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  • The 12 Best Things to Do in Northern Virginia This Weekend
The band, Classified Frequency, playing at the 2016 Mid-AtlanticBand Battle at Jammin Java.
  • Things to Do

The 12 Best Things to Do in Northern Virginia This Weekend

Groove to live music and connect with the natural world in the first weekend of 2025.

By Mallory Evans January 2, 2025 at 8:51 am

Ring in the New Year with these 12 exciting weekend events for all ages in Northern Virginia. From January 3 to 5, you can watch entertaining live shows, participate in restorative mind and body activities, and escape the cold with an indoor beach party.

Carly Rose Ratcliffe

January 3, 2–6 p.m.

For an afternoon of uplifting country music, see Carly Rose Ratcliffe perform outdoors on the YARD live music venue stage at Farm Brew Live. Ratcliffe will perform a combination of original songs and covers of Dolly Parton, Tyler Childers, and Miranda Lambert. Farm Brew Live: 20109 Discovery Blvd., Manassas, free

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder 

January 3–4

Ricky Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, bring beautiful bluegrass to The Birchmere. With seven Grammy wins, the group delivers powerhouse performances led by Skaggs on the mandolin. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $55 

Band Battle #28 Prelims

January 3–5, 7:30 p.m.

Watch three nights of electrifying bands as they “Play. Win. Rock.” See Hall Williams Band, Spoonfed, Tell Me More!, and Talk to Your Neighbor. Don’t miss the finals on January 17. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $10–$25

Twelfth Night at Kenmore: A Dramatic Performance

January 3–5, times vary

Travel back in time to January 1776 in this riveting portrayal of a twelve-day Christmas celebration with the Lewis family during the Revolutionary War era. Costumed actors present the Twelfth Night at Kenmore in the first floor rooms of the estate, and Colonial Faire delivers a special musical performance. Historic Kenmore: 1201 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg, $10–$20; free for 5 and under

HCC Beach Resort

January 4, 3–5 p.m.

Missing summer? Take shelter from the cold at the HCC Beach Resort in a tropical paradise to stay warm. Enjoy the heated pool deck, on-deck hot tub, frozen mocktails, and ice pops. Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, $10, free for 2 and under

Live Music: Dylan Woelfel

January 4, 6–9 p.m.

Add some country and guitar live music by independent artist Dylan Woelfel at Honor Brewing Company to your Saturday night plans. Enjoy food and 16 craft beers on tap, along with a full bar. Honor Brewing Company: 42604 Trade West Dr., Ashburn, free

Preschool and School Age Growing Up Wild

January 4, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

This nature program encourages children to learn about wildlife and explore the world around them. In the Northern Fauquier Community Park Meeting Room, this event includes nature play, nature in the classroom, and various activities to better connect to the environment. Northern Fauquier Community Park: 4155 Monroe Pkwy., Marshall, free

Warmth Within Winter: Reconnecting with Nature on Earth’s Perihelion

January 4, 10 a.m.–noon

Celebrate Earth’s perihelion – its closest point to the sun for the year – at Potomac Overlook Regional Park to embrace the nearness of the sun. Certified forest-bathing guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature will lead forest bathing for a soothing sensory experience. The event also features mindful walking, guided meditation, and tea. Potomac Overlook Regional Park 2845 N. Marcey Rd., Arlington, $35

Four-Course Celebratory Music Birthday Brunch

January 5, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Join the entire team of L’Auberge Chez Francois for a birthday brunch to honor its founder, “Papa” Francois Haeringer. This four-course extravaganza features some of Papa’s favorite dishes, from hot mulled spiced wine and delectable brunch cocktails to housemade bread and egg dishes. John Peter Giunta provides live guitar, flute, and accordion music. L’Auberge Chez Francois: 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls, $126

Healing Sound Bath with Uma

January 5, 1–2 p.m.

Relax and unwind with a rejuvenating sound bath experience led by Uma, a metaphysical teacher and spiritual mentor. Sound therapy provides countless benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep, and pain relief. Bring a pillow, blanket, and yoga mat for enhanced relaxation. The Lotus and The Light Metaphysical Center: 9256 Mosby St., Ste. 101, Manassas, $25

Winter Euphoria 2025

January 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Visit the Euphoria Market to shop and peruse an assortment of vintage items this winter season. Early Bird admission starts at 10 a.m. Dulles Expo and Conference Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, $12.50–$20; free for 12 and under

& Juliet

Through January 5

Don’t miss your chance to see this new musical reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This show considers what would happen if Juliet didn’t end it all and instead got a fresh start. The story is accompanied by pop tunes like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $45–$239

Feature image of Jammin Java’s Band Battle courtesy Roxplosion

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