Art festivals, pumpkin patches, and Dulles International Airport are some of the places you will want to be the weekend of September 13–15 for fun.
Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 50th Anniversary
September 13, 7–10 p.m.; September 15, noon–2 p.m.
Get groovy! The Torpedo Factory Art Center celebrates its 50th anniversary with a weekend of festivities. On Friday, dress in ‘70s attire for live music, art, tie-dying, and food from Scuttlebutt Bakery. On Sunday, enjoy live acoustic guitar music, tie-dying, and face painting. Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, free admission
22nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival
September 14–15, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Alexandria, well known for its vibrant arts scene, holds its 22nd annual art festival in John Carlyle Square this weekend. It features juried artwork from artists nationwide. The show is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine. John Carlyle Square: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, free
Catharsis: Wild Heart Opening Reception
September 13, 6–8:30 p.m.
Principle Gallery presents Catharsis: Wild Heart, curated by Poland-based artist Anna Wypych, known for her dramatic and colorful pieces. The exhibit features 24 artists from around the world, with Wypych in attendance. Principle Gallery: 208 King St., Alexandria, free
Colonial Market & Fair at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
September 14–15, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ever wondered what the 18th century was like? You can get a taste of it at this market, with food and handcrafted wares at Mount Vernon. Play old-time games and listen to live music from that time period. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, $15–$28 admission
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration with Inspira Dance
September 15, 5–9 p.m.
Learn salsa and bachata dancing from instructors who hail from Spanish-speaking countries. This family-friendly night will end with a social dance party. Pat Miller Square: 2311 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
Kristin Chenoweth with Alan Cumming
September 13, 8 p.m.
Kristin Chenoweth, who you might know from Wicked, Glee, and The West Wing, and Alan Cumming, from Cabaret, Burlesque, and Spy Kids, come together at Wolf Trap to perform two individual sets of Broadway’s greatest hits. And, yes, they will do a duet together. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $29
Cox Farms Fall Festival
September 14–November 4
Northern Virginia’s largest and most famous fall festival opens this weekend. Come visit for hayrides, giant slides, rope swings, farm animals, food, and entertainment. It also features Foamhenge, a life-size replica of Stonehenge made of Styrofoam. Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, $10–$25
Tysons Corner Center Fall Festival
September 14, noon–4 p.m.
At this third annual fall festival in Tysons, enjoy live music, craft beer sampling from five breweries, pumpkin painting, 12 vendors, a photo booth, and more. Purchase a VIP ticket for $50 to sample wines from 10 wineries. Proceeds go toward Food for Others. Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, free
Basset Hound Rescue Fall Festival
September 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Activities include dog contests, agility contests, pie-eating contests, and a Basset Hound race! All dog breeds are welcome at this festival, and even encouraged to enter the contests. Ther will be raffles and auctions to raise money for the Basset Rescue of Old Dominion. Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, free
2024 Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull
September 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Teams of 25 compete to pull an 82-ton plane 12 feet in the fastest time. The first plane pull happens at 10:30 a.m. There will be aircraft displays, a classic car show, fire truck rides, kids’ activities, a mobile-lounge tour, and live performances. Money raised benefits Special Olympics Virginia. This event has raised $5.5 million since it started in 1992. Consider taking Metro since this event attracts a lot of people. Dulles International Airport: 1 Saarinen Cir., Dulles, free but donations recommended
Feature image of Dulles Day Plane Pull courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
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