Skip to content
  • X

Subscribe

Magazine | Newsletters
  • Food & Drink
  • News
  • Culture
  • Style
  • Home
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Things to Do
  • Travel
  • Best of NoVA
  • Best Restaurants
  • Most Influential
  • Top High Schools
  • In This Issue
  • Home
    • Things to Do
  • 65 things to do in Northern Virginia this November
  • Things to Do

65 things to do in Northern Virginia this November

From the Torpedo Factory’s 100th anniversary show to the beginning of the holidays, these are the events to put on your calendar in November.

By Michael Balderston October 25, 2018 at 10:00 am

FOOD & DRINK
Italian Wine Dinner
Nov. 1, 7 p.m.
Chef Erik Fox-Nettnin will prepare a five-course dinner expertly paired with six different wines to transport guests to Italia. // Magnolias at the Mill: 198 N. 21st, Purcellville;
magnoliasmill.com; $100

PERFORMING ARTS
Jay Mohr
Nov. 1-2, Times vary
Comedian, actor, radio host and author Jay Mohr comes to the NoVA area, scheduled for two nights at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. // Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; arlingtondrafthouse.com; $25

FOOD & DRINK
The Art League’s Art on Tap
Nov. 2, 7-10 p.m.
Sample some brews and art as local breweries have paired craft beers with specific artwork to create a series of intriguing combinations. // The Art League: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; theartleague.org; $45

PERFORMING ARTS
Peter Pan and Wendy

Nov. 2-18, Times vary
An adaptation of the classic J.M. Barrie story brings the tale of Peter and the Darling children to stage with adult performers and young thespians. // Creative Cauldron: 410 S. Maple Ave., Suite 116, Falls Church; creativecauldron.org; $18

PETS
Horses and Hounds
Nov. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Witness a simulated fox hunt and cavalry demonstration on the Mount Vernon estate before getting a chance to meet the horses. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; mountvernon.org; Included in admission

MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Remembering World War I: Stories from the Great War

Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
100 years after the end of WWI, explore the technological advances, including aviation, that reshaped modern warfare and social experiences. // Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly; airandspace.si.edu; Free (Parking $15)

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Virginia Tech Maker Festival
Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Get hands-on-experience, live performances and interactive demonstrations designed to inspire scientific curiosity in this full-day of creativity, engineering and resourcefulness. // Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center: 7054 Haycock Road, Falls Church; cpe.vt.edu; Free

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Pumpkin Chunkin’
Nov. 3-6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Get rid of your leftover jack-o’-lanterns in the most fun way possible by dropping and smashing them into little pieces. // Great Country Farms: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont; greatcountryfarms.com; $10

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Northern Virginia Veterans Parade
Nov. 3, 11 a.m.
Honor the American Legion’s 100th anniversary as well as current veterans and their families with a parade through Old Town Manassas. // Old Town Manassas; vetpar.org; Free

FOOD & DRINK
Annual Oyster Feast 2018
Nov. 3, noon-3 p.m.
Dig in on all-you-can-eat oysters, hushpuppies, mac ‘n’ cheese and clam chowder along with a glass of Creek’s Edge wine, backed up by live music. // Creek’s Edge Winery: 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville; creeksedgewinery.com; $40-$55

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Raven’s Night: Momento Mori 2018
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.
A modern take on the traditional masquerade ball, Raven’s Night celebrates life through dance and other special demonstrations. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; birchmere.com; $25

PERFORMING ARTS
Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight

Through Nov. 4, Times vary
The 18th-century philosopher, mathematician and physicist is resurrected to address the pressing dichotomy between the head and the heart. // Vienna Theatre Company: 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna; viennatheatrecompany.com; $14

PERFORMING ARTS
Tom Green
Nov. 4, 8 p.m.
Making a name for himself during the height of MTV, Tom Green continues his signature brand of comedy with his stand-up comedy tour. // The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; thestatetheatre.com; $25

ART EXHIBITS
Julia Dzikiewicz: Pink Hat Protest Paintings 
Through Nov. 4
This series condemns the racism, misogyny and violence in the U.S. while exalting female figures at the forefront of the fight for a better world. // The Art League: 105 N. Union St. Alexandria; theartleague.org; Free

PETS
Yappy Hour
Nov. 5, 5-7 p.m.
Enjoy delicious craft beers and adorable dogs in this monthly event hosted by the Ambassador Pit Bull Alliance volunteer team. // Tysons’ Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner; tysonsbiergarten.com; Free

ART EXHIBITS
Sparkle and Glow

Nov. 6-Jan. 6, 2019
Resident artists for the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery display jewelry, wall and wearable art with a holiday theme. // Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria;
potomacfiberartsgallery.com; Free

PERFORMING ARTS
Jeff Dunham
Nov. 7, 7 p.m.
Ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham will be joined on stage by his popular characters, including Walter, Achmed and Peanut. // EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax; eaglebankarena.com; tickets starting at $51

MUSIC
Petula Clark
Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
With a career that spans back to World War II, “the First Lady of the British Invasion” is well known for her recordings in multiple languages. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria; birchmere.com; $59.50

MUSIC
John Lloyd Young
Nov. 8, 8 p.m.
Broadway’s original Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning singer is prepared to sing the classics with his signature voice. // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna; wolftrap.org; $35-$45

MUSIC
Hot Dub Time Machine
Nov. 8, 9 p.m.
Take a dance through the decades—from the ‘60s to today—at this audio-visual party that has become an international sensation. // The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; thestatetheatre.com; $10

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Alexandria Film Festival
Nov. 8-11
This year’s Alexandria Film Festival will be celebrating independent filmmakers from NoVA neighborhoods and around the world. // Multiple venues; alexfilmfest.com; $12

ART EXHIBITS
Art of Armistice Reception
Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the groundbreaking of the Art Center, Art of Armistice explores the after effects of war. The exhibit will run through Dec. 2. // Target Gallery: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; torpedofactory.org; Free

MUSIC
Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes
Nov. 9-10, 8 p.m.
Hear hits like “Be My Baby” and “Baby, I Love You” when Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Ronnie Spector & The Ronnettes take the stage. // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna; wolftrap.org; $50-$55

PERFORMING ARTS
Revolutionary Gentleman: The Rock Opera
Nov. 9-17, 8 p.m.
This Revolutionary War-era musical satire takes a behind-the-scenes look from the perspective of America’s most infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold. // Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Road, Lorton; infinitystage.com; $28-$32

TOTS
Lace Up for Learning 5K
Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m.
This family-oriented 5K is designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle and engage local communities in support of schools. // Brambleton Town Center: 22855 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton; laceupforlearning.com; $35

MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Veterans Day Fort Tours
Nov. 10, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Two 90-minute tours will be conducted by a Union veteran interpreter, sharing the life of soldiers who participated in the defense of Washington. // Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site: 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria; alexandriava.gov; Free

PETS
Paws & Whiskers Bazaar Party
Nov. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pets get in on the holiday action at Fredericksburg’s Bazaar, with Santa pictures and a pet holiday outfit contest among the highlights. // Hurkamp Park: 500 William St., Fredericksburg; visitfred.com; Free

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Celebrating Veterans and the Arts
Nov. 10, 4 p.m.
Take part in an interactive afternoon of experiences for veterans, service members, their families, military caregivers and the community. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10900 University Blvd., Manassas; hyltoncenter.org; Free

PERFORMING ARTS
Hairspray

Through Nov. 10, Times vary
Tracy Turnblad realizes her dream of being on The Corny Collins Show, and during the Civil Rights era, helps lead a series of monumental changes. // Reston Community Center’s CenterStage: 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston; restonplayers.org; $28

PERFORMING ARTS
Virginia Opera: Don Giovanni
Nov. 10-11, Times vary

Mozart’s notorious Italian nobleman abuses and outrages all he meets until he encounters something he can’t dodge, outwit or kill. // George Mason Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; vaopera.org; $54-$110

PERFORMING ARTS
Heisenberg

Through Nov. 11, Times vary
A chance encounter at a London train station leads to a unique connection between Georgie and the much older Alex. // Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; sigtheatre.org; $40-$98

ART EXHIBITS
The 2018 Athenaeum Invitational: The Cabinet of Curiosities
Through Nov. 11
Cabinets of curiosities are collections of objects that vary in theme from nature and science to religious relics and the arts. // Athenaeum: 201 Prince St., Alexandria; nvfaa.org; Free

PERFORMING ARTS
Rooms: A Rock Romance

Through Nov. 11, Times vary
Two musicians in 1970s Glasgow become creatively and romantically entangled and embark on a journey through the new punk music scene in London and New York. // MetroStage: 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria; metrostage.org; $55

FOOD & DRINK
Beaujolais Nouveau Day Celebration
Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
The third Thursday in November is the earliest French law allows that year’s wine to be served, so raise a glass to the first wine of the season.  // Lloyd House: 220 N. Washington St., Alexandria; visitalexandriava.com; Free

TOTS
Flicks on the Bricks
Nov. 16, 7 p.m.
Enjoy some hot cocoa and s’mores while watching The Polar Express outside on the Plaza just in time for the holiday season. // One Loudoun: 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn;
oneloudoun.com; Free

PERFORMING ARTS
Natasha Leggero
Nov. 16-17, Times vary
Leggero, who is the creator and star of Comedy Central’s Another Period and has been on many of the network’s celebrity roasts, brings her stand up to NoVA. // Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; arlingtondrafthouse.com; $25

FOOD & DRINK
Thanksgiving Pairings
Nov. 17-18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sample pairings of some Thanksgiving favorites with wine to find the perfect combination to have on your Thanksgiving table. // Little Washington Winery: 72 Christmas Tree Lane, Washington; littlewashingtonwinery.com; $10

FOOD & DRINK
To Make Healthful Drink: Beer Brewing
Nov. 17, 1-4 p.m.
Get a first-hand look at how farmers would brew small beer as the common drink of the 18th century. // Claude Moore Colonial Farm: 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean; 1771.org; $5

FOOD & DRINK
Alexandria Cider Festival
Nov. 17, 2-6 p.m.
Ciders from more than 12 Virginia cideries will be available, as well as food trucks, live music and other fall activities. // Lloyd House: 220 N. Washington St., Alexandria; visitalexandriava.com; $45

PERFORMING ARTS
Hold on to Your Butt

Nov. 17, 6 p.m.
Relive Jurassic Park in this “shot-for-shot” retelling of the Steven Spielberg classic performed by just two actors and sound effect artists. // The Old Firehouse: 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean; mcleancenter.org/alden-theatre; $19

MUSIC
Sean Rowe
Nov. 17, 7 p.m.
Alternative folk singer-songwriter Sean Rowe performs songs from his latest album, New Lore. Jarrod Dickinson is slated as the opening act. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; jamminjava.com; $15

PERFORMING ARTS
A Midsummer’s Night Dream

Nov. 17, 8 p.m.
Shakespeare’s tale of love and its many complications follows the impish fairy servant Puck as he causes all kinds of mischief in the woodlands outside Athens. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10900 University Blvd., Manassas; hyltoncenter.org; $26-$44

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Culpeper Holiday Open House
Nov. 18, noon-5 p.m.
Start your holiday gift shopping at one of the many specialty shops in downtown Culpeper. A community tree lighting will happen at 5:15 p.m. // Culpeper Renaissance: 111 S. Commerce St., Culpeper; culpeperdowntown.com; Free

PERFORMING ARTS
East of Eden

Through Nov. 18, Times vary
John Steinbeck’s iconic novel is brought to the stage, telling the story of the Trasks and Hamiltons. // NextStop Theatre: 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon; nextstoptheatre.org; $35

MUSIC
Art Garfunkel
Nov. 18-20, 8 p.m.
Famous for his long-time collaboration with Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel continues his legendary music career now as a solo act. // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna; wolftrap.org; $80-$95

MUSIC
Boney James
Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Four-time Grammy nominee and multiplatinum selling musician Boney James comes to the Birchmere with his saxophone and latest hits. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; birchmere.com; $79.50

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Reston Holiday Parade
Nov. 23, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Reston’s Thanksgiving tradition helps to usher in the season with a parade capped off by Santa and Mrs. Claus. // Reston Town Center: 11900 Market St., Reston; fxva.com; Free

MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Nov. 23, 24 & 30, 5 p.m.
Experience a lantern-lit tour of the grounds decorated for the holidays. At the end of the tour enjoy dancing, caroling, cookies and warm cider. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; mountvernon.org; $25

MUSIC
The Nighthawks with Billy Price
Nov. 23, 9 p.m.
“America’s Best Bar Band” performs its signature electric Chicago blues and roadhouse rock with 2016 Blues Music Award Winner Billy Price. // The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; thestatetheatre.com; $20

PERFORMING ARTS
Virginia National Ballet: The Nutcracker
Nov. 23-24, Times vary
Tchaikovsky’s ballet about a young girl whisked away to magical kingdom when her nutcracker comes to life is an all-time classic. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10900 University Blvd., Manassas; hyltoncenter.org; $25-$37

MUSIC
Charles Esten
Nov. 24-25, 7:30 p.m.
A local favorite and star of the TV show Nashville, T.C. Williams alumni Charles Esten returns to Alexandria for a two-night performance. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; birchmere.com; $55

ART EXHIBITS
Green is the Secret Color to Make Gold

Through Nov. 24
Caitlin Teal Price reveals her new body of work, which depicts arrangements of objects in consideration of value and systems of classification. // Greater Reston Arts Center: 12001 Market St., Suite 103, Reston; restonarts.org; Free

PETS
Mutts Gone Nuts
Nov. 25, 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Scott and Joan Houghton showcase what their rescue dogs can do, from Frisbee and barrel tricks to jump rope routines. // George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; cfa.calendar.gmu.edu; $15

MUSIC
Chanticleer
Nov. 25, 2 p.m.
The Grammy Award-winning all-male chorus kicks off the Christmas season with a concert of seasonal favorites and classic standards. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10900 University Blvd., Manassas; hyltoncenter.org; $33-$55

MUSIC
John Eaton
Nov. 25, 2 p.m.
Hear piano renditions of the work of George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Leonard Bernstein and more from the Wolf Trap favorite, John Eaton. // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna; wolftrap.org; $25-$27

PERFORMING ARTS
Beauty and the Beast

Through Nov. 25, Times vary
In an adaptation of the Disney animated film, the classic fairy tale of Belle and Beast is brought to the stage. // Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg; riversidedt.com; $45-$69

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Nov. 29, 6-8 p.m.
Cascades Overlook will light up its Christmas tree with a visit from Santa, live holiday music, hot chocolate and s’mores. // Cascades Overlook: 21453 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling; visitloudoun.org; Free

MUSIC
Sixth Annual Christmas Extravaganza!
Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.
The Swing Machine, D.C.’s premier big band, will once again help ring in the holidays with a performance that has become an area holiday tradition. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10900 University Blvd., Manassas; hyltoncenter.org; $10

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show
Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Times vary
Nearly 300 vendors will showcase their handmade arts & crafts this holiday season. // Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center: 2371 Carl D Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg;
visitfred.com; $8

TOTS
Rocknoceros
Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
Join the local favorite band every Friday morning to jam out to catchy tunes and lively performances. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; jamminjava.com; $5

TOTS
Great Zucchini
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.
The Great Zucchini uses interactive magic, wacky facial expressions and humor to entertain and engage kids in this weekly show. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna;
jamminjava.com; $5

ART EXHIBITS
Linda George
Through Dec. 3
One of the Artful Dimensions’ resident fiber artists, Linda George will display her work as the gallery’s featured artist. Opening reception is on Nov. 2. // Artful Dimensions Gallery: 922 Caroline St., Fredericksburg; artfuldimensiongallery.com; Free

ART EXHIBITS
Constantly Becoming

Through Dec. 31
The work of local artist Sophia Pineda, a 14-year-old with Down syndrome, will be featured and looks to educate about special-need resources available in the area. // Fredericksburg Area Museum: 907 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg; famva.org; Free

PERFORMING ARTS
Billy Elliot

Through Jan. 6, 2019, Times vary
In a tough British coal mining town, 11-year-old Billy decides to trade in his boxing gloves and takes up dance. // Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; sigtheatre.org; $40-$103

MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Sidesaddle, 1690-1935

Through March 24, 2019
Paintings and sculptures of female equestrians and the evolution of sidesaddle tack and attire from the 17th to the 20th century are on display. // National Sporting Library & Museum: 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg; nationalsporting.org; Free

Trending in NoVA

See What’s New and Opening Soon at Tysons Corner Center

Arlington Pizzeria Named One of the Top 50 in the U.S.

The 19 Best June Events in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC

Virginia Residents Are the Highest Income Earners in the Country

19 New Northern Virginia Restaurants Offering Fresh Flavors

things to do newsletter

Our Top Stories In Your Inbox

Our newsletters delivered weekly.

Subscribe

Feeds

RSS Feed Follow in Feedly

You May Also Like

a rendering of a race car driving on the street in front on the DC Capital building

9 Can’t-Miss DC Events Celebrating America250

Fireworks at Great Meadow

21 Fourth of July Fireworks Shows Set to Light Up the Night Sky in Northern Virginia

People sit on the lawn at Wolf Trap.

Best of NoVA 2026: The Top Spots for Family Fun, Date Night, and Other Things to Do

  • X

Company

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Writer’s Guidelines
  • Internships
  • Terms of Use

Magazine

  • Magazine
  • Subscription
  • Newsletter
  • Back Issues

Talk to Us

  • Contact Us
  • Submit an Event
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Shopping

  • Subscription
  • Back Issues
  • Plaques
  • Realtor Client Gift Subscriptions

On Newsstands Now

June 2026 best of nova cover

Copyright © 2026 Northern Virginia Magazine

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Hey AI.