Hey gang, Matt here! If you’re looking for some things to do this Valentine’s Day, we have a few fun date night ideas, winery events, and more. Plus, if you’re interested in history, we have some news for you. Check out the details about a series of events at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in honor of our first President’s birthday and Presidents’ Day weekend, including free options.

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In this week’s newsletter:

• Presidents’ Day Weekend at Mount Vernon, International Gem & Jewelry Show in Chantilly

• Local wineries host Valentine’s & Galentine’s events

• ‘90s Country Reboot in Falls Church, Comedy Weekend in Tysons

• Valentine’s Family Skate & Dance Night

• George Mason Men’s and Women’s Basketball host games this weekend

Let’s dive in!

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

Things To Do

Enjoy history for Presidents’ Day, shoot for the stars at the Astronomy Festival, or snag that last-minute Valentine’s gift at the Gem & Jewelry Show. Let’s hit the road! 🚗

• Mount Vernon Celebrates Presidents' Day Weekend

  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon has a packed weekend of events in honor of Presidents’ Day. Enjoy Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea on Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16; the Birthnight Supper and Ball on Sunday, Feb. 16; and, the estate also will provide free admission on Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 17. Check out the schedule for more times and ticket information.

    • 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon

• Astronomy Festival at Turner Farm Park Observatory

  • Enjoy guided stargazing and listen to ancient stories around the campfire at Turner Farm Park Observatory. Enjoy other games and activities throughout the evening. The event could be either a fun date night for Valentine’s Day weekend or a family-fun night. Note: the event will be canceled if raining or snowing. It’s scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15 at 5:30p.m. Tickets are $10.

    • 925 Springvale Rd., Great Falls

• The Northern Virginia Bridal Show

  • Brides and brides-to-be: meet with vendors and check out samples and demos at The Northern Virginia Bridal Show on Sunday, Feb. 16 from 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Check out the designer fashion show and enter to win thousands of dollars in giveaways. Tickets are $15 online pre-show and $20 at the door.

    • 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

• The International Gem & Jewelry Show

  • Hundreds of exhibitors from around the world will fill the Dulles Expo Center’s South Hall in Chantilly this weekend for the International Gem & Jewelry Show. Diamonds, gold, fine jewelry, and costume jewelry will be on hand. Tickets for the three-day event (Friday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 16) are $6 online and $8 cash at the door.

    • 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

• Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Host Open House

  • All aboard! This open house offers model railroad enthusiasts and newcomers alike a chance to learn about the hobby and to visit the historic train depot in downtown Vienna. Club members will be on-hand to answer questions and offer insight about all things model railroading. The open house is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15 from 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m.

    • 231 Dominion Rd. NE, Vienna

• “Sip & Script” at Aslin Beer Company

  • Try your hand at calligraphy and spruce up your Valentine’s Day cards with this fun glass at Aslin’s Herndon location on Thursday, Feb. 13. Beginners and experienced calligraphers will follow along with an instructor, and materials will be provided. Enjoy some Aslin brews in the process! Tickets are $65. The fun runs from 7:00p.m.-8:30p.m.

    • 767 Elden St., Herndon

Food & Drink

Enjoy Valentine’s Day — or Galentine’s Day — at some local wineries. Or, check out the buzzin’ brewery scene this weekend. 🍷🍻

• Wine & Chocolate Pairings at Paradise Springs Winery

  • The Valentine’s-themed event kicks off this week with the Clifton winery’s signature wine and chocolate pairings. This tasting includes five chocolates paired with Paradise Springs wines. Tickets are $38 per person or $23 for wine club members. Note: The event starts Feb. 12 and runs while supplies last.

    • 13219 Yates Ford Rd., Clifton

• Galentine’s Day Market at The Winery at Bull Run

  • The Winery at Bull Run is hosting some Galentine’s fun! Enjoy a glass of wine while you shop a range of handmade goods from local artisans. Your $15 ticket includes entry to the event, your first glass of wine, and a raffle ticket for the All-Vendor raffle basket. The event runs Sunday, Feb. 16 from 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m.

    • 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville

• “CommonCon” at Commonwealth Brewing Company

  • Comics and craft beer collide on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Commonwealth Brewing Company in Fairfax. A costume contest, live music, arcade games, and some special guests are all on tap. The fun runs 12:00p.m.-6:00p.m.

    • 10426 Main St., Fairfax

• Stout Fest 2025 at Mustang Sally Brewing

  • 16 unique dark beers — from stouts to lagers and more — will be flowing this weekend at Mustang Sally Brewing. The three-day event runs Saturday, Feb. 15-Monday, Feb. 17. A tasty event for all dark beer lovers!

    • 14140 Parke Long Ct. A-C, Chantilly

• 90’s Trivia Night at Audacious Aleworks

  • Audacious Aleworks’ Falls Church brewery is hosting a 90’s trivia night on Thursday, Feb. 13 starting at 6:30p.m. Test your knowledge of yesteryear and enjoy some brews.

    • 110 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church

• Tea & Chocolates at Historic Huntley

  • Enjoy the tasty combination of tea and chocolates in Alexandria’s Historic Huntley on Valentine’s Day. A tour will follow, weather pending. Tickets are $35. The event is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14 at 1:00p.m.

    • 6918 Harrison Lane, Alexandria

Go Out & About Together

Music, Arts, & Entertainment

Whether you’re looking for a throwback ‘90s night or ready for a few laughs, we have you covered! 🎤

• “The Nashville Nights Band” Hosts ‘90s Country Reboot

  • A throwback to the ‘90s-era country music takes the stage this Friday, Feb. 14 at The State Theatre in Falls Church. Hear covers of hitmakers such as Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, and more. The show starts at 7:00p.m. Tickets are $16 in advance and $19 at the door.

    • 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church

• R&B Vibe Tour comes to EagleBank Arena

  • Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the R&B Vibe Tour at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax. The show features Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, and Lyfe Jennings. The show is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:00p.m. Tickets start at $59.

    • 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax

• Comedy Weekend at Capital One Hall

  • Two comedy shows headline Capital One Hall this week. On Friday, Feb. 14, the off-Broadway hit “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus Live!” takes the stage. Tickets start at $70. On Saturday, Feb. 15, comedian John Crist brings his “Jokes For Humans Comedy Tour” to Tysons. Two shows are scheduled. Tickets start at $33.75.

    • 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons

• “Native Gardens” at NextStop Theatre

  • It’s the final scheduled weekend for NextStop Theatre Company’s latest performance, “Native Gardens,” with shows each day — including two shows on Saturday — from Thursday, Feb. 13-Sunday, Feb. 16. Tickets are $45.

    • 269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon

• Bonita Lestina Old Town Hall Performance Series — The Cathedral Brass

  • This free performance by The Cathedral Brass brings the sounds of traditional brass favorites, plus jazz, Latin, rock and roll, and more. Soloist Phil Franke, former principal euphonium performer with the U.S. Marine Band “The President’s Own,” is scheduled to perform as well. The show is Friday, Feb. 14, from 8:00p.m.-9:30p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center.

    • 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax

Families & Kids

Valentine’s Day fun and a “trip” to the tropics. Let’s celebrate!❤️

• Valentine’s Family Skate & Dance Night

  • Get groovy and dance the night away during this family-friendly skate and dance party at the Franconia Rec Center. The theme is a battle of the decades, 1970s vs. 1980s. Enjoy pizza, snacks, and drinks. Tickets are $10 per person. The party is Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.

    • 6601 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria

• Sweet Treats & Family Bingo

  • Enjoy Family Valentine’s Bingo Day at the Oakton Library on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 2:00p.m.-3:00p.m. Valentine’s-themed bingo and plenty of prizes. Afterwards, make a little treat for birds to enjoy this winter.

    • 10304 Lynnhaven Pl., Oakton

• VIP Dance — Island Oasis

  • A semi-formal dance party for the kiddos and their Very Important Person comes to the Herndon Community Center this Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6:30p.m.-9:00p.m. Step into the tropics-themed oasis and dance the night away. Tickets are $50 for one child/adult pair and $25 for each additional child. Ages 4-12.

    • 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon

• “Raptors Up Close” in Reston

  • A family-friendly event at the Walker Nature Center brings nature to life on Sunday, Feb. 16 from 2:00p.m.-3:00p.m. Kids can see an owl, a hawk, and other animals. Plus, they will learn more about how these animals prepare for the chilly winter season. Tickets are $9 for Reston Association members, $11 for non-members.

    • 11450 Glade Dr., Reston

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

• The Washington Wizards are off this weekend for the NBA All-Star Weekend. The Washington Capitals and the NHL are off for the 2025 4-Nations Face Off, a series of games featuring players from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden.

Home Games

• 🏀NCAAM: Saint Joseph’s at George Mason

  • Saturday, Feb. 15 at 12:30p.m., EagleBank Arena, Fairfax

• 🏀NCAAW: UMass at George Mason

  • Sunday, Feb. 16 at 3:00p.m., EagleBank Arena, Fairfax

Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know: George Washington’s Mansion at Mount Vernon is ten times the size of the average home in colonial Virginia.

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Thanks for reading! See you next week.

Matt Knoedler
Publisher, Out & About Fairfax