Art Gallery
Winner: Gallery Underground
The popular Crystal City art gallery rotates exhibits every month, representing the creative works of the Arlington Artists Alliance, a collaborative of 140 local artists, with both juried and solo shows. Look for opening receptions on the first Friday of each month (once it’s safe to do so again). // 2100 Crystal Drive, Suite 2120-A, Arlington
Editor’s Pick: Torpedo Factory Art Center
A staple on the Potomac Riverfront, the Torpedo Factory Art Center celebrated its 45th anniversary last year and is considered one of the premier art galleries in the region. With 82 artist studios and an ongoing slate of events, there’s always something to discover for art fans. // 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
Bar with Games
Winner: The Board Room
From trivia games to 15 varieties of Monopoly, The Board Room has all of your gaming needs for the ultimate night out. // 925 N. Garfield St., Arlington
Winner: Punch Bowl Social
All three floors of Punch Bowl Social are packed with fun. While closed for now, we’re just waiting for a night of bowling, pingpong Scrabble, arcade games and more at this popular Ballston spot. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1180, Arlington
Cover Band
Winner: The Legwarmers
Travel back in time to experience the ultimate ’80s concert with The Legwarmers. The longtime friends and NoVA natives have been rockin’ out in the region for years, offering up a guaranteed night of throwback fun for their throngs of screaming fans. Join the band for a night of classics by Madonna, Journey and more.
Winner: Queens Over Kings
It’s all in the family with Ashburn’s own Queens over Kings. The alternative pop-rock band uses their music to bring awareness to mental health.
Karaoke
Winner: The Auld Shebeen
There’s no better way to start the weekend than with karaoke night at Irish bar The Auld Shebeen. De-stress from the workweek and enjoy a night of singing. // 3971 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax
Winner: Rock It Grill
Open for over 30 years, Rock It Grill has provided endless hours of entertainment to the people of NoVA (and you’ve likely heard their earworm of a local commercial at some point). So get your singing voice ready and grab your karaoke partner for a silly night on the town. // 1319 King St., Alexandria
Live Music Venue
Winner: The Birchmere
The Birchmere is a local institution, and it’s the place to see all of your favorite acts, from established performers (hello, intimate Dave Matthews concert) to up-and-coming bands, all hand-picked by longtime talent booker Michal Jaworek. // 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Winner: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Whether indoors or outdoors, Wolf Trap always has the top lineups of musicians and shows visiting the region every year. From shows tailored toward children to the world’s biggest pop stars, the venue offers year-round performances for the whole family. // 1645 Trap Road, Vienna
Movie Theater
Winner: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Passionate film aficionados spend their nights at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema watching the latest superhero movie or the upcoming Oscar-worthy film with some delicious grub in hand. // Multiple locations
Winner: Angelika Film Center and Café at Mosaic
From blockbuster hits to cult classics and independent films, the Angelika Film Center has you covered. So, grab some traditional movie snacks or some drinks from the cafe and get situated for endless hours at the movies. // 2911 District Ave., Suite 200, Fairfax
Museum
Winner: National Museum of the Marine Corps
With exhibits ranging from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War, guests can learn about the role the Marines played in some of the country’s most important battles. // 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle
Winner: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Located just down the road from Dulles International Airport, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center welcomes aviation lovers of all ages. Recently reopened, spend the day admiring aviation history, from the first era of flight to space and beyond. // 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly
Outdoor Concert Space
Editor’s Pick: Farm Brew Live
Home of NoVA’s first destination brewery campus, Farm Brew Live provides the perfect venue for live music, delicious food and drinks with friends. In the colder months, check out its private igloos, available for rentals and a night of cocktails. // 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas
Winner: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
While this beloved venue had to forgo its summer season, it still offered plenty of virtual programming to remind fans why it’s one of the best. Keep an eye out for announcements for fall, and keep dreaming about next summer on the lawn. // 1645 Trap Road, Vienna
Outdoor Movie Screening Spot
Winner: Mosaic District
In the summer, grab a blanket and some chairs for a screening under the stars at Strawberry Park. Get outside and catch the latest family-friendly flicks at Mosaic. // 2910 District Ave., Fairfax
Winner: Rosslyn
Make a trip out to Gateway Park for a fun movie night outdoors. On summer evenings, spread out your blanket and pack some snacks as you watch your favorite films on the big screen. // 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington
Place to Meet Singles
Editor’s Pick: Eddie V’s Tysons
At Eddie V’s, feast on the finest seafood, steaks and wine. Stop by the V lounge for expertly crafted cocktails and relaxing live jazz as you look for a special someone. // 7900 Tysons One Place, McLean
Winner: Sportrock Climbing Centers
The best way to meet new people is to venture out and try something new. Sign up for a membership at Sportrock to introduce yourself to a new trove of climbing enthusiasts. // 5308 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria and 45935 Maries Road, Sterling
Stand-Up Comedy
Winner: Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse
Catch the latest comedic acts at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. This fall’s lineup includes Steve Rannazzisi from The League and Alonzo Bodden from NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me. // 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Winner: The State Theatre
This movie-theater-turned-concert-venue has welcomed in fans from across the region for over 20 years. The venue hosts a variety of shows, from nationally known comedians and musicians to more local flavor, like recurring shows from fellow Best of NoVA winner The Legwarmers. // 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Theater House
Winner: 1st Stage
Make your way up to Tysons for a show at 1st Stage. The 2020-21 schedule includes The Rainmaker and 2019 Tony Award nominee The Waverly Gallery. // 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons
Winner: Signature Theatre
Arlington’s Signature Theatre is a nonprofit professional theater company that focuses on contemporary musicals and plays, usually touching on social issues throughout history. // 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Happy Hour
Winner: Open Road
Celebrate the end of the workday at Open Road. Meet up with some friends and grab some local craft beer for a (socially distant) outing. // 8100 Lee Highway, Falls Church
Winner: PassionFish Reston
At PassionFish Reston, pair delicious seafood appetizers with a happy hour cocktail menu full of margaritas and martinis. // 11960 Democracy Drive, Reston
This post originally appeared in our September 2020 Best of NoVA print issue. For more like this, subscribe to our newsletters.
