While a night on the town doesn’t look like what it used to, as we slowly make our way back out into the world, these recently reopened venues are offering some live, socially distanced fun.
As of press time, these events were scheduled to take place. As always, it’s important to check online for the latest updates and safety precautions before heading out to any venue.
1. Jammin Java has been a staple in Northern Virginia since 2001. With the venue now reopened, stop by and show your support at one of these concerts. // Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; $15-$20
Friends of JJ: An Outdoor Fundraiser for Back to the ’90s // Sept. 5, 7 p.m.; free
An Outside Official Album Release for Karen Jonas // Sept. 10, 7 p.m.; free
Toby Lightman // Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.; $15-$25
2. After being closed for four months, The Birchmere is once again welcoming music fans with some of your favorite performers hitting the stage in September. // 3901 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; birchmere.com
The Seldom Scene // Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m.; $29.50
The Eric Scott Band CD Release Show // Sept. 11, 7:30 p.mm.; $15
Eaglemania // Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.; $39.50
3. Stop by the third annual 2020 Emerging Artists exhibit at Torpedo Factory Art Center before it ends. This year’s exhibit will feature up-and-coming artists MK Bailey, Mahsa R. Fard, Zia Palmer and Latrelle Rostant. // through Sept. 13; 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; free
4. As the saying goes, “The show must go on!” The State Theatre is welcoming back performers and fans with socially distanced outdoor concerts featuring some of your favorite local talent. // 20 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Jehovah’s Favorite Choir // Sept. 10, 7 p.m.; free
The High & Wides // Sept. 12, 7 p.m.; free
Juliana MacDowell and The Agreeables // Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m.; free
Higher Numbers // Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m.; free
5. (Virtual Event) The fifth annual George Washington Patriot Run is going virtual. Run your own 5- or 10-mile run throughout your neighborhood or on your local trail. On Sept. 12, stop by Mount Vernon for the Patriot Run Festival to pick up a participant medal T-shirt and take your photo crossing the finish line. // Sept. 1-12; $35
6. (Virtual Event) Remember when you were a kid and you tore open the Sunday newspaper to read the comics? Relive that feeling with the Library of Congress’ virtual Comic Art: 120 Years of Panels and Pages exhibit. Have a laugh at everything ranging from the 19th century’s The Yellow Kid comic, to the popular Peanuts comic strips. // through Sept. 12; free
7. From the area’s best cover bands to up-and-coming rock and roll groups, Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg—open again after an extended pandemic closure—has everything you need for a perfect night out. // 9 W. Market St., Leesburg
Electric Lynne Orchestra – The ELO Tribute Show // Sept. 5, 8 p.m.; $15-$35
The Amish Outlaws // Sept. 18, 8 p.m.; $15-$35
Live Wire: The Ultimate AC/DC Experience // Sept. 19, 8 p.m.; $15-$35
Bodeans //Sept. 26, 8 p.m.; $30-$75
8. Put on your detective hat to solve the murder of Clue: On Stage. Follow along as you try to find out if it was Mrs. Peacock with the revolver or Professor Plum with the candlestick. // Sept. 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27, 6:30 p.m.; StageCoach Theatre: 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn; $25
9. (Virtual Event) Grab some popcorn and a blanket as you cuddle up on the couch for The Emperor of Atlantis. This virtual performance follows a mad emperor as he declares war against everyone, causing chaos in a world that no longer has laughter or death. // Streaming Sept. 1; free
10. Take a step back in time for America’s First Regional Cuisine event. Enjoy delicious southern Virginia dishes that were featured in Mary Randolph’s 1825 cookbook and had a lasting effect on Southern cooking. // Sept. 12; 7-10 p.m.; The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek: 43285 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg; $89-$99
11. When September comes around, that means Halloween is right around the corner. Get in the holiday spirit with the Witches, Ghost, Murder and Mayhem carriage tour around Fredericksburg. Ride around town as you find out what makes the city go bump in the night. // Sept. 3-5, 10-13, 17-20, 24 & 27; 6-8:30 p.m.; Olde Towne Carriage Tours of Fredericksburg: 706 Caroline St., Fredericksburg; $10-$25
12. (Virtual Event) See how nature inspires art at the Round Hill Native Species Virtual Art Show. The online exhibit features photos and drawings of native plants and animals that surround our backyards. // roundhill.at; free
13. While artists were social distancing at home, many decided to turn their experience into art for the Quarantine Creations exhibit. Gallery pieces are also available to view online. // through Oct. 24, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment; VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital: 2660 Duke St., Alexandria; free
14. With Hamilton taking the country by storm once again, learn about Mount Vernon’s role with Hamilton The Musical Tour. The hour-long tour takes you around the estate as you learn about Lafayette and the fig trees. // Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; mountvernon.org; $28
15. (Virtual Event) Show your kitties and pooches some extra love with the virtual McLean Pet Fest. Activities for you and your pet include dog-training demos, dog-trick demos, ask-the-vet sessions and much more. // Sept. 27; free
16. Funny man Mark Normand is making his way to Arlington to put some laughter back in your life. The comedian self-released his comedy special Out to Lunch this past May and has performed on Conan, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. // Sept. 25 & 26, times vary; Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $25-$30
17. Head over to Mount Vernon for the 18th-century Colonial Market & Fair. Meet with Colonial artisans and reenactors as you browse the beautifully handcrafted food and wares. // Sept. 19 & 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; mountvernon.org; $10-$18
18. (Virtual Event) Harry Potter fans rejoice! This September, Things to Do DC is offering a Virtual Harry Potter Location Tour of the London filming locations from the beloved movies. Travel to Borough Market, the London Eye, Parliament, Trafalgar Square, the Warner Brothers Studio and more. All from the comfort of your couch! // Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; $10
19. (Virtual Event) The annual DC Shorts Film Festival is going virtual this year. Check out 163 films from 34 countries presented in 20 different showcases. Films are from across all genres and participants can also participate in an online welcome reception, panel discussion, filmmaker workshops, an awards brunch and more. // Sept. 10-23; free for events, $12 for film showcase
This post originally appeared in our September 2020 print issue. For more things to do, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
