1. Celebrate the rich culture of Mexico at the Ballet Foclórico Nacional de México de Silvia Lozano. Be amazed by the breathtaking performances as the show highlights the culture from south of the border, including the finest music, costumes and traditional folk dances. // March 21; 8 p.m.; George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $34-$53
2. Each year, as March’s spring winds start to breeze through the region, local music fans feel a buzz in the air. It’s the energy of Wolf Trap’s summer concerts approaching. To welcome the warmer temperatures and the upcoming tunes, devotees can get their first taste at Wine at Wolf Trap. Wondering what will be on the menu? We spoke with this year’s chef, Cathal Armstrong (a James Beard Award nominee best known for Kaliwa, Hummingbird and other local restaurants) here. // March 7; 6:30 p.m.; The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna; $500
3. Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day with Danú. This folk band hails from Ireland to bring the audience a performance filled with both traditional and contemporary Irish tunes. // March 15; 3 p.m.; The Alden: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; $35-$50
4. Have you ever imagined the stories behind a piece of art? Well, the narrative art featured in Tell Me a Story lets viewers imagine a variety of stories through the artwork created by local artists. Stop by on opening night to meet the curator and artists to hear more about the stories they created. // March 6-29; Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; free
5. Celebrate dance with George Mason University’s School of Dance at the
Mason Dance Fete. Watch the students perform works created by international choreographers. After the showcase, head over to the Dance Gala Concert to watch the dance company’s performance and help raise scholarship funds. // March 28; 5:30 p.m.; George Mason Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $75-$110
6. Channel your inner Flash and fight off the competitors for first place at the Superhero 5K. Participants will enjoy the beautiful views of Occoquan Regional Park as they stroll along the Occoquan River. Register by March 15 to receive a special event shirt and medal. // March 29; 9-11 a.m.; Occoquan Regional Park: 9751 Ox Road, Lorton; $18-$30
7. Texas musician Gina Chavez, the 10-time Austin Music Award winner, is coming to Jammin Java following the success of her EP Lightbeam. Enjoy a night of music as the pop singer brings in her Latin roots to create a unique sound. // March 6; 7 p.m.; Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; $20
8. Inspired by author Chantal Thomas, Boys Don’t Cry shows what dance means to a boy from both North Africa and the Arab world. Choreographer Hervé Koubi combines gymnastics, modern dance and ballet to create a moving storytelling performance. // March 3; 8-10 p.m.; Reston Community Center: 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston; $15-$20
9. Experience the beauty of the harp at the Virginia Harp Center Festival. Whether you want to hear some of the best harpists in the country perform live or take part in some of the master classes, this festival is for you. Featured harpists for the weekend include Anneleen Lenaerts, Maeve Gilchrist and Rhett Barnwell. // March 20-22; Hilton Arlington: 950 N. Stafford St., Arlington; $30-$325
10. The Providence Players of Fairfax present playwright William Inge’s Picnic. The 1950s play features a small town in Kansas preparing for its annual Labor Day picnic. But everything changes when Hal Carter shows up, turning the town and the Owens family on their heads. // March 20-April 4; The James Lee Community Center Theater: 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church; $18-$21
11. Observe Women’s History Month with these five introspective events around the region. From local exhibits to specialty tours, find them here. // Multiple locations
12. Bring your furry friends along for the fun at the annual Super Pet Expo. Owners can have their pups meet new four-legged friends at the indoor dog park or try out the agility and luring courses, while they shop the latest pet products from over 150 vendors. // March 20-22; Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $8-$20
13. Go behind the scenes of Gone with the Wind with The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s performance of Moonlight and Magnolias. Just five weeks into filming, the movie’s director David O. Selznick decides to fire the director and change the script, leading to one of the greatest movies of all time. // through March 21; The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria; $21-$24
14. Get all of your handcrafted needs at the spring Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. With over 300 artisans in attendance, guests will be able to find all kinds of products, from fashion and jewelry to home furnishings and decor. // March 27-29; Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $8-$10
15. Meet great authors from around the country at the NoVaTEEN Book Festival. Guests will be able to sit in on a variety of panels, participate in writing workshops and meet their favorite writers throughout the day. Authors that are set to appear at the festival include Anna Bright (The Beholder), Alechia Dow (The Sound of Stars), Ryan La Sala (Reverie) and more. // March 14; 9 a.m.; Marshall High School: 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; free
16. The iconic alternative band 10,000 Maniacs is coming to Alexandria. Make your way out to The Birchmere to hear an unforgettable performance of “These Are Days,” “Like the Weather” and “More Than This.” // March 20; 7:30 p.m.; The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $55
17. Don’t miss out on a night with the Harlem Globetrotters, the most entertaining team in all of basketball. Join TNT Lister, Big Easy Lofton, Hammer Harrison and the rest of the team for high-flying dunks and incredible ball tricks in their new show “Pushing the Limits.” // March 20 & 21; EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax; $45-$596
18. Bright Star transports audiences back to the 1940s Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This musical, created by comedian Steve Martin and singer-songwriter Edie Brickell, follows Alice Murphy as she meets a young soldier coming home from war, bringing up memories of her lost child. // March 25-May 17; Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg; $78.80
19. These St. Patrick’s Day events in NoVA and DC will have you feeling the luck of the Irish! From a St. Patrick’s Day parade and dog show to a Irish pub crawl, find out how to spend the holiday here.
This post originally appeared in our March 2020 print issue. For more events to add to your calendar, subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters.
