Hey gang, Matt here! Make your reservations now — Winter Restaurant Week is upon us, and there are plenty of great options out there. In today’s edition, we have a full list of all participating Fairfax County restaurants with specialty meals and deals this week.

We also highlight plenty of other things to do this week across the region. From winter markets to renaissance fairs, a chocolate festival, pickleball, and much more, there is something for everyone!

In this week’s newsletter:

• Lunar New Year in Tysons, Virginia Artisan Craft Fair Winter Market in Chantilly

• How to enjoy Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week in Fairfax County

• A Broadway hit comes to Capital One Hall

• “Paw Patrol Live” on stage in Fairfax

• Stanley Cup Preview? First-place Capitals host first-place Winnipeg on Saturday

Let’s dive in!

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

Things To Do

Lunar New Year festivities continue across Fairfax County this weekend. Plus, a look at the fairs and festivals across the region this weekend! ⬇️

• Lunar New Year Celebration at Tysons Corner Center

  • Ring in “The Year of the Snake” as Lunar New Year festivities continue across the area, this time on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. at Tysons Corner Center on the lower level near Wasabi. The event will feature dances, a fashion show, and much more. It will be co-hosted by Tysons Corner Center and The Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

    • 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons

• The Nation’s Gun Show at Dulles Expo Center

  • The Dulles Expo Center hosts The Nation’s Gun Show this weekend, running Friday, Jan. 31-Sunday, Feb. 2. A variety of firearms will be on sale and on display through the weekend, including rifles, shotguns, historic firearms, and more. Tickets start at $15 for adults and $10 for kids with a three-day pass available for $25.

    • 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

• Virginia Artisan Craft Fair & Winter Market

  • Mustang Sally Brewing Company is hosting the Virginia Artisan Craft Fair & Winter Market on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m. The indoor market will feature vendors and artisans from across Northern Virginia. Sip, shop, and support local!

    • 14140 Parke Long Ct., Suites A-C, Chantilly

• Kiwanis Polar Dip in Lake Anne

  • The 2nd annual Kiwanis Polar Dip fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1 at Lake Anne Village Plaza in Reston. Check-in starts at 12:30p.m. and jumping starts at 2:00p.m. The “Polar Plunge”-style fundraiser benefits charities across Northern Virginia. You can receive souvenirs will supplies last.

    • 1609 Washington Plaza N., Reston

• Winter Renaissance Fair

  • Get into the Medieval spirit this Saturday, Feb. 1 at Shipgarten’s “Winter Renaissance Fair.” Arrow shooting, jousting, and axe throwing are among the activities on tap, plus plenty of food and drink. And, don’t forget about the costume contest. Admission is free. The event runs from 1:00p.m.-6:00p.m.

    • 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean

• TGIF Karaoke & Happy Hour at The St. James

  • Kickoff your weekend with a night full of singing and dancing at The St. James in Springfield on Friday, Jan. 31 starting at 6:30p.m. Sing karaoke and enjoy food and discounted drinks.

    • 6805 Industrial Rd., Springfield

Food & Drink

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s Winter Restaurant Week continues across the DMV through the weekend. We have the full list of participating restaurants where you can enjoy the best meals and deals across Fairfax County, plus some other fun foodie events across the region! 🍝🍕🍷

• Where to enjoy Winter Restaurant Week in Fairfax County

  • Winter Restaurant Week may have started Monday, but the tasty fun continues through Sunday, Feb. 2. Participating restaurants offer special multi-course meals, and some will offer paired wine or cocktail options. You can click the link above to find the menus for all Fairfax County restaurants participating in Winter Restaurant Week. We’ve also outlined all of the participating restaurants, by location, and their prices for you below. Enjoy!

    • Tysons/McLean

      • 801 Chophouse in Tysons offers a $35 lunch and $65 dinner special

      • Agora Tysons offers a $35 brunch, $35 lunch, and $65 dinner special

      • American Prime in Tysons offers a $25 lunch and $65 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • Big Buns McLean — $25 lunch

      • Circa in Tysons — $35 lunch and two dinner specials from $55-$65

      • Earls Kitchen + Bar in Tysons — $35 lunch, $40 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • El Bebe at The Boro — $25 lunch, $40 dinner

      • Harth in Tysons — $55 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • Ingle Korean Steakhouse in Tysons — $65 dinner

      • J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood in McLean — $35 lunch, $55 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • Joon — $35 brunch, $35 lunch, $65 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • Matchbox in McLean — $25 lunch, $40 dinner

      • Ometeo — $35 brunch, $35 lunch, two dinner specials from $40-$55, paired wine or cocktail

      • The Capital Grille — $65 dinner

      • Wildfire — $35 lunch, $55 dinner

      • Wren — Two dinner specials from $40-$55

    • Fairfax/Merrifield

      • Alta Strada Mosaic in Merrifield offers a $35 lunch and $40 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • B-Side in the Mosaic District offers a $25 brunch and $40 dinner.

      • Bellissimo Restaurant in Fairfax offers two lunch specials —from $25-$35 — and two dinner specials — $40-$65.

      • Big Buns Point 50 — $25 lunch

      • Chima Steakhouse — $35 lunch and two dinner specials, $40-$55, paired wine or cocktail

      • Fava Pot in Fairfax — $35 brunch,$35 lunch, and $65 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • Hamrock’s Restaurant — $25 brunch specials, plus lunch and dinner options.

      • Kelly’s Oyster House & Bar in Fairfax — $25 brunch, $25 lunch, $40 dinner

      • Kirby Club in Fairfax — $35 brunch, $25 lunch, and two dinner specials from $40-$55.

      • Matchbox in Merrifield — $25 lunch, $40 dinner

      • Milk and Honey in Fairfax — $35 lunch, $55 dinner

      • The Capital Grille in Fairfax — $65 dinner

    • Reston/Herndon

      • Big Buns Franklin Farm in Herndon — $25 lunch

      • Big Buns Reston Station in Reston — $25 lunch

      • Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse — $25 lunch and $55 dinner

      • Heirloom in Reston — Two dinner specials, $55-$65

      • Maker’s Union in Reston — $25 lunch, $40 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • Matchbox in Reston Station — $25 lunch, $40 dinner

      • Morton’s The Steakhouse — $55 dinner

      • Passionfish in Reston — $35 brunch, $35 lunch, and $55 dinner

      • Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar — $35 brunch, $25 lunch, and $40 dinner

      • The Melting Pot in Reston — $55 dinner

    • Alexandria

      • a.lounge+bar offers a $55 dinner

      • Bastille Brasserie & Bar offers a $35 brunch and two dinner options, $40 and $55.

      • Chart House Alexandria — $25 lunch, $55 dinner

      • Cheesetique Del Ray — $40 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • Evening Star Cafe — $40 dinner

      • Hen Quarter — $40 dinner

      • Josephine — $55 dinner

      • Jula’s on the Potomac (Old Town) — $35 brunch, $35 lunch, $40 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • Laporta’s Restaurant — $35 brunch, $35 lunch, and two dinner specials from $40-$65.

      • Milk and Honey — $35 lunch, $55 dinner

      • Osteria Marzano — $55 dinner

      • Rustico Alexandria — $25 brunch, $25 lunch, $40 dinner

      • Vermilion — $25 brunch, $55 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

    • Falls Church

      • 2941 Restaurants features a $65 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

      • Chasin’ Tails — Two dinner specials, $55-$65, paired wine or cocktail

      • Idylwood Grill & Wine Bar — $25 brunch, $35 lunch, and $55 dinner

      • NUE Elegantly Vietnamese — Two dinner specials from $55-$65, paired wine or cocktail

      • TRIO Grill — Two dinner specials from $55-$65

    • Vienna

      • Big Buns Vienna — $25 lunch

      • Evelyn Rose — $65 dinner, paired wine or cocktail

    • Clifton

      • Trummer’s — $35 brunch, $35 lunch, $55 dinner

• “Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” at Jeni’s Ice Cream

  • On Saturday, Feb. 1, Jeni’s Ice Cream will host its annual “Ice Cream for Breakfast Day” from 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. You’re encouraged to head over to your local in your pajamas, as well! First time visiting Jeni’s? There are two locations in Northern Virginia.

    • 1669C Silver Hill Dr., McLean

    • 102 S. Patrick St., Alexandria

• Fairfax City Chocolate Lovers Festival

  • Chocolatiers and vendors from across the region will gather in Fairfax this weekend for the annual Chocolate Lovers Festival. The three-day event runs Friday, Jan. 31-Sunday, Feb. 2. The events are located throughout Fairfax City (tasting fees may apply at different locations, so check out the schedule here).

• Port City Brewing Company’s 14th Anniversary Party

  • Alexandria’s Port City Brewing Company is hosting its 14th Anniversary Party throughout the weekend, with a big celebration on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event will feature live music and new beer releases.

    • 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria

• Cookie Decorating Class at Ono Brewing Company

  • Ono Brewing Company in Chantilly is hosting a cookie decorating class with Krista’s Cookies & More on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6:30p.m. The two-hour class provides a fun date night or night out for friends. Tickets are $60 and includes all supplies needed, instruction, and a drink.

    • 4520 Daly Drive, Chantilly

Go Out & About Together

Music, Arts, & Entertainment

The famous Passport Music Festival wraps up this weekend in Falls Church. And, Broadway comes to Tysons this weekend. Let’s hit the high note! 🎶

• “Come From Away” Headlines Capital One Hall

  • The Broadway favorite comes to Tysons this weekend for five shows over the weekend, starting Friday, Jan. 31. The performance tells the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small Newfoundland town that welcomed them when 38 flights were grounded in the days following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

    • 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons

• Passport Music Festival at Creative Cauldron

  • The acclaimed Passport Music Festival wraps up its 14th year at Falls Church’s Creative Cauldron with two performances this weekend — “Veronneau” on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:30p.m. and “Little Red & The Renegades” Mardi Gras Passport Finale Party on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7:30p.m. In-person and livestream ticket info and more can be found in the link above.

    • 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church

• Great Falls Philharmonic Presents “(Neo) Classical”

  • Hear the full orchestra and the sounds of the Great Falls Philharmonic presents on On Sunday, Feb. 2, as they present “(Neo) Classical”: Stravinsky and Mozart. The classical music performance will be held at the Christ the King Lutheran Church. Showtime is 3:00p.m., tickets are $45 per person and $15 for children under 16.

    • 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls

• “(un)Endangered Species; Re-imagined Places Exhibit” at Workhouse Arts

  • The Workhouse Arts exhibit, which first opened last weekend, highlights “a world created of imagination and reclamation, of altered perception and expanded definitions” with both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art.

    • 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton

Families & Kids

The children’s favorite “Paw Patrol” comes to Fairfax, and parents and kids can create some art of their own. Let’s hit the road! 🚗

• “Paw Patrol Live” at EagleBank Arena

  • The favorite children’s show come to life this weekend at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax. Five shows are scheduled between Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2. Tickets start at $30.

    • 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax

• Family Day at Muse Paint Bar

  • Gather up the family and put your artistic skills to the test at the Muse Paint Bar in the Mosaic District on Sunday, Feb. 2. from 12:00p.m.-1:30p.m. Art instructors will lead you through a fun step-by-step painting process — no art experience is required. Tickets are $35 per person.

    • 2920 District Ave., Suite 100, Fairfax

• “To Build a Fire” at Riverbend Park

  • Parents and children are invited to learn how to build a campfire at Riverbend Park in Great Falls on Saturday, Feb. 1. This event is for kids age 4+ and they must be accompanied by an adult. (Adults must register for the event online.) Use the fire to roast some marshmallows for a tasty s’more. Tickets are $10.

    • 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls

• Fairfax County Park Authority Camp Registration

  • Fairfax County will hold its spring and summer camp registration starting next week. Check out the link above to learn more about which camp is right for your kiddo and when to register.

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 & Events

• 🏓 Calling all pickleball fans! On Sunday, Feb. 2, the team at Pickleballerz in Chantilly will host “Healthy Heart Through Pickleball” in honor of February as National Heart Health Month. Register in advance for a free two-hour open play pickleball session. Learn more about heart health while you’re there. The event runs 9:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

  • 14424 Albemarle Point Pl., Chantilly

Home Games

• 🏀NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Washington Wizards

  • Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

• 🏒NHL: Winnipeg Jets at Washington Capitals

  • Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know: The population of Fairfax County nearly doubled between 1980 and 2020, from 596,901 to 1,150,309, according to U.S. Census data.

We Want to Hear from You!

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Thanks for reading! See you next week.

Matt Knoedler
Publisher, Out & About Fairfax