The weekend of November 15–17 is packed with action, from the art fairs to movie screenings across Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Whether you’re in the mood for a holiday market or an ice-skating spectacular, there’s no shortage of fun to add a little sparkle to your weekend. Ready to mix art, magic, and a bit of holiday cheer? Let’s go.
Umbrella Art Fair
November 15–17, noon
The Umbrella Art Fair returns to DC, showcasing over 100 artists from the DMV and beyond. This year’s fair features Torrents: New Links to Black Futures, six curated exhibits, and art from around the globe. Union Market District Dock 5: 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, DC, free
Harry Potter Movie Screening and Family Fun by Candlelight
November 15, 5–8 p.m.
You’re in for a magical night with a showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at 5:30 p.m. The fun starts with trivia, popcorn, and all your favorite movie treats. Come dressed as a muggle or represent your Hogwarts house. No tickets needed — just bring your wand (and maybe your appetite for Casa De Avila Tacos). Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery: 38506 John Wolford Rd., Waterford, free
Tysons Corner Holiday Kick-Off Celebration 2024
November 15, 6–8 p.m.
The event features Santa’s grand arrival, holiday performances, a fireworks display, and complimentary s’mores and beverages. There will be a pop-up market and a light display sponsored by George Mason University. Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, free
Xtreme World Ice Premiere at Ion Arena
November 15, 7–9 p.m.
The Xtreme Ice World Premiere will feature daring performances by top acrobats and ice skaters, including Kurt Browning, Alissa Czisny, and Keegan Messing. Expect jaw-dropping stunts and tricks in an action-packed ice show. Ion Arena: 19201 Compass Creek Pkwy. SE, Leesburg, $30–$99
Tinder Live! with Lane Moore
November 15, 8 p.m.
This is a comedy show where Lane Moore swipes through dating profiles live, letting the audience decide her choices. Be ready to laugh. Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, Washington, DC, $35
National Landing Community Cleanup
November 16, 10 a.m.–noon
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and do some community cleaning. There will be a kickoff at the Crystal City Metro Station with a quick pep talk, then grab your trash grabbers and help beautify the neighborhood. The first 40 to show up will snag a limited-edition cleanup T-shirt — who doesn’t love free swag? Stick around after for some well-deserved snacks at McNamara’s Pub. Registration is required. Crystal City Metro: 1750 S. Clark St., Arlington, free
Block Printing with Mordants
November 16, 10 a.m.–noon
Join An-Phuong Ly, a textile artist, for a hands-on demonstration of block printing on fabric. Learn about extracting pigments from natural dyes, creating color variations, and using different pattern tools. The session covers the finishing process to ensure colors stay vibrant. United States Botanic Garden: 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
Recycled Rhythms: A New Spin on Old Records
November 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Transform old vinyl records into art pieces using paint markers and decoupage. This workshop allows participants to reimagine LPs into sculptures. Registration is recommended. Art Enables: 2204 Rhode Island Ave. NE, Washington, DC, free
Cherrydale Holiday Market
November 16, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Get your gifts at this holiday market. Support artisans while snagging gifts like pottery, candles, and fair-trade apparel. Sip on free hot cider as you browse, and watch the kids unleash their inner Picasso at the ornament-decorating station. Cherrydale United Methodist Church: 3701 Lorcom Ln., Arlington, free
Holiday Market & Celebration
November 16, noon–5 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with handmade goods, music, and special activities like making mini gingerbread houses. There will be a pop-up book sale benefiting the nonprofit, Turning the Page. Marketplace Plaza at the Parks: 7175 12th St. NW, Washington, DC, free
Alexandria Citizens Band Swing Band Fall Concert
November 16, 3–4 p.m.
Swing into the weekend with a free concert. Toe-tap to classic jazz favorites and contemporary renditions — all thanks to a grant from the city of Alexandria and the National Endowment for the Arts. Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center: 25 W. Reed Ave., Alexandria, free
Astronomy Festival
November 16, 5–7:30 p.m.
Want a celestial evening? Enjoy guided stargazing, telescope viewing, and cozy campfire tales of ancient constellations — all while sipping hot chocolate. Turner Farm Park Observatory: 925 Springvale Rd., Great Falls, $10
Wicked Ballet
November 16–17, 5 p.m.
Experience the magic of Wicked reimagined through ballet. This performance captures Elphaba and Glinda’s journey in the Land of Oz, all expressed through dance. Potomac Senior High School: 3401 Panther Pride Dr., Dumfries, $12
Haley Heynderickx with Kalia Vandever
November 16, 6 p.m.
Heynderickx, an indie folk artist known for her introspective lyrics and fingerpicking guitar, just released her second album Seed of a Seed on November 1. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, Washington, DC, $25
Cirque Kalabanté
November 16, 8–9:30 p.m.
Afrique en Cirque by Cirque Kalabanté offers a blend of African arts and circus acts, with live Afro jazz and energetic acrobatics inspired by Guinean culture. The show runs 90 minutes. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $33–$55
Don’t Tell Comedy
November 16, 8–9:30 p.m.
Don’t Tell Comedy brings its first show to Fredericksburg. This secretive comedy event features top comedians from DC, Maryland, Virginia, and New York, with the lineup kept under wraps until showtime. This is a 21-plus event. Virginia Credit Union Stadium: 42 Jackie Robinson Way, Fredericksburg, $25
Frozen Brunch in Arendelle with the Snow Sisters
November 17, 11 a.m.
Brrrr! Come meet Elsa and Anna for a Frozen brunch at Madigan’s Waterfront. The event features a brunch buffet, live performances, crafts, games, dancing, and photo ops. Arrie by 11 a.m. for the show at 11:30 a.m. It should be noted that the event is upstares and the venue does not have an elevator. Madigan’s Waterfront: 201 Mill St., Occoquan, $34
Disney In Concert: A Dream is a Wish
November 17, 6 p.m.
Experience the magic of Disney. This enchanting event features music from classic films like The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Frozen, performed by young artists alongside a live orchestra. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $22
Odie Leigh: Carrier Pigeon Tour
November 17, 6:30 p.m.
Odie Leigh, a self-taught musician whose TikTok success launched her career, blends indie folk with edgy pop-punk sounds on her debut album, Carrier Pigeon. Opening for Leigh is Angela Autumn, an Appalachian-born artist, mixes folk and country influences, with her 2023 album Cowboy Jack Clementine drawing critical praise. The Atlantis: 2047 Ninth St. NW, Washington, DC, $23
Max Fosh: Loophole
November 17, 8 p.m.
Max Fosh, the YouTuber and comedian known for exploiting life’s loopholes, brings his new show to the Lincoln Theatre. With over 4 million followers and 1 billion views, Max’s humor is based on his absurd, comedic accomplishments — like becoming the “Richest Man in the World for 7 Minutes.” Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, Washington, DC, $35
Feature image courtesy Cirque Kalabanté
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
