Arlington Visual Art Studio TourWhen: Sept. 25 and 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations throughout Arlington
Want to know more about how that painting, sculpture or lithograph came to be? Meet the artists, learn about their creative processes and see where the magic happens when nearly 50 local artists open their studios to the public during this weekend-long open house. The self-guided tour of artist spaces throughout Arlington County is free.
Rosslyn Reads Book Festival
When: Sept. 25, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington
Need some good reads to carry you through the fall? Browse more than 10,000 used books (as well as CDs, DVDs and vinyl records), priced between $2 and $6, at this daylong book sale at Central Place Plaza, benefiting Turning the Page, a D.C.-area nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy. The event also promises live music, a street performance of The Miraculous Magical Balloon by Synetic Theater, an onsite bar hosted by Open Road, coupons to Rosslyn’s new Assembly food hall, and a craft station for kids, courtesy of the Arlington Public Library Book Truck. Admission is free.
 ValleyFest 2021
When: Sept. 26, noon – 5 p.m.
Where: New District Brewing Co., 2709 S. Oakland St., Arlington
You had us at beer and live music. Head over to New District Brewing Co. for the fourth-annual Valley Fest Arts & Music Festival, featuring fresh brews (including a newly released Oktoberfest Märzen), local artists, food trucks, a Kids’ Zone and live performances by Jane Franklin Dance, Alena Ciera, Sean Tracy Trio and others. A $22 beer package includes a commemorative pint glass and three beer tickets.
Written in Arlington – Live
 When: Sept. 23, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
 Where: Lubber Run Amphitheater, at N. Columbus and Second Street N., Arlington
Join Arlington Poet Laureate Holly Karapetkova, editor (and poet laureate emeritus) Katherine E. Young and the poets of Arlington for an evening of live readings from Written in Arlington, an anthology of 150 poems by 87 local poets. Released in November 2020 and published by Arlington’s own Paycock Press, the book features works by writers representing all walks of life, including lifelong county residents, immigrants, tourists, teachers, social workers, therapists, librarians and high school students. Collectively, their voices paint a vibrant portrait of the place we all call home. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
Mosaic Fall Festival
When: Sept. 25 and 26, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Mosaic District, 2910 District Ave., Fairfax
Enjoy the sunshine and crisp fall weather along with food from 40+ vendors, a Caboose beer & wine garden, handmade and vintage craft vendors, kids’ activities and farmers market sellers. This two-day event also includes cooking and fashion demos, salsa classes (courtesy of Colada Shop) and live performances by the Vienna Singing Princesses, hip-hop cellist Andrew Savoia, disco revival group Groovalicious and others.
Harvest Happenings Festival
When: Sept. 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Pumpkins, scarecrows and magician Michael Chamberlin are the stars of this family-friendly outing geared toward kids ages 3-8 at the McLean Community Center. The indoor-outdoor event also includes a petting zoo, a soccer demonstration, crafty kids’ projects and games. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Masks required indoors with timed entry to allow social distancing.