America’s unofficial winter holiday is upon us: Super Bowl Sunday. In Northern Virginia, this preeminent celebration is rife with watch parties and foodie fun, attracting everyone from casual observers to football fanatics. But if you don’t enjoy watching football, try these Super Bowl alternatives in NoVA.
Ice Skating at Reston Town Center Pavilion
More than the perfect activity for a winter Sunday, ice skating is a great way to get out of the house during the Super Bowl. Located in Reston Town Center, this seasonal skating pavilion appears only during the winter. The ice rink will be open on Sunday until 9 p.m., and you can even get a little shopping in while you’re there. 11900 Market St., Reston, $11 for adults, $9 for kids ages 12 and under
Movies at Angelika Film Center
For an entertaining Sunday free from football, try catching a film at Angelika Film Center at Mosaic. This independent theater has nine locations in the U.S. and shows everything from big-budget Hollywood blockbusters to indie and classic films. A Sunday evening showing of Anyone but You with Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell is the perfect Super Bowl distraction. Or maybe you want to spend the afternoon watching the first three episodes of The Chosen, Season Four. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax, starting at $17
Fondue at the Melting Pot
Nothing screams “perfect night out,” like hot cheese, cascading chocolate, and a delectable meal from the Melting Pot. Maybe you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day early or want to enjoy some delicious fondue solo. Whatever your reason, The Melting Pot takes the Swiss delicacy to new heights with a wide array of prix fixe and à la carte options, perfect for a night spent blissfully ignorant of the Super Bowl. 1110 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, prix fixe for two starting at $106
Bowling at Bowl America
Turn back the clock at this Fairfax bowling alley. You won’t find any new-fangled machines or pin counters here — every bowling lane is operated from the retro-style in-lane computer. Shake the dust off those bowling shoes and prepare for a blast-from-the-past night of fun sans football. 9699 Lee Hwy., Fairfax, $123.96 for four people, including shoe rentals
Escape Room at Bond’s Escape Room
Escape the Super Bowl hype by finding your way out of an escape room. With 15 different rooms across two NoVA locations, Bond’s Escape Room has a little something for everyone. On Super Bowl Sunday, themes range from fighting an evil futuristic A.I. to a frightful feast where you are the main course. Get your Super Bowl–abstaining friends together to solve the mystery. 3949 University Dr., Fairfax; 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Ste. 910, Arlington, starting at $30 per person, minimum three people
Feature image courtesy of Angelika Film Center and Café
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