their wines and Swagger, a port-style wine. And if you are there on Feb. 9, stay for their Valentine’s Wine Dinner. // Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton

DESIGN
Defining your outdoor space
Feb. 9, 10 a.m.
Experts at Merrifield Garden Center will take you through the steps of planning out your outdoor oasis as they talk about mixing plants, hardscapes and outdoor furniture to create a peaceful respite. // Merrifield Garden Center, Merrifield

DESIGN
Heart-Shaped Floral Wreath Workshop
Feb. 10, 10 a.m.
The floral masterminds at Botanologica are hosting a workshop where you will create a beautiful fresh wreath with the holiday of love in mind. Not only will you walk away with a piece of art, but you will also learn the history behind the sentiment of giving flowers. // Botanologica, Falls Church

HOLIDAY
Valentine’s Day Card Making Workshop
Feb. 10
Pop into Park Story on Sunday and make a card from the heart as Calligraphette and Co. showcases a workshop where those of all levels will create and walk away with a brush pen, four Valentine’s Day cards and envelopes, a calligraphy alphabet, guidelines and marbling supplies. // Park Story, Mosaic District

Events to get on your calendar this week.

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week
Through Jan 20
D.C. restaurants offer up great deals to get you in the door on these snow evenings but if you are willing to brave the cold and ice you are treated to renowned fare at discounted prices: $22 brunches and lunches, $35 dinners at over 100 restaurants in NoVA, D.C. and Maryland.

The Hip Hop Museum Pop-Up
Jan. 18-19 opening
The Source magazine founder and creator, Dave Mays, has set this pop-up museum in motion where patrons attending the kick-off show will be treated to a concert by The Sugarhill Gang, Trouble Funk, Melle Mel and Grandmaster Caz, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of “Rapper’s Delight”.
The museum, housed at Culturehouse, will be open until Feb. 18. 

Heather McDonald at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
Jan. 18-19
Known for her podcast and comedy shows, Juicy Scoop, White Chicks and I Don’t Mean to Brag, Heather McDonald is making her debut at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse this weekend and will surely put a smile on your face and some guttural laughter in your belly as she takes on relationships, pop culture and more, though she stays clear of politics.

Home + Remodeling Show
Jan. 18-20
Get design inspiration and advice all in one spot this weekend as the Dulles Expo Center is turned over to home designers and contractors plus workshops, talks and appearances by HGTV’s Design Star personality Tyler Wisler and John Gidding of TLC’s Trading Spaces.

Kleptocracy
Opens Jan. 18, runs through Feb. 24
Kenneth Lin, he of House of Cards, takes on Russia in a fictional manner with his theatrical show spotlighting the U.S.-Russia “relationship” and one man’s, Vladimir Putin’s, rise to power.

Alexandria’s Maker’s Mile
Jan. 18-21
Old Town Alexandria is putting the focus on its local makers this weekend with an event that will not only inspire you to buy from area artisans but also to get you using your hands by making your own items. Store that are participating include AR Workshop, fibre space, Penny Post, Red Barn Mercantile and Stitch Sew Shop.

Chefscape Opening
Jan. 19-20
A new food hall is hitting the NoVA scene, this time in Leesburg as Chefscape holds its grand opening this weekend. Find four concepts from Rooted and Bloomed, Muggerz BBQ, Sultry Soul Food and Sandwich Bistro.