The weekend before a holiday can tend to be a little boring, especially if you’re busy packing or preparing your home for guests. This year, make time for a little fun before you worry about Thanksgiving. From holiday shopping to a rock concert full of music legends, here are 11 things to do on the weekend of November 17–19.
Paint Pet Portraits
November 17, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Now is your chance to turn your beloved pet into a work of art. Bring a 4 by 6-inch photo of your pet for a step-by-step guided art session. Frames and paints will be provided. Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park: 22831 Hanson Park Dr., Aldie, $10
Thanksgiving Wine and Pie Pairings
November 17–18, noon–6 p.m.
If you can’t wait until your Thanksgiving feast to enjoy a warm slice of pie, head over to Firefly cellars this weekend. This pairing will serve three tastings of delicious pie from Leesburg’s Mom’s Apple Pie paired with wines from the winery. Firefly Cellars: 40325 Charles Town Pk., Hamilton, $32
Holiday Kick-off Celebration
November 17, 6–8 p.m.
Friday marks the start of the holiday season at Tysons. Santa Claus is set to kick off the festivities with music and dancing. The night is also set to include a pop-up market, custom beverages, giveaways, and complimentary s’mores and hot chocolate bar. Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, free
Anime Fredericksburg
November 18, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Anime lovers of all ages won’t want to miss this convention. The all-day event will feature over 120 vendors, artists, and clubs; a cosplay contest; game zone; and celebrity meet and greets. Some of the guests include Joshua Set from Digimon and Akira and Wayne Grayson from YuGiOh and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fredericksburg Convention Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $10
Mosaic Holiday Village
November 18–19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Get your holiday shopping out of the way with the help of Mosaic. The market will feature over 65 vendors and artisans selling memorable gifts for everyone on your list. Mosaic District: 2910 District Ave., Fairfax, free
Liz Longley
November 18, 8 p.m.
Liz Longley brings her soulful melodies to Jammin Java. The Nashville native has won recognition from prestigious songwriting competitions and is one of the most funded solo female musicians in Kickstarter history. Her most recent album Funeral For My Past draws inspiration from gospel and pop anthems. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $25
Bret Michaels Parti-Gras Tour
November 18, 8–10:30 p.m.
The rock and roll legend is heading to Leesburg for the first time ever. Known as the frontman for Poison, expect to hear songs from the band and his solo career, including “All I Ever Needed,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” and “Talk Dirty to Me.” Joining Michaels is Journey’s Steve Augeri, FireHouse’s Bill Leverty, and current contestant on The Voice, Huntley. Ion International Training Center: 19201 Compass Creek Pkwy. SE, Leesburg, $65–$200
Choosing to Portage
Through November 18
Explore the meaning of legacy at this exhibition highlighting the 50th anniversary of the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art. Five artists from varied cultural backgrounds will display their pieces, ranging from illustrations to photography to sculptures, to prompt discussions of timeless topics like identity, masculinity, grief, and war. Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art: 12001 Market St., Ste. 103, Reston, free
Vienna Turkey Trot
November 19, 8 a.m.
Lace up your running shoes for a pre-Thanksgiving feast activity to benefit the James Madison High School Band and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. There will be 5K and 10K races, along with a 1-mile Kids’ Fun Run. After the race, enjoy refreshments and music at the Finish Line Festival. Vienna Volunteer Fire Department: 400 Center St. S, Vienna, viennaturkeytrot.org, $45 for 5K, $50 for 10K, $20 for Kids’ Fun Run
Chili Cookoff
November 19, noon–2 p.m.
If you’re a chili lover, make sure you come with an empty stomach. Twelve competitors have entered their recipes — both meat and veggie options — for the showdown on Sunday. Get a bowl of each and vote on your favorites. Proceeds from the event will help support the RoSigle Foundation. Lake Anne Brew House: 11424 Washington Plz. W., Reston, $10 for tasting tickets
Stargaze at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
November 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Spend the evening enjoying the twinkling night views. Join the staff and Northern Virginia Astronomy Club to observe and learn about the planets, stars, and moon. Guests are asked to wear layers and bring a small flashlight covered with red cellophane or brown paper. 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free
Feature image of Holiday Kick-off Celebration by Timeline Media
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