With Christmas now in the past, it’s time to look forward to 2026. The new year not only brings fresh starts and resolutions, it also means plenty of new museum exhibits are coming our way. From exhibits celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary to paintings from artists across the world, here are 19 new Smithsonian exhibits to look forward to in 2026.

African American History and Culture Museum

At the Vanguard

January 16–July 19

Explore the stories of artistry and resistance through the collections of five historically black colleges and universities. The exhibition features more than 100 objects from Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University, and Tuskegee University that celebrate the history and future of HBCUs. 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC

African Art Museum

Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art

Early Winter 2026–Summer 2026

Artists across Africa are coming together to challenge homophobia and bigotry through their work. This show will highlight artwork imagining alternative futures and celebrating life as LGBTQ+ people. 950 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC

Air and Space Museum

July 1

After eight years of renovations, the final seven permanent exhibitions and galleries at the Air and Space Museum are set to open in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary and the museum’s 50th anniversary. The new exhibitions include At Home in Space, Flight and the Arts Center, Textron How Things Fly, RTX Living in the Space Age Hall, Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air, Modern Military Aviation, and National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe. 650 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC

American Art Museum

Nick Cave: Mammoth

February 3–January 3, 2027

For this exhibit, you won’t feel like you’re walking into a gallery. Instead, step into Cave’s immersive showcase with crafted hides and bones of mammoths, video projections, and a large-scale beaded curtain depicting his family farm. Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC

Much Here is Beautiful: Photography of the U.S. Bicentennial 

September 18–April 17, 2027

As the country celebrates its 250th anniversary, take a look back at the United States during its bicentennial. During the years before and after the Bicentennial, thousands of photos were taken across the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West, showcasing the different geographic regions and people for the first time since the Great Depression. Eight and G streets NW, Washington, DC

American History Museum

In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness

Spring 2026–September 2026

The celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary kicks off at the National Museum of American History. Throughout the three-floor exhibit, explore 250 significant objects that showcase both the triumphs and challenges of the country’s history. Additional activities, theatrical performances, and events will be included in the museum’s programming. 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC

¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa

Spring 2026–TBA

The American History Museum is once again exploring the origins of salsa music. The bilingual exhibit will showcase nearly 300 objects that depict how salsa evolved from Havana, Cuba, to New York City and beyond. 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Asian Art Museum

Into the Waters with Senju and Bingyi: Two Contemporary Paintings

April 2–August 23

Experience the power and beauty of water through the eyes of contemporary artists Hiroshi Senju and Bingyi. The exhibit will feature two paintings – one from each artist – that depict their distinct visualizations of water through different techniques and influences. 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC

Of the Hills: Pahari Paintings from India’s Himalayan Kingdoms

April 18–July 26

More than 200 years of artwork from India’s Himalayan region is coming to DC. On loan from the Cleveland Museum of Art and Cincinnati Art Museum, the 48 paintings depict the political, cultural, and religious contexts of northern India from the 1620s to the 1830s. 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC

Hirshhorn Museum

Carlotta Corpron: Light Is a Plastic Medium

February 27–January 31, 2027

The work of abstract photographer and educator Carlotta Corpron helped get photography recognized as fine art. This collection – which includes recent gifts to the Hirshhorn and loans from Herbert Lust’s collection – highlights Corpron’s artistic achievement through six bodies of work from the 1930s and 1950s along with additional works of art. Independence Avenue and Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC

National Portrait Gallery

The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today

January 24–August 30

Part of the seventh triennial Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, see the 35 portraits that were selected for this edition of the exhibit. Taina Caragol, director of the 2025 competition, selected the final portraits from more than 3,300 entries. Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC

Photographic Memory: Fifty Years of Photography at the National Portrait Gallery

Opening November 14

Explore 50 years of photos at the National Portrait Gallery. The photographs collection will celebrate five decades with an exhibit that showcases photographs and subjects of all varieties – including the original “cracked-plate” portrait of Abraham Lincoln and photos of Venus and Serena Williams by Annie Leibovitz. Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC

Renwick Gallery

Handwork: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery

November 13

The new exhibit will bring out more than 100 works from the museum’s permanent collection that explore the importance of craft in American culture. A handful of new pieces are also set to make their debut, including works from Roberto Benavidez, Angela Ellsworth, Bill Harris, Aya Oki, Ato Ribeiro, and Jan Yager. 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Feature image courtesy Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

James Patterson has been busy spreading holiday joy. But he’s not doing it by writing books — he’s been writing checks. The bestselling author has once again gifted $500 bonuses to hundreds of the nation’s independent booksellers, including four in Northern Virginia.

For the past 10 years, Patterson has been annually awarding the bonuses — totaling $300,000 — to 600 booksellers. The recipients can nominate themselves or be nominated by employees, managers, customers, authors, or fellow booksellers. Nominees must be currently employed by an independent bookstore that is a member of the American Booksellers Association (ABA).

“I’ve said this before, but I can’t say it enough — booksellers save lives,” Patterson said in a statement. “What they do is crucial, especially right now. I’m happy to be able to acknowledge them and their hard work this holiday season.”

The four 2025 NoVA recipients are:

• Izzy Bell, Birch Tree Books, Leesburg
• Lane Benton, Old Town Books, Alexandria
• Eileen McGervey, One More Page Books, Arlington
• Miriam Meeks, The Open Book, Warrenton

Other Virginia booksellers on the list include Sara Hudson of Book People in Henrico, Caitlyn Cox of Maple Tree Book Shop in Gate City, and Emily Motsinger of Rainy Day Reads VA in Roanoke.

“We are all so grateful for Mr. Patterson’s ongoing support of independent booksellers,” ABA CEO Allison Hill said in a statement. “His generosity is incredible, and his recognition of booksellers and the valuable role they play in the industry is especially meaningful to us.”

Feature photo of James Patterson courtesy Tribune Content Agency LLC/Alamy Stock Photo

Your slime loving kids are going to be begging to spend a lot more time at Tysons Corner Center. Sloomoo Institute, a children’s slime museum, is expanding to Northern Virginia.

The slime experience submitted plans with Fairfax County last week to renovate a two-level retail space near Nordstrom, with an estimated cost of $3.8 million. 

According to the Washington Business Journal, Sloomoo Institute is set to take over the space of the former Paul Mitchell beauty school and at least one additional unit. An official lease has yet to be signed. 

Plans show that the 17,638-square-foot space will include a retail store, timed-ticked slime experience, back of the house storage, and a support area. The store has not yet released a timeframe for when it will open. 

Even though the Sloomoo Institute hasn’t made an official announcement, there is plenty to look forward to. Based on its other locations, guests will be able to enjoy over 500 gallons of slime at the new Tysons locations. Hands-on experiences could include the Slime Gallery, DIY Slime Bar, and Lake Sloomoo, where you can walk on over 300 gallons of slime. At Sloomoo Falls, guests can live out dreams of getting slimed as if they were on Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards.

Sloomoo Institute opened its first location in New York City in 2019. Since then, the slime museum has expanded into Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. In September, Sloomoo opened its first MiniMoo experiences in Boston and Philadelphia.

Feature image, jarabee123/stock.adobe.com

The new year is almost here, and Northern Virginia and DC are celebrating with lots of things to do. Whether you’re looking to take advantage of last-minute holiday festivities, celebrate New Year’s Eve with a dance party, or start your year off with a sunrise hike, the region has an event for you this week. Check out the most exciting events from December 29 to January 4.

LOVE Sign in Vienna

December 29–January 4

As part of the USA’s 250th anniversary celebration, a LOVE Sign will travel through different parts of Virginia for visitors to snap photos with. It arrives in Vienna on December 29 at the Memorial Fountain. Then, on January 4, there will be a Vienna250 celebration with a patriotic sing-along, music from the Vienna Community Band, and a community bell ringing. Memorial Fountain on Town Green, Maple Avenue, Vienna

First Night Alexandria

December 31

Say hello to 2026 at this annual New Year’s Eve day-to-night celebration with live music, fireworks, and family-friendly activities. Grab a glitter tattoo, then catch Mike Rose Magic’s performance of magic tricks and comedy. Enjoy a lineup of over 10 live performers and DJs, and witness two waterfront firework shows. Old Town Alexandria: multiple area locations, $10 

Ultimate ‘80s NYE Dance Party with DJ D

December 31, 7 p.m. 

Ring in the new year jamming out to music from iconic ‘80s artists like Janet Jackson, Run DMC, Def Leppard, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, and more at this fun event. Dress in your most impressive ‘80s attire and play “Name that Tune” to win prizes, and enjoy a free champagne toast at midnight. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $40 

The Flaming Lips

December 31, 8 p.m. 

Celebrate the death of 2025 at this Oklahoma City experimental rock band’s New Year’s Eve show. The band has blended genres like punk, indie rock, and psychedelic rock since its formation in the early 1980s. NoVA native Bartees Strange is the opening act. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $90.95

First Day Hikes Winter Fest

January 1 

Get your blood pumping with this annual, statewide tradition of New Year’s Day hike events in Virginia parks. At Mason Neck State Park, start with a 3.6-mile sunrise hike before relaxing by a campfire with warm drinks and nature-inspired crafts. Bring the whole family for the animal adaptation story hike or the tree identification hike, where visitors can learn about local flora and fauna at a slow-paced walk. Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, free

Toy Stories Art Exhibit

January 2–31 

Browse art inspired by toys, play, nostalgia, and consumer culture created by a variety of local artists. Stop by the exhibit’s opening reception to meet several artists and the exhibit’s curator Gordon Thomas Frank. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free

Full Moon Horoscope Tasting

January 2, 5 p.m. 

Learn your 2026 horoscope at this astrology-themed wine tasting in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Held on the night of the full moon, this event includes three tastes of wine based on your astrological sign, a custom horoscope, and tasty bites with a mountain view. Bluemont Vineyard: 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, $57 

The DC Improv Comedy Night

January 2, 7 p.m. 

Enjoy a night of giggles from several DC-based comedians. From standup to improv, this event includes performances from Lafayette Wright, Ross Benoit, and more. Tally Ho Theater: 19 West Market St. SW, Leesburg, starting at $28

Bluegrass and Cheap Beer Festival

January 2–3

Sip on cheap beer and enjoy performances from bluegrass artists at this free, two-day festival. Local bands Split String Soup, Radish, Big Thicket, and Seth Mitchell will perform throughout the two-day event. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, Washington, DC, free

ZooLights

Through January 3 

Walk through glowing animal lanterns and light displays while sipping hot cocoa at the National Zoo’s annual holiday display. Ride on an animal-themed carousel, find your way through the new adventure maze, and ride on the National Zoo Choo Choo. Ticket prices support the Zoo’s mission of protecting habitats and saving species around the world. National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $9, $30 parking 

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Through January 4 

Not ready to move on from Christmas just yet? Grab tickets to the closing weekend of this holiday Broadway sensation featuring iconic songs like “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $66.70

Winter Walk of Lights

Through January 4 

Walk through this botanical garden transformed by sparkling light displays before the season is over. Sip on hot cocoa or a seasonal cocktail while admiring the half-mile trail of nature and holiday-inspired lights. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, $19–$24

ICE! at Gaylord National

Through January 4 

Immerse the whole family in this holiday attraction featuring two million pounds of carved ice. This year’s theme is The Polar Express, with sculptures of Santa, the iconic interior of the train, the conductor, and more. The experience also features a synchronized light show, snowball games, ice tubing, and more family-friendly holiday fun. Gaylord National: 201 Waterford St., National Harbor, Maryland, starting at $26 

Monty Python’s Spamalot

Through January 4 

Grab tickets to this award-winning Broadway musical based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail parodying medieval British legends. With flying cows, dancing knights, killer rabbits, and well-known songs like “Find Your Grail” and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” this show is sure to keep you entertained. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $49–$199

Feature image of ICE! courtesy Jared Porter

Aside from the determination to uphold the school’s 13 consecutive state titles, Longfellow Middle School’s Science Olympiad team prides itself on a fierce dedication to teamwork.

“The biggest thing is that this is a team event, so students will know how to collaborate, negotiate, and compromise,” says Hyunju Joung, one of the team’s coaches.

Science Subject Areas

Longfellow’s Science Olympiad is composed of 30 students who each choose three from more than 20 scientific subject areas to focus on. The include topics like water quality, meteorology, and forensics. The team has won the state championship 19 times since 2002 — and has finished as high as fifth place nationally.

For eighth grader Yonatan Nikolich, he enjoys the team-building aspect of learning about topics such as anatomy, experimental design, metric mastery, and code busters.

“It’s not enough to know a lot yourself. You also have to work well with your partner,” says Nikolich. “You spend a lot of time with each other discussing subjects and thinking about ‘What would we do if we got this question?’”

Competitive Tryouts

Nikolich joined Science Olympiad this year with the hopes of becoming involved with something science related. Originally on the team’s waitlist, he was eventually selected from a group of roughly 120 students who tried out to join at the beginning of the school year.

Tryouts consist of two rounds: a written test on general science knowledge and a building expo where students collaborate to build something with a set of materials. Nikolich says students must be familiar with Newton’s Laws, the periodic table, and laws of physics.

“Hopefully we can keep working hard as a team and can get some national rankings,” says Nikolich.

Hector Jr. Wong, Nikolich’s partner and fellow eighth grader, says that Science Olympiad is a great way to meet new people and explore different scientific topics. Wong’s chosen topics include life science (anatomy), dynamic planet (oceanography), and a build event called “mission possible” that involves making a Rube Goldberg machine.

“I hope there will be a lot of other passionate science enthusiasts who will carry on the legacy of our team — and also continue to work well as a team,” says Wong.

Parents and Volunteers

Parents and volunteers play vital roles in the Science Olympiad team, as they serve as “mentors” and help plan logistics of projects and tournaments.

Joung, who is one of two coaches for Longfellow’s Science Olympiad, is also a parent of a seventh grade member. Her oldest son — now a senior in high school — has participated in Science Olympiad for eight years since he was in fifth grade.

“Both myself and my husband were mentoring some of [my oldest son’s] events. We learned from each other, and my son made really strong bonds with his friends,” says Joung. “This was a major academic experience, and for friendships, too. Parents also made friends from this community.”

She praises the dedication of all those involved in Science Olympiad, as the team meets three times per week to study and practice science skills. Joung says that most of the students began Science Olympiad in elementary school, and they continue in middle school and high school.

Preparing for Competition

Before regional, state, and national tournaments, Longfellow’s Science Olympiad team will practice its science skills with invitational tournaments for students to receive team and individual awards. This year, Longfellow will participate in 10 invitational tournaments.

Although not officially confirmed, the 2026 Virginia Science Olympiad Championship will likely be held at the University of Virginia on March 21.

In recent years, Virginia was able to send Longfellow Middle School and Cooper Middle School to the national championships, next scheduled for May 2026 at the University of Southern California.

Feature image courtesy Donnie Biggs/FCPS

Ready to jump into 2026? This year will be full of music, art, and festivals throughout Northern Virginia. Get a taste of the fun with these 14 January events happening in NoVA and DC.

January 1 

First Day Hikes Winter Fest 

Bundle up in your warmest hiking gear and celebrate the new year by exploring nature, sipping a hot beverage by a campfire, and creating nature-inspired crafts. The event includes several guided excursions, including a 7:30 a.m. sunrise hike. Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, free

January 2–31

Toy Stories Art Exhibit

Browse toy-inspired art pieces curated by Gordon Thomas Frank and created by NoVA-area artists. The exhibit highlights the joy of play and evokes childhood nostalgia through the creative expression of toys. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free

Through January 4 

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical 

Watch as the cynic Grinch schemes to steal Christmas from the festive Whos in Whoville. The production features vibrant sets and costumes inspired by the original animated movie. The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $67.70

January 7–18

Shen Yun 

Take a journey through 5,000 years of pre-communism Chinese history and culture at this immersive production. Along with traditional Chinese dance, the performance features original orchestral work, patented scenographic effects, detailed costumes, and vibrant backdrops. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St., Washington, DC, $85–$290 

January 9–10

International Saxophone Symposium

Hosted by the United States Navy Band, this two-day event features a mix of performances and lectures for musicians that highlight the prominence of the saxophone in jazz and classical music. The U.S. Navy Band Commodores will perform a concert with jazz saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III. Center for the Arts at George Mason University: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, free

January 15

Jesca Hoop 

This folk singer-songwriter and guitarist blends several music styles and genres in her latest album, Selective Memory. Hoop has been creating music since her teenage years, and some of her best-known hits are “Memories Are Now” and “Sailor to Siren.” Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $27

January 16–21

The Del McCoury Band

Grab tickets to see this Grammy Award–winning bluegrass band. Led by McCoury and his sons, Ronnie and Rob, the band is touring its 2024 album Songs of Love and Life, featuring hits like “Just Because” and “Evangeline.” The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, $65.50–$87

January 16–25

Grease 

Pied Piper Theatre is putting on a performance of the 1971 rock-and-roll musical that follows “greaser” Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski as they navigate high school in the 1950s. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, hyltoncenter.org, $30

January 19 

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Peace Walk and Parade

For the 21st year in a row, DC will celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a parade and 2-mile peace walk along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Washington, DC, free

January 19–20 

Del Water Gap 

Del Water Gap — a solo project from Brooklyn-based indie-pop musician S. Holden Jaffe — is on tour following the release of the new album Chasing the Chimera. Jaffe will be joined by indie-pop singer-songwriter Hannah Jadagu. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, Washington, DC, $49.80

January 24–25

Monster Jam 

Watch as eight skilled monster truck drivers compete to be the best in racing, skills, and freestyle motorsport competitions. Drivers will flip, spin, jump, and perform tricks and stunts around the track in decorated trucks for a panel of judges. There will also be a pit party and post-event driver meet-and-greet. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $38–$212

Through January 25 

Into The Woods

Witness a local adaptation of the Tony Award–winning Broadway musical that follows enchanting characters on their journey to break a witch’s curse. The original story featured fairytale favorites like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, $47.35

January 30–31

Cabin Fever Film Festival 

The Franklin Park Arts Center and the Town of Purcellville Arts Council are hosting their ninth annual film festival, featuring works by Loudoun County residents. This year’s theme is “Independence,” and prizes will be awarded after screenings on Saturday. Franklin Park Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcellville, $5

January 31

Snowflake Ball 

Children ages 2 to 11 can dress up in their fanciest outfits for this Lovettsville event. The family-friendly ball includes light refreshments and wand- and crown-making stations. The Lovettsville Community Center: 57 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville, $15

Feature image of Monster Jam courtesy Feld Entertainment

This story originally ran in our January issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.

Alexandria is known for its historic homes — and the future owner of 4509 Carlby Ln. in Alexandria will not only love the estate’s historic background, but also its amazing water views.

Built in the 1760s, the Southern plantation–style estate was originally located in Sussex County, Virginia, and owned by Gen. Winfield Scott, who served in the War of 1812, Mexican-American War, and Civil War. During the 1940s, retired U.S. Navy captain Carl W. Porter relocated the home to Alexandria along the Potomac River.

Located just 200 feet from the water, the estate sits on more than 2 acres and includes five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and nearly 3,000 square feet. The house is currently listed at $4,999,900.

Original, wide-plank pine floors are featured throughout the first floor. Being a Southern plantation-style home, the Carlby estate’s front and back doors align to allow a cool summer breeze to flow through the home.  

The home’s historic features shine in the grand living room. The room boasts 12-foot ceilings, preserved moldings and paneling, nine-over-nine windows, and restored wainscoting and woodwork. 

For a more close-knit space, make your way to the den. Along with the detailed fireplace, the room includes a full bathroom, allowing the space to be turned into a first-floor bedroom. 

The den leads into the former dining room area. In the formal space, you’ll find a fireplace and a custom chandelier inspired by one found in Gunston Hall. Guests will be able to enjoy dinner with a view as the room overlooks the Potomac River. 

Inside the galley kitchen, you’ll find the home’s modern touch. Despite the home being built in the 18th century, you’ll still have access to up-to-date appliances and storage space.

The second level of the home features the expansive owner’s suite with an en-suite bathroom. This room spans the full width of the home, allowing you to take in the picturesque views of the entire property. The rest of the level includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and custom built-in closets.

You’ll feel like you’re at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate — which is located just down the road — when you walk onto the portico. The backyard includes 151 feet of water frontage and access to your own pier on the Potomac. 

The property also includes a detached double garage with storage, a historic smokehouse, and a shed.

The home at 4509 Carlby Ln., Alexandria is listed by Andrea Courduvelis and Diane Murphy at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.

Feature image of 4509 Carlby Ln., Alexandria by DerekandVee

The American College Theatre Festival announced that it has suspended its 58-year affiliation with the Kennedy Center. The news comes on the heels of the Board of Trustees’ vote to rename the venue the Trump-Kennedy Center after President Donald Trump. The controversial name change has drawn criticism from congressional leaders and President John F. Kennedy’s family members.

College Theatre Festival

During the annual festival — previously named the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) — the venue would host around 125 award-winning theater students from more than 600 colleges and universities throughout eight regions. According to the Kennedy Center website, “Through master classes, presentations, conversations, and staged readings, students learn from and connect with established theatre artists, as well as their peers from across the country.”

The next festival was scheduled to take place on April 15, 2026.

Social Media Announcement

The American College Theatre Festival announced the news in a December 20 social media post, saying: “Unfortunately, our affiliation with the Kennedy Center is no longer viable. Due to circumstances and decisions that do not align with our organization’s values, the National Committee, which includes regional leadership (regional chairs, regional playwriting chairs, regional design, technology, and management chairs, and the building opportunity through leadership and development chairs) has voted to suspend our affiliation with the Kennedy Center. We are proceeding with the eight vibrant regional conferences as planned for 2026.”

The festival also thanked Kennedy Center staff members. “The Kennedy Center staff — particularly those in the Education Division, including Gregg Henry, Kelsey Mesa, Jordan LaSalle, and David Kilpatrick — have been outstanding champions for our students and extraordinary partners in the leadership and operations of KCACTF for decades. We are deeply grateful for their vision, dedication, and commitment, which have helped make KCACTF a thriving, impactful organization that has transformed the lives of students and created a community of creativity and belonging.”

Other Cancellations

Earlier this year, Trump replaced many of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees and announced the new board had elected him chair. The shake-up prompted multiple artist cancellations, including Issa Rae, Rhiannon Giddens, Louise Penny, and Cut Connie. The award-winning musical Hamilton also cancelled its planned performances at the venue.

Since Trump has taken over as chair, overall ticket sales at the venue have also plummeted, according to The Washington Post. Since September, 43 percent of tickets remained unsold for many productions, resulting in thousands of empty seats, The Post reported.

An anonymous current staff member told The Post: “This downturn isn’t just about pricing or programming — it feels directly tied to the new regime’s leadership shift and the broader political climate. I’ve heard from ticket buyers who say they’re choosing not to attend because of what the Kennedy Center now represents.”

Feature image courtesy Anton Ivanov Photo/stock.adobe.com

Vienna is full of places serving up a variety of tasty cuisines. These are the best spots in the town to grab a bite, from this year’s 50 Best Restaurants list — including two of the Top 10. From Italian and Greek to modern American and Persian, here are Vienna’s best restaurants of the year.

By Alice Levitt, Dawn Klavon, and Monica Saigal

Price Key: Entrées = $ 15 and under | $$ 16–25 | $$$ 26–40 | $$$$ 41 and over | * = prix fixe only

Clarity

Vienna | Modern American | $$$$

 Locals whisper that Clarity is a date fail-safe, and the odds are in their favor. Slide onto a mustard-yellow banquette beneath halo-like crystal chandeliers and you’ll feel the city’s buzz melt away, even if the next table is close enough to borrow salt. 

Servers greet regulars by name and steer newcomers toward plates that could double as still-life paintings. 

Start with the beet carpaccio, a ruby-and-gold mandala brightened by pomegranate arils and toasted hazelnuts. Follow it with chilled cucumber gazpacho poured tableside over a Maryland-crab salad studded with almonds. Should you surrender to the wild Alaskan halibut, your teeth will be met by a crisp-edged filet crowned with truffle petals and perched on inky lentils that taste like hearth-warm smoke flirting with a salty sea breeze. 

Comforting yet polished, Clarity feels like that trusty dress you slip on and remember why you love it — precisely what date night requires.

Eat This: Beet carpaccio, cucumber gazpacho with Maryland crab, wild Alaskan halibut

Evelyn Rose

Vienna | Modern American | $$$

 There’s a palpable hug-the-room warmth at Evelyn Rose, and it starts with the name: Chef Nick Palermo and co-founder Sam Schnoebelen honor their grandmothers, Evelyn and Rose, who taught them life’s sweetest moments happen when everyone squeezes around the dinner table. That spirit lives on in a dining room framed by exposed-beam rafters and the scent of rosemary focaccia drifting from the open kitchen.

Palermo’s menu is elevated comfort done right. Earth N Eats roasted baby beets arrive jeweled with hearts of palm and clouds of chèvre, brightened by peppery greens. Summer-sweet grilled corn, tumbled with smoky poblano sour cream and goat-milk feta, proves vegetables can steal the show. But it’s the whole-milk ricotta cavatelli — buried under tomato-braised brisket, pork shoulder, and Palermo’s tender meatballs — that turns weeknights into occasions.

What began as a neighborhood haunt has blossomed into a destination where kindred spirits gather over unforgettable plates; Evelyn and Rose would be proud.

Eat This: Roasted baby beet salad, grilled sweet corn, whole-milk ricotta cavatelli

Ingle Korean Steakhouse (No. 7)

Vienna | Korean | $$$$

Remember the Choose Your Own Adventure book series? Packed with choices that would lead to myriad possible endings, the stories were an eminently satisfying way to make kids read. Ingle Korean Steakhouse is the wagyu-powered equivalent.

It starts with the first sip of water, when your server arrives with a tray of cucumbers, lime, and lemon from which to pick. The six-course prix fixe dinner includes a collection of American wagyu cuts of the day, but from there, you have almost as many options to devour as you did as a book-hungry youth.

Shared appetizers might be steamed mussels marinière, cod roe garlic toast, or a scallion pancake with shrimp, but we encourage trying the sashimi salad, spicy-and-sweet hwe moo-chim. Each diner gets to select their own savory meal, be it beef fried rice, soup, or one of three takes on chilled buckwheat noodles. 

But when it comes to the tender meats grilled on your table, to paraphrase Sondheim, loving them is not a choice. 

Eat This: Corn cheese, hwe moo-chim, wagyu cuts of the day

Joon

Vienna | Persian | $$$$

 Most of us probably consider a Persian kebab a not-so-guilty pleasure, a quick treat when we don’t feel like cooking. But for decades, it’s been Najmieh Batmanglij’s raison d’être to prove that the food of her homeland is something far more refined than marinated meat on a skewer.

The famed cookbook author combines her powers with those of DC chef Chris Morgan in a warren of rooms that delight with their collection of colors — and the flavors presented within. Take, for instance, the Persian cucumber salad, an assemblage of pomegranate, pistachio, feta, and mint that comes together in a symphony of loveliness.

You could have one of several kebabs, but the grilled rockfish with sour-orange-and-parsley beurre blanc is a stunning fusion of French and Iranian influences. The crisp-skinned fish is topped with jewel-like smoked trout roe, then paired with crunchy-topped rice flavored with dill and meaty fava beans. 

Joon is Batmanglij’s world, and we’re lucky to be invited to join her, especially if that invitation means a bite or two of rich chocolate and kataifi pie.

Eat This: Persian cucumber salad, grilled rockfish, chocolate and kataifi pie

Nostos (No. 2)

Vienna | Greek | $$$

A flash of tableside flames from sizzling saganaki is every bit as rousing as what you’ll find in Athens.

White curtains billow like sails, conversations drift in half a dozen languages, and servers nudge you toward a glass of crisp Assyrtiko from the restaurant’s delightful Greek wine list. 

Begin with the trio of housemade dips — cool dill-sparked tzatziki, smoky eggplant, and creamy Santorini-style fava crowned with diced purple onion — which arrives with slices of freshly baked pita still warm from the oven. Each bite is a postcard from the islands. 

Then arrives the standout moussaka, baked and served in its own petite cast iron skillet, where cinnamon-laced beef, eggplant, and potato hide beneath a bronzed béchamel cloud. Finish with paidakia, the chargrilled lamb chops paired with simply grilled asparagus. 

At Nostos, consistency is the secret seasoning. Each visit feels like a homecoming, only with better olive oil and a little more sunshine on the plate.

Eat This: Flaming kefalograviera saganaki, skillet moussaka, lamb chops with asparagus

Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano

Vienna | Italian | $$$$

 When Roberto Donna and his wife, Nancy Sabbagh, opened their first restaurant in Vienna, the goal was to create an eatery the neighborhood would love. Three years on, the bustling dining room proves they’ve succeeded in that goal.

But Donna also said that he wanted to bring back guéridon service. With a cooking station wheeled to nearly every table, they’ve mastered that art, too. At Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano, it’s almost a sin not to order the fettuccini alla parmigiana.

The fresh pasta is twisted and turned — with a bit of the water in which it was boiled — in a wheel of aged parmigiana. The al dente result is George Clinton–level funky, creamy, and all-around pleasurable. 

Don’t skip dessert. The dome of chocolate-and-hazelnut-flavored semifreddo all but melts into its pistachio cream sauce. It’s so intensely nutty, it nearly skims into bitterness. 

Yes, Roberto’s is beloved by the neighborhood. But an everyday neighborhood restaurant? It’s miles above it.

Eat This: Pancetta di maiale croccante, fettuccini alla parmigiana, semifreddo di gianduia

Feature photo of Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano by Rey Lopez

Feeling limited by square footage? Don’t let it stop you from creating your dream space. Northern Virginia–area interior designers have advice for how to make even the most cramped spaces feel luxurious.

Clever Kitchen

Cassie Mabee of Cassie Mabee Interiors took a methodical approach when redesigning the galley kitchen in the 1930s Alexandria home she shares with her husband and three children. 

“I really wanted a place for everything, making the daily hustle-and-bustle in the kitchen easier and more organized,” she says. “Thinking about every drawer and cabinet with a specific use in mind really helped get everything we needed out of this small space.”

Cream-painted cabinetry by Geepil Construction is topped with Taj Mahal quartzite counters. Going custom helped cover up the older kitchen’s less attractive features, like the radiator, which is now an integrated surface for holding plants.

“Using a paneled fridge, rather than a freestanding fridge, bought us several inches, as did our combination wall oven and cooktop in lieu of a slide-in range,” Mabee says.

Other space-saving features include an appliance garage, which Mabee says, “is in a spot we don’t need for food prep. Tucked in it are the toaster and blender, which get put up after the breakfast rush.”

An adjacent pantry also has designated room for other large appliances. “Not seeing any countertop appliances and keeping things paneled and flush adds an upscale feel and avoids visual clutter — so important in a small space,” she adds.

Double the Pleasure  

“With smart storage, thoughtful planning, and the right materials, even the smallest rooms can be both beautiful and functional,” says Amy Fischer of Rosehill Design Studio. She embraced this philosophy when she designed and built a clever mudroom/home office with Keystone Design Build for a family of five in Falls Church.

Fischer took a miscellaneous room and turned it into a dual-purpose mudroom/home office that takes full advantage of its footprint. On one side, built-in storage runs up to the ceiling, with a locker for each child equipped with hooks for backpacks and coats. The lockers also have integrated electric outlets for charging electronics and a lower pullout drawer. 

On the opposite side, a built-in desk provides a dedicated workspace. “The desk was scaled to the space with a clean polished background behind [the lockers] for Zoom calls,” adds Fischer.

The two areas are bridged by a window seat. On either side of it, additional shelves hold sundries in baskets, and everyday shoes stack up in cubbies below.

“We selected 3-inch tongue-and-groove panels to keep the vertical detail from overwhelming the walls while drawing the eye up. And our scaled checkerboard floor tiles create pattern and charm without visually shrinking the space,” Fischer says of the design materials executed in a soft neutral palette that extend to the ceiling.

Beauty and the Bath

Older homes often come with smaller rooms. When this 1917 50-square-foot Federal Revival bathroom needed an update, Doma Architecture & Design principal Katharine Scott undertook the refresh. “We kept functions in their original locations, but selected fixtures appropriately scaled to the small floor plan,” she says.

Scott also chose classic finishes in a timeless palette to reflect the home’s historic character. The flooring is hexagonal mosaic tile in a scale suited to the smaller space, while handmade ceramic tiles adorn the wainscot wall and shower surround for easy maintenance. A contrasting pencil trim runs horizontally, visually widening the room.

“The classic console sink is airy and open, while offering an integrated glass shelf and towel bars for space-saving storage,” adds Scott.

The medicine cabinet, doubling as a sink mirror, does the same. The glass partition above the knee wall, separating toilet from tub, also provides support for the shower rod, while keeping the bath enclosure feeling open.

“When designing for a small space, a clean, well-curated palette is key to unifying the space. I also like to look for pieces that are multifunctional, offering storage as well as adding visual interest, like the standout decorative sink in this bathroom. It establishes a focal point and sets the tone,” says Scott.

Perfect Powder Room

“Historic homes, with quirky spaces, really get our wheels turning,” says Anne Marie Hauer of Choux Designs. “We love to revive architectural elements but add modern details to make them feel and function like they are part of the 21st century.”

This 17.5-square-foot powder room, located in an 1852 Old Town Alexandria rowhouse that Hauer was renovating with builder William Cromley, was certainly quirky. It had a dated corner sink, random adjacent cabinet, and pink toilet. The walls were a mishmash of white tile and green paint. 

“Our client had a love of aubergine, so we decided to have some fun in the space with an expansive yet bold large-scale patterned wallpaper on a white background, and purple wood trim,” says Hauer.

The brass-based vanity features exposed plumbing, an integrated hand-towel rail, and a custom-designed marble top, shallow enough that, “You didn’t hit your head on it when getting up or down from the toilet,” Hauer says.

The new toilet is the smallest depth available. The teensy window features a clever inside-mount Roman shade for softness and privacy. A slim-framed mirror adds brightness above the vanity, and a pair of dainty sconces complete the look.

“We love to design spaces that are small on space but big in style, while being timeless and well-curated,” says Hauer.

Feature photo by Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions

This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.