The holiday season is fast approaching, and the region is full of exciting events this weekend. If you’re looking to get a start to your holiday shopping at a local artist show, enjoy mulled wine or local ciders at a festival, or get a good laugh at a comedy show, Northern Virginia and DC have an event for you.
Pink Ribbon Hoppy Hour
November 13, 4–8 p.m.
Sip on a local craft beer while supporting a worthy cause at this breast cancer awareness fundraiser. All proceeds from ticket donations benefit the Loudoun Breast Health Awareness Network. Enjoy live music, bid in silent and live auctions, enter a raffle, and enjoy tasty bites. Lost Rhino Brewing: 21730 Red Rum Dr. Ste.142, Ashburn, starting at $20
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November 13–December 21
Julia Masli’s interactive show is back at Woolly Mammoth, this time with a holiday spin. Masli encourages audience members to bring their holiday problems to the stage, and she’ll find them a hilarious solution. The show opened Wednesday. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: 641 D St. NW, Washington, DC, $16–$56
Artist Talk: Hiromi Isobe
November 14, 6 p.m.
Enjoy the solo exhibition Can I See? and an artist talk with local Arlington-based artist Hiromi Isobe at the Jenkins Community Gallery. Isobe is guided by a sense of wonder in her artmaking and uses mediums like paint, fiber, sculpture, and other mixed media to allow guests to pause, reflect, and imagine the systems that shape our world. Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington: 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, free
Wale
November 14, 8 p.m.
DC-native rapper Wale is returning to the city to perform with R&B singer Jeremih, known for hits like “Planez” and “I Like.” Wale, who incorporates elements of go-go music into his rap hits, is known for songs like “Lotus Flower Bomb,” “Bad,” and “No Hands.” The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $61.25
The Marriage of Figaro
November 14–22
Head to the Kennedy Center to see the Washington National Opera perform this “perfect comedy” by Mozart. Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $52
Oysterfest
November 15 in DC, November 16 in Herndon, noon to 5 p.m.
Whether you’re a super fan of the briny, mineral flavor of these mollusks or just looking for a crisp craft beer, this event is a perfect fall weekend hangout. Enjoy music, refreshing brews, and oysters galore at the Herndon and DC locations. 767 Elden St., Herndon; 1740 14th St. NW, Washington, DC
LoCo Cider Fest
November 15, noon to 6 p.m.
Kick off Virginia Cider Week with this inaugural cider celebration with samples, a souvenir glass, and more. Along with sips from local cideries like Mt. Defiance and Loudoun Cider House, enjoy live music, seasonal food, fire pits, fall photo ops, and a live cider pressing demonstration. Great Country Farms: 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, starting at $35
Cocktails and Canines
November 15, 1–3 p.m.
Are you looking for a new furry friend to take home? This cocktail adoption event and happy hour is the perfect opportunity to meet a pup while enjoying specialty cocktails. Guests who start the adoption process onsite will also receive a staycation from The Royal Sonesta for their one year adopt-aversary. Bistro Du Jour: 20 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free
Mulled Wine & Hot Drinks Festival
November 15, 1–6 p.m.
Stay warm with a variety of hot beverages at this festival with live music by Nick Tierra. Compete in a Jenga tower building contest, a candy chopstick challenge, and a whipped cream pie eating contest for prizes. Don’t forget to bring nonperishable foods to donate to the Official Starlight DMV Thanksgiving Food Drive benefiting the Alexandria Women and Children’s Domestic Violence Shelter. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free
Ice & Lights Opening Night
November 15, 5–10 p.m.
Enjoy the opening night of this annual light show and winter village with an interactive orb field, warm hot chocolate, snacks, and thousands of sparkling lights. Take a family selfie under the 100-inch tunnel arch or at the wreath photo op. Come back in two weeks to grab some skates and get on the ice rink. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, starting at $9
Dusty Slay: The Neighborhood Guy Tour
November 15, 6 p.m.
This Alabama comedian is sure to make you giggle. He’s known for his blue-collar style of storytelling based around his own experiences, and his podcasts We’re Having A Good Time and The Nateland Podcast. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $54
Bourbon and Bubbles
November 15, 7 p.m.
Sip through guided bourbon and sparkling wine tasted led by experts at this annual fall fundraiser. The event includes live music, s’mores, hand-rolled cigars, firepits, handcrafted cocktails, Southern-inspired dishes, and zero-proof beverage options. Proceeds support Wolf Trap’s arts and education programs. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, $350
Catoctin Holiday Art Tour
November 15–16, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Explore 22 artists’ work at 10 studios within a 5-mile radius at this 14th annual art tour. Browse glasswork, woodwork, jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculptures, and more. Get your holiday shopping done early while supporting local artists. Multiple area locations, free
DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival
November 15–16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sample chocolates in multiple forms and sip on coffee from around the world from over 200 vendors. There will be artisan products like teas, soaps, candles, gifts, and art. Vendors will host classes, presentations, and demonstrations, and a kids’ coffee filter craft table will keep the whole family entertained. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, $20
Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions
Through December 21
Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright and NoVA native Paula Vogel directed this play, which just opened at Studio Theatre on Wednesday. The semiautobiographical story follows a family in the DC suburbs as they move “from one roach-infested apartment to another.” 1501 14th St. NW, Washington, DC, starting around $95
Feature image courtesy DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival
