MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Through September 2019
The Donald W. Reynolds Museum, on the grounds of Mount Vernon, depicts the lives of slaves on the estate through interactive touchscreens, life-size silhouettes, interactive displays, archaeological discoveries and documents. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
TOTS
Girls Who Code
Mondays, 6:30-9 p.m.
Encourage your teens and tweens to kickstart their careers and learn the benefits of coding. This workshop is open to all girls in grades six through 12. // Centreville Regional Library: 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville
TOTS
Rocknoceros
Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
This entertaining band of three is dedicated to keeping the smile on children’s faces with its lively and entertaining performances. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Race to the Moon
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Travel back to 1969 and get involved in the battle between the United States and the Soviet Union to get to the moon. With the Smithsonian TechQuest program, participants will work on problem-solving skills through the alternate reality game. // Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly
TOTS
Crafts for Kids
Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free craft-making at Lakeshore Learning allows children to expand their creativity. // Lakeshore Learning: 7009-A Manchester Blvd., Alexandria
SPECIAL EVENTS
Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt
Weekends through April 8, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enjoy a fun-filled family day at Ticonderoga Farm’s Spring Festival, which includes daily Easter egg hunts that are safe for children of all ages, hayrides, games and animal feeding areas. // Ticonderoga Farm: 26469 Ticonderoga Road, Chantilly
ART EXHIBITS
Artistic Expression
Through April 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Artistic Expression features the work of Osbourn High School students using a mix of media, from paintings to photography to sculpture. // The Manassas Museum: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas
ART EXHIBITS
Renewal
Through April 15
Studio 29 celebrates the vernal equinox with an exhibit featuring visual depictions of the new season, offering a beautiful experience of spring. // Torpedo Factory: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
ART EXHIBITS
Parallel Lives
Through April 15
Five artists with diverse backgrounds come together to explore the human experience across cultures in an exhibit curated by Brigitte Reyes. // Athenaeum: 201 Prince St., Alexandria
SPECIAL EVENTS
Easter Eggstravaganza
April 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
This fun, interactive event features an Easter egg hunt while also allowing children to learn about their favorite animals with a narrated tour and animal feeding. // Roer’s Zoofari: 1228 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna
ART EXHIBITS
Fine Arts & Graphic Design Student Exhibition
April 1-27
This exhibit features the work of Northern Virginia Community College students in the communication design and fine art programs, including the fields of graphic design, web design, animation and more traditional media, such as drawings, ceramics and printmaking. // Waddell Art Gallery: 21200 Campus Drive, Sterling
ART EXHIBITS
Beasts Beyond Boundaries: Cultural Creature-Centric Connections
April 2-29
T.C. Williams High School ceramic students present work showcasing animals and their cultural relevance all over the world at this Scope Gallery exhibit. // Torpedo Factory: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
ART EXHIBITS
Annual Founder’s Day at Lake Anne Exhibit
April 2-30
Celebrate the community of Reston and the life of founder Robert E. “Bob” Simon Jr. on its 54th anniversary. This event is sponsored by the League of Reston Artists. // Jo Ann Rose Gallery: 1609 Washington Plaza N., Reston
PERFORMING ARTS
John
April 3-29, Times Vary
John, an emotional tale written by Annie Baker, explores the different elements that can affect partnerships. Watch the story of young couple Elias and Jenny unfold as they are forced to communicate and tackle relationship struggles during their stay at a strange bed and breakfast. // Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
ART EXHIBITS
A Study of Manhattan: Power, Dominance and Excitement
April 4-May 6; Opening Reception April 12, 6:30 p.m.
Artist Robert Gilbert uses a paintbrush to create his own interpretation of Manhattan, relying on color and shape to capture the essence of New York. // Torpedo Factory: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
MUSIC
Richard Thompson: Solo Acoustic Tour
April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Grammy-nominated guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson brings his Solo Acoustic tour to Alexandria. Thompson, named one of the “top 20 guitarists of all time” by Rolling Stone and “the best electric guitarist since Hendrix” by the Los Angeles Times, is credited as one of the inventors of British folk rock. American folk musician Joan Shelley opens for Thompson. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
TOTS
Aladdin Jr.
April 5-7, Times Vary
Experience the musical adaption of Disney’s Academy Award-winning film Aladdin, presented by Lopez Studios, Inc. Performing Arts Preparatory School. Take a ride on Aladdin’s carpet and find out what adventures are in store when Aladdin finds a magical lamp that grants him three wishes. // NextStop Theatre Company: 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon
PERFORMING ARTS
The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail
April 5-8, Times Vary
The story of writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau’s 1846 imprisonment is recounted by his friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson in this play that explores the struggle between man and government. // GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
MUSIC
Liz Longley
April 5, 7:30 p.m.
After receiving praise from American Songwriter and Huffington Post on her self-titled debut album, Liz Longley did not disappoint with her second studio album, Weightless. Longley makes it her responsibility to create content that is true and relatable for her fans. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
SPECIAL EVENTS
Fall for the Book: Chloe Benjamin
April 6, 7:30-9 p.m.
As part of Fall for the Book’s new Spring Reading Series, The Immortalists author Chloe Benjamin delves into her new novel, which poses the question: “If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?” // George Mason University Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax
SPECIAL EVENTS
Fairfax City Fishing Derby
April 7, 9:30 a.m.
Bring your best fishing gear and set out to catch the hundreds of trout that will be in Ashby Pond. Bait will be supplied. // Ashby Pond: 9817 Ashby Road, Fairfax
ART EXHIBITS
Fredericksburg Spring Arts & Crafts Faire
April 7, 10 a.m. & April 8, 11 a.m.
The Fredericksburg Spring Arts & Crafts Faire, the area’s largest spring craft show, offers a variety of items for everyone. The show features more than 150 vendors selling jewelry, pottery, woodcrafts, clothes and food. // Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg
PERFORMING ARTS
Mummenschanz: You & Me
April 7, 8 p.m.
Swiss entertainment troupe Mummenschanz is known for silent, visually appealing performances that blur the line between reality and imagination. Its latest show, You & Me, incorporates large-scale masks and acrobatics. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas
PERFORMING ARTS
Virginia Opera: Lucia di Lammermoor
April 7, 8 p.m.; April 8, 2 p.m.
Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor is one of the best-loved bel canto operas. Both Rachele Gilmore and Joseph Dennis make their Virginia Opera debut in this twisted tale of rivaling Scottish families, preceded by a pre-show discussion. // GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
PERFORMING ARTS
Cameron Crozman
April 8, 3 p.m.
Cameron Crozman, a young cellist from Canada now living in Paris, has performed at venues across North America and Europe and appeared in international radio broadcasts. Here, he plays 20th-century French selections. // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
MUSIC
Sam Bush
April 8, 7:30 p.m.
Although Sam Bush is considered the “father of newgrass,” he is known for so much more. With a sound that combines jazz, bluegrass and country, it’s no surprise that Bush has been nominated for Musician of the Year by the Country Music Association for five consecutive years and holds a Grammy for Album of the Year. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
SPECIAL EVENTS
Nerd Nite
April 9, 7 p.m.
Trivia night is so 10 years ago. For a fresh take on pairing beer with intellectual content, try Nerd Nite at Fredericksburg’s Red Dragon Brewery, a chance to hear lectures on intriguing topics such as past talks on a Peace Corps journey to the Philippines and how trade policies in China will impact our own ability to recycle. // Red Dragon Brewery: 1419 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg
MUSIC
An Evening with Antigone Rising
April 11, 7:30 p.m.
After opening for legendary acts like the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith, female alt-country group Antigone Rising continued on their path to success. Aside from releasing several live and studio albums, the performers have also launched a nonprofit promoting music careers among youth, served as cultural ambassadors for the United States, and stayed true to their philosophy: “Play better than the boys and make sure the fans feel like part of the family.” // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
MUSIC
Pat McGee Band
April 12-13, 8 p.m.
With more than 20 years of success, the Virginia-based Pat McGee Band returns home to deliver its country-twinged sound rich with harmony and heavy-duty guitars. // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
MUSIC
The Legends of R&B: The Ladies’ Edition
April 12, 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a night of local artists’ tributes to R&B legends Tina Marie, Tina Turner, Anita Baker and more. Dinner accompanies the performances. // The Carlyle Club: 2050 Ballenger Ave., Alexandria
PERFORMING ARTS
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
April 13-28, Times Vary
Stephen Sondheim’s 1979 Tony Award-winning musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a sinister tale of romance, murder and retaliation. Director Clare Shaffer resurrects the London-based story with the Arlington Players. // Thomas Jefferson Community Theater: 125 S. Glebe Road, Arlington
ART EXHIBITS
A Sporting Vision: The Paul Mellon Collection of British Sporting Art from the VMFA
April 13-July 22
Works by John Frederick Herring, George Stubbs and others are featured in this traveling exhibit from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. In this collection of artwork donated by late philanthropist Paul Mellon, sporting art is seen within the context of the modern era. // The National Sporting Library & Museum: 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg
PERFORMING ARTS
Loudoun Youthfest: Battle of the Bands Final Battle
April 13, 6 p.m.
Battle of the Bands Final Battle, organized by Loudoun YouthFest, features live music, dance performances and interactive exhibits. With a focus on health, community and diversity, this event is a great family-friendly experience. // Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg
ART EXHIBITS
Ecdysis Harmonics
April 14-May 17
D.C.-based artist Dawn Whitmore is a documentary photographer and multimedia artist who describes her work’s focal point as “gender, identity and myth.” // Metro Micro Gallery: 3409 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
ART EXHIBITS
Arlington Arts Center Spring Solos
April 14-June 2; Opening Reception April 14, 6-9 p.m.
Each of AAC’s seven galleries spotlights a different regional artist in this collection of solo shows, with work selected by guest jurors from the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. // Arlington Arts Center: 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
TOTS
Matt Heaton
April 14, 10:30 a.m.
Matt Heaton delivers humor and fun in his live musical performances featuring roots and “toddlerbilly” tunes to keep children entertained. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
FOOD & DRINK
Fredericksburg Brewfest
April 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
More than 40 craft brewers, including Strangeways and Devils Backbone, will offer award-winning beers and give guests a sneak peek into what will be on tap in the near future. Sit down and enjoy a demonstration on how to brew beer at home or enjoy a glass of wine or whiskey from Virginia wineries and distilleries. This is a family-friendly event with music and food. // Fredericksburg Fairgrounds: 2400 Airport Avenue, Fredericksburg
PERFORMING ARTS
Gay Men’s Chorus of D.C.
April 14, 4.pm. & 8 p.m.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., which was founded in 1981 and includes more than 250 vocalists, entertains and informs audiences. With a mission to promote inclusion, the group’s performances encourage “justice and dignity for all.” // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1645 Trap Road, Vienna
FOOD & DRINK
Kids’ Night at the Museum
April 14, 6-9 p.m.
Children will experience a night of educational fun with hands-on exhibits, as well as enjoy dinner, dessert, crafts and playtime. // Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum: 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling
MUSIC
The Dave Matthews Band Experience: Crowded Streets
April 14, 7 p.m.
Crowded Streets is a band of six musicians dedicated to one task: recreating the eclectic sound of the Dave Matthews Band. After a prolonged study of the famous band from Virginia, Crowded Streets aims to come as close to the sound of the Dave Matthews Band as humanly possible. // Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg
SPECIAL EVENTS
Goat Yoga
April 15, Noon
Nothing enhances the yoga experience like the bucolic environs of Middleburg combined with the calming presence of baby goats. Treasure both as you form tree pose at this hour-long course suited for both beginner and advanced yogis. // Goodstone Inn & Restaurant: 36205 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg
MUSIC
Sweet Yonder with Elisa Zhai Autry: Chinese Bluegrass Fusion
April 15, 4 p.m.
Chinese bluegrass? Yes. At this Sunday afternoon concert, see what happens when D.C. bluegrass band Sweet Yonder performs alongside Elisa Zhai Autry, a specialist on the pipa, a Chinese lute dating back perhaps 2,000 years. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
MUSIC
Middleburg Concert Series Gala Event
April 15, 4-7 p.m.
Celebrated Irish pianist John O’Conor, who studied in both Dublin and Vienna (Austria), performs on a Steinway piano as part of the Middleburg Concert Series. After the concert, enjoy a cocktail reception and chat with the artist at the National Sporting Library & Museum, with a private showing of new exhibit A Sporting Vision: The Paul Mellon Collection of British Sporting Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. // Middleburg United Methodist Church: 15 W. Washington St., Middleburg
ART EXHIBITS
Mathematics
April 17-May 20
Experience the visuals of mathematics, from geometry to fractal art, in an unlikely place: the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery. // Torpedo Factory: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
TOTS
Paragon Autism Services’ Special Needs Fun Night
April 18, 5-7 p.m.
On the third Wednesday of every month, join Paragon Autism Services for a free night of fun for children with special needs. Registration is required and space is limited. // KD’z Kidz World: 220 Tyler Von Way, Fredericksburg
MUSIC
The Suffers
April 18, 8 p.m.
The Suffers, a “Gulf Coast soul” band from Houston, shows how flawlessly soul and rock ’n’ roll can intertwine. The R&B group’s sound is delivered with a mix of brass instruments, grooving percussion and the not-to-be forgotten voice of lead singer Kam Franklin. // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
ART EXHIBITS
Two Solos
April 19-June 3; opening reception April 22, 4 p.m.
Artists Brian Williams and Sophie Blondeau’s work is paired in this show at the Athenaeum, featuring Williams’ metal paintings and Blondeau’s poetic canvases. // Athenaeum: 201 Prince St., Alexandria
PERFORMING ARTS
Thoroughly Modern Millie
April 20-May 12, Times Vary
Tony Award-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie explores life during the Roaring ’20s as flapper Millie Dillmount moves from Kansas to New York City on a quest for marriage. // Reston Community Center’s CenterStage: 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston
MUSIC
American Spirit
April 20, 8 p.m.
Packed with more than 40 hit songs, this live show revisits three notable concert experiences from the 1960s: the 1963 Motortown Revue at the Apollo Theater, a 1966 Las Vegas concert with Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, and a 1968 Motown concert at Detroit’s Fox Theatre. // The Carlyle Club: 2050 Ballenger Ave., Alexandria
PERFORMING ARTS
Harvey
April 21-May 12, Times Vary
Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Harvey toggles between the real world and an imagined one as main character Elwood P. Dowd struggles to maintain his relationship with his imaginary rabbit friend, Harvey, despite his family’s skepticism. // The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria
SPECIAL EVENTS
Live Well Festival
April 21, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day in Manassas at the 12th annual Live Well Festival. There will be free health screenings, fitness classes, entertainment, activities and a 5K, 10K and 1-mile run. // Harris Pavilion: 9201 Center St., Manassas
SPECIAL EVENTS
SpringFest Fairfax
April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Clean Fairfax joins Fairfax County Park Authority to present SpringFest, Fairfax County’s official Earth Day event. This free event features more than 75 vendors, exhibitors and food trucks. // Sully Historic Site: 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Firefighting History Walking Tour
April 21, 1-2:30 p.m.
Learn the firefighting history of Alexandria through an interactive walking tour featuring volunteer firefighting opportunities, five volunteer firefighter companies and the history of three fires that greatly impacted the city. Open to ages 10 and older. // Friendship Firehouse Museum: 107 S. Alfred St., Alexandria
TOTS
Arlington Palooza
April 21, 1-4 p.m.
This free outdoor event features live music, games and art in an outdoor setting. // Alcova Heights Park: 901 S. George Mason Drive, Arlington
MUSIC
DigiTour: Arctic Lights
April 21, 4 p.m.
DigiTour is an interactive concert event where young fans can enjoy a performance by their favorite YouTube stars and make friends with them. The Arctic Lights show features Raegan Beast, Jonas Bridges, Sam Collins and others. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
PERFORMING ARTS
D.C. Swing!
April 22, 2 p.m.
D.C. Swing! is the swing and jazz band of D.C. Different Drummers, an LGBT music organization that encourages inclusion with its music. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
PERFORMING ARTS
Titus Andronicus
April 25-May 27, Times Vary
Synetic Theater’s founding artistic director, Paata Tsikurishvili, takes a stab at Shakespeare’s 16th-century tragic tale, which explores Roman army general Titus’ battle of revenge with Tamora, queen of the Goths. This show is recommended for ages 16 and up due to violence. // Synetic Theater: 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
MUSIC
Sierra Hull
April 26, 8 p.m.
Sierra Hull, a 24-year-old bluegrass star, has been performing on major stages since age 11. With Grammy Award-winning artist Alison Krauss backing her, Hull’s talent does not go unnoticed. An artist who excels in singing, songwriting and mandolin playing, Hull shows that it is possible to have it all. // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
PERFORMING ARTS
Once Upon a Mattress
April 27-May 6, Times Vary
Enjoy a musical romp—first premiering in 1959 and featuring Carol Burnett in its original Broadway run—based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea. // NextStop Theatre: 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon
PERFORMING ARTS
31st Annual Evening of Comedy
April 27-28, Times Vary
Don’t miss an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment provided by three stand-up comedians at The Barns. // The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
MUSIC
Najee
April 27, 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the sounds of Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum saxophonist and flutist Najee. The jazz artist’s career boasts five No.1 albums and four No. 1 singles on various Billboard charts. Najee’s new album, Poetry in Motion, features Will Downing, Eric Roberson and Maysa. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
MUSIC
Rend Collective: Good News Tour
April 27, 7 p.m.
Rend Collective, also known as a “group of confused 20-somethings trying to figure out faith, life, God and community,” formed organically as a result of the group’s shared faith. The Christian folk band invites fans to celebrate its highly anticipated new album, Good News, at this Jammin Java-billed performance at a McLean church. // McLean Bible Church: 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
FOOD & DRINK
Taste of Vienna
April 28, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Vienna’s Fire Department is hosting the seventh annual Taste of Vienna to bring the community together over food and entertainment. Many of Vienna’s restaurants, such as Kustard & Co., Taco Bamba and Social Burger, will set up in the lot to offer a variety of food for guests. Live bands will perform while guests chow down. // 400 Center St. S, Vienna
FOOD & DRINK
Beer Bacon Music
April 28, Noon
The two tons of bacon—applewood smoked, pecanwood smoked, rubbed with jalapeno, glazed with coconut milk, covered in cocoa powder or turned into cracklins seasoned with Old Bay—is the obvious star of this festival, which also features live music and interactive outdoor games (Knocker ball, oversized beer pong, corn hole and giant Jenga). There will also be 75-plus beers from national and local breweries. // One Loudoun: 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn