1) Jennifer Hudson takes her powerful voice to Wolf Trap’s stage, elevating the concert by performing with the National Symphony Orchestra. We spoke with her about the tour, her role in the new Cats movie and more. Read our exclusive interview here. // Sept. 5; 8 p.m.; Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; $45
2) Head over to historical Mount Vernon, where the modern era meets the Colonial period for the Colonial Market & Fair. Explore the marketplace for traditional food and goods made by Colonial artisans, and period music and performances. // Sept. 14-15; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; $12-$20
3) Get ready for your Primetime Emmy Awards party one week early by attending the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience. Listen to the music of Ramin Djawadi as visuals from the show light the stage behind the musicians. The hit HBO show is nominated for a record-breaking 32 Emmys for its final season. // Sept. 15; 8 p.m.; Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow; $25-$286
4) Don’t just read about it here, go out and experience the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival, a local event promoting literacy. Self-published and independently published authors are featured, spanning multiple genres. // Sept. 21; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sophia Street, Fredericksburg; free
5) Dip your toes into Shakespeare with The Tempest and follow sorcerer Prospero on a remote island. See the magic, betrayal, revenge and familial themes play out as Prospero uses his powers to control the fate of others. // Sept. 25-Oct. 20; times vary; Synetic Theater: 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington; $20-$65
6) The sounds of the Gulf Coast are heading to Virginia for Rosslyn Jazz Fest. The Suffers, who have appeared on notable programs nationwide, will headline the event. The band is joined by New Orleans-based and local artists to play music spanning jazz, soul, funk, blues and Caribbean genres. // Sept. 7; 1-7 p.m.; Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington; free
7) Attend An Evening with Audra McDonald to hear the accomplished soprano perform Broadway hits, as well as songs from the Great American Songbook. The Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner will be at the Center for the Arts, for the first time, for the ARTS by George! benefit. // Sept. 28; 8:30 p.m.; GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $50-$100
8) Downton Abbey is coming to cinemas Sept. 20, so step into a night of British music with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra for The Downton Abbey Era. The symphony will play music from the upcoming film, as well as works by Vaughn Williams and Sir Edward Elgar, led by Christopher Zimmerman. // Sept. 21; 8 p.m.; GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $25-$50
9) Celebrate the end of summer with Ex’s & Oh’s, a Baltimore-based band. Performing works from the likes of Amy Winehouse to Led Zeppelin, this concert is sure to be a fun way to rock into fall. // Sept. 28; 3-6:30 p.m.; Farm Brew Live: 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas; free
10) Discover the skills law enforcement, military and civilian K-9 teams train in at the Iron Dog Competition. Spectators will get to see K-9 teams compete on an approximately 1.5-mile course with stations dedicated to skills these working dogs must know. Purchases from food trucks and other vendors are available. // Sept. 28; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Kettle Run High School: 7403 Academic Ave., Nokesville; free
11) Phoebe Robinson is a quadruple threat. The stand-up comedian is a New York Times bestselling author, an actress (hey, Broad City) and the co-creator of hit podcasts 2 Dope Queens (now an HBO special series) and Sooo Many White Guys. This month, Robinson makes a stop at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse during her first solo tour. Check out our exclusive interview here. // Sept. 5-7; 7:30 p.m.; Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $30-$40
12) The weather turns cool and it’s time to switch from weekend beach trips to all things fall—apple picking, pumpkin decorating, hay riding and more. Check out our list of fun fall festivals kicking off this month.
13) Are you brave enough to face the scary, spooky Fields of Fear? If you dare explore the farm at night, don’t miss the Dark Side Hayride, The Forest: Back 40 and recently revamped Cornightmare. Calm down at The Firegrounds by a roaring fire and then hit the dance floor. // Sept. 20-Nov. 2; 7:30-11 p.m.; Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville; $20-$35
14) Get inspired by paintings, life-sized sculptures, jewelry, photography and ceramics at the King Street Art Festival. Works of more than 200 local, national and global artists will be featured over six blocks. You will have the chance to purchase some of the art and talk with the creators. // Sept. 21-22; times vary; 220 King St., Alexandria; free
15) Celebrate history at Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 45th Anniversary Salute. Founding artists will be honored at the torpedo-factory-turned-art-center where more than 165 artists create, display and sell their work. The reception, which falls on the exact day the center opened to the public, will include snacks, music, a mayoral proclamation and an exhibition at the Target Gallery with works by some of the founding artists. // Sept. 15; 2-5 p.m.; Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; free
16) It’s a blast from the past at the Edgar Rohr Car Show. Check out various collector vehicles and see which will win from the 50 class awards and 14 special awards. Food, drinks, entertainment, a nearby farmers market and more are part of the attractions at this annual, family-friendly event. // Sept. 21; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Manassas Museum: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas; free
17) The end-of-summer fun doesn’t just have to be for humans, let your furry friends join in too. Here’s a list of pooch plunges coming to NoVA that are worthy of a splash.
18) Dance as gracefully as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy at the Jane Austen Ball. Enjoy various English Country dances in a ballroom, with live music and 18th century-inspired treats. Dance classes are offered in the weeks leading up to the event and it’s recommended those unfamiliar with the dance style should complete one lesson. Reservations required. // Sept. 21; 8 p.m.; Gadsbys Tavern Museum: 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria; $45-$60
19) A blend of calm and innocence mixed with apocalyptic horror is featured in playwright Caryl Churchill’s Escaped Alone. Set in England, three friends and a neighbor sip tea and discuss grandchildren and TV programs, while intertwining horror stories expose a faltering world. // Sept. 24-Nov. 3; times vary; Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; $40-$98
This post originally appeared in our September 2019 issue. Want more fun things to do? Subscribe to our newsletters.
