The Fairfax Girl Team 
November is here, and Northern Virginia has plenty of ways to make the most of the season before the holiday rush officially takes over. From festive markets and fall festivals to Turkey Trots, creative workshops, live performances, and family-friendly activities, there’s something happening throughout Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun County, and beyond. Whether you’re looking to get a head start on holiday shopping, spend a weekend exploring a new neighborhood, or enjoy the last few weeks of fall, The Fairfax Girl has rounded up 40 local happenings worth adding to your calendar. Read on for 40 things to do in Northern Virginia this November 2026.
Editor’s note: Events are selected from The Fairfax Girl Events Calendar, beginning November 4th. Dates and details are subject to change, so check the individual listings before attending.
November 4th-8th
Local Art Show at Northside Social Arlington | 3211 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington
Through December 3rd
Local artwork is on display at Northside Social’s café and wine bar throughout November.
MoCA on the Move: Handcrafted Holidays | 525 14th Street South, Arlington
November 5th
Get a head start on holiday crafting with this free, drop-in event at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington’s Innovation Studio + Store. Activities include paper snowflakes, painted ornaments, holiday cards, and other seasonal projects.
Yelp Presents: Meet Me @ the Mall — A Y2K Throwback Party | 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
November 5th
Fair Oaks Mall is throwing it back to the early 2000s with a free, adults-only event featuring local DMV businesses, drinks, and a digital detox lounge. Butterfly clips and nostalgic outfits are very much encouraged.
Read more: Early Look: JETSET Pilates in Tysons Corner
Nepenthe Gallery Talk: The One and Only Andy Warhol | 1706 Hackamore Lane, Alexandria
November 5th
Art lovers can spend an evening learning about the life and work of Andy Warhol at Nepenthe Gallery. The discussion explores the artist’s career, creative legacy, and connections to New York City’s art scene.
Attic Treasures Bazaar + Booksale | 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church
November 6th-7th
The Falls Church Community Center is hosting its annual bazaar and book sale, with secondhand finds, books, and household treasures to browse. Admission is free.
Veterans Day Defenders Dash 5K + 10K | 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
November 7th
Burke Lake Park is hosting a Veterans Day-themed race with 5K and 10K options. Runners can enjoy the park’s scenic setting while participating in an event recognizing veterans.
Fill the Shoes 5K Run + Walk | 7611 Hayfield Road, Alexandria
November 7th
Hayfield Park is the setting for this community 5K run and walk.
Purcellville Artisan Tour | Various Locations, Purcellville
November 7th-8th
The Purcellville Artisan Tour highlights local artists and makers through visits to working studios and creative spaces. Visitors can discover pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, sculptures, and other handmade pieces while exploring Loudoun County.
Pickle + Grilled Cheese Festival | 14140 Parke Long Court, Chantilly
November 7th-8th
Pickles and grilled cheese are getting their own festival at Bunnyman Brewing. The weekend brings together pickle vendors, grilled cheese makers, and food trucks for a celebration of two comfort-food favorites.
Pumpkin IllumiNIGHT | 7310 Beulah Street, Alexandria
November 7th
Fall festivities aren’t quite finished at Nalls Produce. Visitors can carve pumpkins during the day and return after dark to see a glowing display of jack-o’-lanterns along Beulah Street. The event is free.
First Saturday S’mores at Runnymede Park | 195 Herndon Parkway, Herndon
November 7th
Herndon is embracing cozy fall evenings with a community campfire, s’mores, hot cocoa, music, and lawn games. The all-ages event costs $5, and advance registration is available.
15th Annual Spend Yourself 5K Run + 3K Walk | 103 West Columbia Street, Falls Church
November 8th
This annual community fundraiser supports hunger-relief initiatives in Falls Church and Zambia. Participants can choose between a 5K run, a 3K walk, or virtual participation.
November 9th-15th
Rated R for Reading Book Club | 301 Cameron Street, Alexandria
November 11th
Friends to Lovers Bookstore is hosting its Rated R for Reading Book Club, with November’s selection being A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson.
Merrymaker’s Holiday Market | 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville
November 13th-14th
Merrymaker’s Market is returning to Walsh Family Wine with a colorful Hard Candy Christmas theme. This year’s event expands to two days and features a vintage-inspired holiday shopping experience.
Campfire Friday at Hidden Pond Nature Center | 8511 Greeley Boulevard, Springfield
November 13th
Fairfax County Park Authority’s Campfire Fridays combine nature walks, interactive activities, animal presentations, and s’mores around the fire. The family-friendly evening costs $12.
Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot | 1775 Tysons Boulevard, Tysons
November 15th
The Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot brings runners and walkers together at Tysons Central Park for a seasonal community race. It’s a way to kick off Thanksgiving festivities a little early.
Salute to Veterans 5K, 10K + Half Marathon | 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield
November 15th
Lake Accotink Park is hosting a Veterans Day-themed running event with several distance options. Participants can choose a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or virtual race.
The Robinson Marketplace | 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax
November 15th
The Robinson Marketplace is bringing a seasonal shopping event to Fairfax.
DMV Chocolate + Coffee Festival | Dulles Town Center, Sterling
November 14th-15th
Chocolate and coffee lovers can head to Dulles Town Center for a festival dedicated to two favorite treats.
McLean Antiques Show + Sale | 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean
November 14th
The McLean Antiques Show + Sale is celebrating its 50th anniversary with antique furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, art, collectibles, and more. The event also features a presentation on incorporating antiques into modern home décor.
Muffins + Mimosas at McLean Community Center | 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean
November 14th
This special event offers an opportunity to socialize before the McLean Antiques Show + Sale. The $20 ticket includes early access and reserved seating for a lecture about decorating with antiques.
Black Women’s Community Craft Event | 301 Cameron Street, Alexandria
November 15th
Friends to Lovers Bookstore is hosting its monthly Black Women’s Community Craft gathering. November’s activity is junk journal making, bringing local women together for an afternoon of creativity and connection.
See more: 8 Fall Treats We’re Trying Around Northern Virginia
November 16th-22nd
Creative Collective Holiday Pop-Up | 11920 Ground Commons Avenue, Fairfax
Throughout November
Holiday shopping is coming to Fairfax Corner with the Creative Collective Holiday Pop-Up. .
Dominion Guild Merry Market | 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington
November 17th-18th
The Dominion Guild’s Merry Market is returning to Arlington with a holiday-themed shopping event.
RomCom Book Club: The Bodyguard | 301 Cameron Street, Alexandria
November 17th
Romance readers can gather at Friends to Lovers Bookstore to discuss The Bodyguard by Katherine Center.
Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour | 601 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.
November 17th
For those willing to make a quick trip into D.C., Capital One Arena is hosting the Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour. This family-friendly musical event is an option for Disney fans of all ages.
Beyond the Buzzer: Sports Book Club | 301 Cameron Street, Alexandria
November 18th
Friends to Lovers Bookstore is bringing sports romance fans together for its monthly Beyond the Buzzer Book Club. November’s selection is Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa, and participation is free.
Speed Jigsaw Puzzling at Solace Brewing Co. | 42615 Trade West Drive, Sterling
November 18th
A little friendly competition is coming to Solace Brewing Company. Teams will race to complete identical 500-piece puzzles, with prizes for the fastest finishers. Registration is $40 per team.
Brew Feud at Aslin Alexandria | 847 South Pickett Street, Alexandria
November 18th
Aslin Beer and Quirk Events are hosting a game-show-style trivia night in the Alexandria taproom. The event is free, and bragging rights are forever.
Pilates + Sip at 8 Chains North Winery | 38953 Daymont Lane, Waterford
November 21st
A workout followed by a winery visit sounds like a pretty good Saturday to us. This $40 event includes a 45-minute mat Pilates class, a pair of BEARRE grip socks, and a glass of wine.
Rosslyn Cheer Holiday Market | 1800 North Lynn Street, Arlington
November 21st
Rosslyn is getting into the holiday spirit with a free seasonal market at Central Place Plaza.
Theresa’s Table Curated Shopping | 2424 26th Road South, Arlington
November 21st
Open to Being is welcoming shoppers into its letterpress studio for a curated collection of handmade gifts, stationery, and creative finds.
Book Bedazzling Workshop at Daydrift Books + Cafe | 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington
November 22nd
Book lovers can get crafty at Daydrift Books + Cafe with a book-bedazzling workshop.
Holiday Vendor Fair at the Winery at Bull Run | 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville
November 22nd
The Winery at Bull Run is hosting a holiday vendor fair featuring seasonal shopping. Visitors can browse gifts while enjoying the winery’s historic Centreville setting.
LoCo Wine Festival | 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie
November 22nd
Loudoun County’s wine scene takes center stage at Old Farm Winery at Hartland. The festival features wine tastings, live music, and shopping, with general admission and VIP tickets available.
November 23rd-30th
Vienna Turkey Trot 5K + 10K | 400 Center Street South, Vienna
November 22nd
The Vienna Turkey Trot brings runners and families together for a seasonal race featuring 5K and 10K distances, plus a kids’ fun run.
Alexandria Turkey Trot 5-Miler | Alexandria
November 26th
The five-mile Turkey Trot brings runners and walkers together for a morning race before the day’s holiday celebrations.
Reston Runners’ Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot Trail Run | 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston
November 26th
Lake Fairfax Park is hosting a Thanksgiving morning trail run for those who prefer a little fresh air before the holiday meal. The 5K is a seasonal option for runners looking to celebrate outdoors.
2026 Arlington Turkey Trot | 414 North Fillmore Street, Arlington
November 26th
The Arlington Turkey Trot is celebrating its 21st anniversary this Thanksgiving. The community race includes options for adults and children.
City of Fairfax Turkey Trot 5K | 4081 University Drive, Fairfax
November 26th
The City of Fairfax is hosting its Thanksgiving Day 5K, bringing runners and walkers together for a holiday morning tradition.
Plaid Friday | Old Town Alexandria
November 27th
Shop small in Old Town, with the panache that can only be found in Alexandria. Participating retailers will have special items and activations throughout the day.
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