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This week, we’re thinking spring as the Capital Remodel & Garden Show comes to the Dulles Expo Center and the Washington Nationals begin Spring Training. We’re also thinking summer as Wolf Trap recently announced its 2025 summer schedule. And, we’re thinking about egg prices. (Okay, not quite the same sequence of thought, but how can you not think about egg prices when you’re Out & About at the store this weekend.)

I recently asked folks in the Vienna VA Foodies Facebook group if they had suggestions not only for finding eggs, but also for finding affordable eggs. Several responses included local farmers markets, where prices were comparable to or even cheaper than some local grocery stores. In today’s edition, I’ve linked to some of the year-round farmers markets around Fairfax County that may be helpful for you, as well.

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In this week’s newsletter:

• Capital Remodel & Garden Show, year-round farmers markets

• Chili Cook-off & National Margarita Day

• Wolf Trap announces Summer 2025 schedule, TobyMac at EagleBank Arena

• Friday Night Fun Camps, Fireside Fun

• Nats start Spring Training, first-place Caps host Edmonton

Let’s dive in!

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

Things To Do

If you’re ready for that remodel or outdoor project, we have you covered. And, a look at some potential savings on those sky-high egg prices. Let’s hit the road! 🚗

• Capital Remodel & Garden Show

  • Think spring this weekend at the Dulles Expo Center as the Capital Remodel & Garden Show comes to town. It’s a homeowner’s one-stop shop to check out the latest home remodeling, landscaping, and decorating options for the new year. The show runs Friday, Feb. 21-Sunday, Feb. 23. Tickets are $12 for adults (13+) with ticket options available.

    • 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

• Fairfax County Black History Month Celebration

  • Join local leaders and communities members to celebrate Black History Month and Black history in Fairfax County. Enjoy local entertainment and hear from speakers throughout the evening on Friday, Feb. 21 from 5:00p.m.-8:30p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. Refreshments and resource tables will be available.

    • 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax

• George Washington’s 293rd Birthday at Mount Vernon

  • Celebrate the birth of our first president with a jam-packed day of events at Mount Vernon on Saturday, Feb. 22 starting at 9:00a.m. Enjoy birthday cake (while supplies last), a performance from the U.S. Air Force Strings Concert, and a rare behind-the-scenes mansion tour while George Washington’s home undergoes renovations. Tickets: $28 for adults (12+), $15 for kids ages 6-11.

    • 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon

• Bill Blagg: Magic & Illusion

  • Magician Bill Blagg brings his 90-minute mind-blowing magic show to the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 4:00p.m. (The Friday show is already sold out.) Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for students and seniors, and $15 for MCC district residents.

    • 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean

• “Egg-xtra” Helpful Information: Farmers Markets around Fairfax County

  • There’s no doubt the egg shortage and high egg prices are impacting everyone. That has led to some folks (including yours truly) wondering if they can support local farms and, perhaps, find more affordable eggs. We have pulled together a list of year-round farmers markets in Fairfax County to help you out.

    • Oakton — Saturdays from 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

    • Falls Church — Saturdays from 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. (winter hours)

    • Fairfax (Mosaic District) — Sundays from 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. (winter hours)

    • Great Falls — Saturdays from 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

    • Reston — Wednesdays from 2:00p.m.-6:00p.m.

      • Did we miss a market that’s currently open? Send us an email — [email protected]

Food & Drink

Before we dive into the fun this week, a quick shoutout to Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks. My fiancé and I celebrated Valentine’s Day there last weekend, and the blackened prime rib was fantastic.

This week, a little chili to warm your bones or perhaps a margarita will do the trick. Let’s mix it up! 🍸

• Settle Down Easy Brewing’s 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off

  • A chili cook-off for a good cause is on tap at Settle Down Easy Brewing Company on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 12:00p.m. Tickets are $5 per person; proceeds will benefit James Madison High School’s girls lacrosse.

    • 2822 Fallfax Dr., Falls Church

• National Margarita Day Festival at Shipgarten

  • Saturday, Feb. 22 is National Margarita Day (enjoy responsibly!), and several local restaurants are offering deals including Shipgarten in McLean. The day includes drink specials, a Minute Jenga Tower Building Challenge, stein hoisting competition, and live evening music. Entry is free. The fun starts at 1:00p.m.

    • 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean

• Standup Comedy at Aslin Beer Co. in Alexandria

  • Laughs and libations at Aslin’s Alexandria brewery on Friday, Feb. 21 starting at 8:00p.m. Enjoy a pint and punchlines from national comedians during the Giggle Monster Comedy Showcase. Tickets are $10.

    • 847 S. Pickett St., Alexandria

• High Side Celebrates 7th Anniversary

  • The Fairfax craft beer bar and Asian restaurant is celebrating its 7th anniversary with festivities and special drink options all week. Their official anniversary party, which is open to the public, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22 from 2:00p.m.-10:00p.m.

    • 4009 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax

• Arts & Drafts at Lake Anne Brew House

  • The Reston brewery is holding an arts and crafts night on Friday, Feb. 21 from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own craft to complete or perhaps use provided supplies to make trading cards.

    • 11401 N. Shore Dr., Reston

Go Out & About Together

Music, Arts, & Entertainment

A slew of concerts are on the schedule for music lovers, both this weekend and for those warm summer nights. 🎶

• TobyMac Plays EagleBank Arena

  • Christian music hitmaker TobyMac brings his 2025 Hits Deep tour to Fairfax’s EagleBank arena for two shows on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22. Crowder and Cain are among the opening artists. Tickets start at $19.75.

    • 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax

• Palmyra Headlines Capital One Hall

  • Virginia folk trio Palmyra returns to The Vault at Capital One Hall in Tysons on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 8:00p.m. with special guest Jane O’Neill. Tickets start at $24.

    • 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons

• Wolf Trap Announces Summer 2025 Lineup

  • Another summer, another incredible lineup at Wolf Trap. Headliners include The Avett Brothers, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Paul Simon, and more. Tickets go on sale Feb. 28. See the full schedule in the link above.

    • 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna

• Steel Magnolias at Creative Cauldron

  • The famous play and movie comes to life at Falls Church’s Creative Cauldron with shows scheduled Thursday, Feb. 20-Sunday, Feb. 23. Tickets start at $20 for students and $35 for adults. A list of show times can be found in the link above.

    • 127 E. Broad St., Falls Church

• National Pan-Hellenic Council 2025 Step Show

  • Join the Divine 9 for a one-of-a-kind competition at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:00p.m. The theme for this year’s Step Show is “ICON: Celebrating Black Music,” honoring legendary artists and iconic moments in Black music history. Advance tickets are $10 for students, faculty, and staff, $15 for general admission; prices will increase $5 the day of the event.

    • 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax

• Raku Firing Workshop at Workhouse Arts Center

  • Learn how to make raku in this hands-on experience at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Join an instructor who will guide the beginner-level course. Cost: $145 for the lesson + $15 material fee. The session runs Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

    • 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton

Families & Kids

Friday night lights fun at The St. James and family fun in parks countywide. A little something for everyone! ⬇️

• Friday Night Fun Camps at The St. James

  • Parents can enjoy a night off and the kiddos can enjoy dinner, a movie, plus activities and more at with Friday Night Fun Camps at The St. James in Springfield. The event is for boys and girls ages 6-13. $50 per person and $25 for each additional sibling. The fun is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21 from 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m.

    • 6805 Industrial Rd., Springfield

• Making Ice & Ice Cream in Chantilly

  • A fun, hands-on experience recreating how Americans made ice and ice cream in the 19th century. Hand-crank the ice cream and even use ice tongs! Join the fun on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2:00p.m. in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Tickets are $9 per person.

    • 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly

• Fireside Family Fun in Great Falls

  • Enjoy a day of fireside fun for all ages at Riverbend Park in Great Falls on Saturday, Feb. 22 starting at 3:00p.m. Bring a blanket or sleeping bag and sip on some hot cocoa while you listen to a winter-themed story, then make a craft based on the story. Ages 3+. Tickets: $9.

    • 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls

• Sketching along the Lakeside

  • A naturalist will guide you through a walk in Burke Lake Park, offering tips and insight for sketching and observing nature and the real world. Bring a medium of your choice to the class. The event is Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10:00a.m. Tickets are $18. Ages 13+.

    • 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station

• Children’s Story Time at the Udvar-Hazy Center

  • The National Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly hosts Story Time for children every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00a.m. and 11:30a.m. The story for February is Rhoda Ahmed’s Mae Among the Stars, the inspirational story of Mae Jemison, the first African American women in space. The event is free, parking is $15.

    • 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly

Sports & Recreation

Each weekend, we run down the schedule as our local pro and college sports teams take the field (or court, ice, etc.) if you’re interested in hitting the big game.

News & Notes

• ⚾️MLB: Nats fans: Spring Training is here! The Washington Nationals kick off their stint in West Palm Beach on Saturday, Feb. 22 against the Houston Astros. They also play on Sunday, Feb. 23 against the New York Mets. (1:05p.m. first pitch for both games.)

• 🏀NCAA: George Mason Men’s Basketball is heading south on I-95 this weekend to face VCU on Saturday. GMU Women’s Basketball is on the road to face Davidson on Thursday and at Saint Joseph’s on Sunday.

Home Games

• 🏀NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Washington Wizards

  • Friday, Feb. 21 at 7:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

• 🏒NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Washington Capitals

  • Sunday, Feb. 23 at 1:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know: Award-winning pop artist and music producer Benny Blanco was born in Reston.

We Want to Hear from You!

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Thanks for reading! See you next week.

Matt Knoedler
Publisher, Out & About Fairfax