Enjoy the lingering days of summer weather by getting out this weekend. As the region marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, take a moment to remember and reflect before heading out to enjoy festivals, concerts, art markets, and more. Here are the best ways to spend your weekend from September 11 to 13 in and around Northern Virginia.
September 11: 25 Years Later — Artifacts from the Collection
September 9–11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Smithsonian will display approximately 40 artifacts from the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 crash site in Pennsylvania, including airplane fragments, first-responder equipment and Pentagon material. The objects will be displayed on open tables rather than behind glass, allowing visitors an unusually close look at the collection. National Museum of American History, Washington, DC, free
DC Comedy Festival
September 9–12
Laugh your head off at this multiday festival featuring national headliners, rising comics, and local favorites. The festival takes place at comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues throughout the region. Multiple area locations, Washington, DC, prices vary
BROOD Hound Ramble
September 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Spend the day with basset hounds at this annual fundraiser at Frying Pan Park. The event includes dog contests such as longest ears, best tail wagger, best howler, and biggest paws, along with food, a BROOD store, raffles, and other activities for dogs and their owners. Frying Pan Park, Herndon, free
Old Town Manassas Art Show and Craft Fall Fair
September 12, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Downtown Manassas will be filled with artists, crafters, and vendors during this fall fair. Peruse a selection of handmade art, artisan crafts, fall décor, and more by local artists and businesses. Manassas Museum Lawn, Manassas, free
Halloweird Art Market
September 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Get an early start on spooky season at Del Ray Artisans’ fifth annual HalloWEIRD Art Market. The free, family-friendly outdoor market features artwork inspired by Halloween, with costumes, autumn colors, and other seasonal creations. Mount Vernon Recreation Center, Alexandria, free
Virginia Cider Festival
September 12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sip your way through a selection of ciders from local, regional, and national producers at the Virginia Cider Festival. The Fredericksburg event also features live music and food trucks. Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, $39+
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
September 12, 1–7 p.m.
Pack a blanket and spend the afternoon listening to live jazz, funk, and soul performances. Guests can enjoy food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities. Gateway Park, Arlington, free
Fiddles & Fifths Bluegrass & Bourbon Festival
September 12, 1 p.m.
Head to Old Town Winchester for the fifth Fiddles & Fifths Bluegrass & Bourbon Festival. Listen to live music from The Hashbury Collective, The Dirty Grass Players, and The Creekers, and enjoy a bourbon tasting experience. Old Town Winchester, free
Women in Sports
September 12, 2–6 p.m.
Celebrate women in sports at The Wharf with an afternoon of interactive activities including tennis, soccer, golf, and football. End the night with a watch party of the US Open Women’s Final on the Transit Pier jumbo screen. The Wharf, Washington DC, free
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynston Marsalis
September 12, 8 p.m.
Jazz, blues, and orchestral blend together as Wynston Marsalis and the 15-piece Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra join the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap. The performance features Marsalis’ Symphony No. 5 “Liberty,” a new work commissioned in honor of America250. Wolf Trap, Vienna, $52+
Sara Bareilles: Good Grief Tour
September 12–13
Sara Bareilles brings her pop, soul, and soft rock tunes to DC for two nights. Fans can hear favorites including “Love Song,” and songs from her latest album, “Good Grief.” The Anthem, Washington DC, $270+
Wheatland Spring Oktoberfest
September 12–13
Break out your dirndl or lederhosen for Wheatland Spring’s Oktoberfest. The two-day celebration features live Alphorn music, a strong-person competition, traditional Oktoberfest games, a 14-piece Bavarian band, children’s activities, and Bavarian food. Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, Waterford, free
George Washington Patriot Run
September 13, 7–11 a.m.
Lace up your running shoes for Mount Vernon’s annual Patriot Run. Participants can run a 10-mile or 5K along scenic routes near George Washington’s estate. Celebrate crossing the finish line with the Finish Festival with food, music, and free beer for each runner. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, $42+
Ray LaMontagne
September 13, 8 p.m.
Ray LaMontagne brings his 20th Anniversary Tour to Wolf Trap for an evening celebrating his debut album. The singer-songwriter will perform the album in its entirety along with songs from across his catalog. The Weather Station opens the night. Wolf Trap, Vienna, $61+
Feature image courtesy Rosslyn BID
