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By Katie Bianco, Stefanie Gans, Rachael Keeney and Michael Balderston
Letting my ears do all the work
I’ve been running around like crazy lately, and as such have been listening to the same Spotify playlists and podcasts on repeat. This weekend, I’m going to listen to music I don’t normally lend my ears to: jazz. The Rosslyn JazzFest (Sept. 8 from 1-7 p.m.) is free, and though there will be food from trucks and wine and beer available for purchase on-site, those looking for a sit-down dining experience can save 15 percent at select restaurants—Barley Mac, Continental Beer Garden, Continental Pool Lounge and more—using “ROSSLYN RETAIL.” Who knows, maybe I’ll find some new tunes for my next long car ride. –RK // Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington
Penny Post and Red Barn Mercantile’s Sept. 8 anniversary sale
Penny Post, a paper goods store, celebrates its first year in business, and sister store Red Barn Mercantile is now in its 11th year on King Street. On Sept. 8, you will find me buying pens, cards, linen napkins (full disclosure: my neighbor makes these!) and spice blends because everything in both stores will be up to 30 percent off. –SG // Penny Post: 1201 King St., Alexandria; Red Barn Mercantile: 1117 King St., Alexandria
My shot
I’ve been waiting all summer for this weekend, as it is finally time for me to see Hamilton at the Kennedy Center. Outside of listening to the soundtrack all week in anticipation, there are still some Hamilton-related exhibits in the area that can add more context and nuance to my experience on Saturday, including the History Has Its Eyes on You exhibit at Mount Vernon, detailing the relationship between Hamilton and George Washington. –MB // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Making Magic
My daughter turned 2 this summer and she’s at that age where we need to find actual family entertainment on the weekends. Half the fun of parenting is watching your kid’s face light up when they’re enjoying something. With that in mind, we’re going to head to Lubber Run Amphitheatre on Sunday for the Zig Zag the Magic Man show. I’m sure she’s going to love it! –KB // 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington
