The new year may be off to a cold start, but the options for NoVA fun are just warming up. Here are 10 DMV events that we have on our radar.
Off to the Olympics
There’s no better way to start off the new month than with the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy. Mark your calendars (and double check the time difference) so you’re able to watch Vienna’s own Ilia Malinin compete for Team USA in both the team (February 7 and 8) and men’s single (February 10 and 13) figure skating events.
Secret Sips
Did you know about the secret waiting at the NOVA Live campus? On Tuesday, February 10, the Tempo by Hilton Hotel will be opening Repeal, a Prohibition era-inspired speakeasy.
Hope You’re Hungry
2026 is set to be a big year for foodies. First up is Ebbitt House at Reston Row. The sister concept to DC’s Old Ebbitt Grill will be serving up its signature oysters and fresh seafood come this spring. Also, keep an eye out for Electric Bull in Vienna — the new concept from Taco Bamba’s Victor Albisu. Plus, a new Ruthie’s All-Day is opening at Fairfax Corner, and Foraged will take over day-to-day restaurant operations at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm.
Happy Birthday, America!
This year the country is celebrating 250 years. And the celebrations aren’t limited to DC — there are plenty of 250th celebrations across the region, with even more to be announced. One event you’ll want to check out? The new George Washington exhibit being unveiled at Mount Vernon this spring.
Root for the Home Team
Whether you’re a die-hard DC sports fan or go to games just for the food and brews, some of the region’s best teams are set to hit the field this spring. Catch stars Trinity Rodman, James Wood, Sonia Citron, and others at these opening day games.
- DC United: February 21 versus Philadelphia Union
- Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series: Starting February 27 at The St. James; Championship on March 8
- Washington Spirit: March 13 versus Portland Thorns
- Washington Nationals: April 3 versus Los Angeles Dodgers
- DC Defenders: April 11 versus the Houston Gamblers
- Old Glory DC: April 26 versus CA Legion
- Washington Mystics: May 10 versus New York Liberty
Rock Out Over Memorial Day Weekend
Wolf Trap’s summer season is set to start with a bang. Sting is heading to the Filene Center for a three-night performance from May 21 to 23. Tickets go on sale starting February 27 at 10 a.m.
Paris’ Ovoka Farm Is Expanding
This Fauquier County farm won’t be known for just its wagyu beef for much longer. The property is set to open Ovoka Farm Winery this spring. The new agrotourism experience will start bottling in February, with the winery and its tasting room officially opening this spring.
Move Over Pandas, There’s a New Baby Coming to Town
For the first time in nearly 25 years, there’s an Asian elephant calf expected to be born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. With currently fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants in the world, the animal-lover community is anxiously waiting for the birth, which could happen anytime from now until mid-March.
Explore New Public Trails at Oak Hill
The former home of President James Monroe was recently acquired by The Conservation Fund in order to help preserve the estate, and eventually establish it as a state park. While it isn’t ready for mansion tours yet, the property is preparing hiking trails that are set to open to the public in 2026.
Kalahari Resorts Is Opening in Spotsylvania
The highly anticipated water park resort is making waves in 2026. The $900 million facility will include a hotel with more than 900 rooms, the largest indoor water park in Virginia (175,000 square feet), a convention center, an adventure center and more. Room bookings are already available for stays beginning December 18.
Feature image courtesy Kalahari Resort
