Welcome to Just Outside DC — the local newsletter that’s like throwing your alarm clock off a balcony. Time flies when you’re having fun. 

THE BIG IDEA

Found glory for Northern Virginia’s 50+ crowd.

On September 14th, The 2024 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics kicked off with serious sizzle.

"These seniors have a mindset like no other," emceed Mike Coleman, soon-to-be chair of the organizing committee. While some came to satiate their competitive spirits, for many, it was about that priceless camaraderie.

And they arrived in full force — over 1,000 athletes aged 50 to 100+, setting a new participation record for the 42-year games. From badminton rookies to bunco bosses, the roster was stacked!

With record sponsors, volunteers, and new sports, this year's games were a five-alarm blaze of passion and vitality. Record-breaking, friendship-making, smile-creating - the seniors brought the heat.

While some hunted records, many simply reveled in the joy of active competition at this stage of life. Cementing personal bests or just finishing - both were wildly celebrated victories.

Our take on this event: It rocks, simple as.

To wrap up, if you’re interested, check out this album from the opening men’s 1600m race.

Bulletin Board 📌 

Reader Restaurant Recommendation: One of our readers, Rafik, recommends you guys check out pie-tanza in Arlington. It’s a great wood-fired pizza spot, plus their ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookie is to die for!

QUICK HITS

• Riverside High in Leesburg is one of just one of just 29 schools in the country performing the Broadway version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 🦉 

• Apparently, Michelle Obama used to shop at the Potomac Yard Target in Alexandria (in incognito of course) 🛒 

• The new real estate commission rules could squeeze out mediocre agents from the DC area 🏘️ 

• Artificial intelligence has entered the classroom. Here is how local teachers and students are leveraging it 🤖 

LIVE EVENT LOWDOWN

• Shrek the Musical | your favorite live on stage this weekend at Capitol One Hall in Tysons 🧅 

• Fall Festival | a beautiful day outdoors with live music, pumpkin painting, and local hand-made crafts at Claude Moore Park in Sterling tomorrow 🍁 

• Crossroads Music Fest | the DC area’s premier music showcase is back in Downtown Leesburg tonight and will continue throughout the weekend 🎶 

• Clue Live on Stage | a mansion, a murder, and a mystery live at the Kennedy Center until the first week of October 🔍️ 

• Chillin’ on Church | the hottest block party in Vienna returns for the final time in 2024 tonight on historic Church Street 🎸 

• DC Big Flea | the largest antique show in the Mid-Atlantic is returning to the Dulles Expo Center this weekend 🛍️ 

• Where’s My Jhumka? | Notes n’ Beats Music School is putting on a charity performance in Alexandria for under served children in India 🎭️ 

• Pumpkin n’ Friends | a family friendly day of pumpkin painting and other fall festivities tomorrow in Falls Church 🎃 

• Pepper Fest | explore beautiful vegetable gardens and sample fresh dishes at Potomac Overlook tomorrow afternoon 🫑 

• Fields of Fear | over twenty acres of spooky attractions at Cox Farms in Centreville, kicking off tonight 👻 

• Multicultural Festival | the annual celebration of diversity is back in Reston tomorrow 🌎️ 

• Fall Artisan Market | fun for the whole family with live music, 40+ local artisans, and kids activities tomorrow in Fairfax 🍂 

• Bluemont Fair | a country fair in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains this weekend ⛰️ 

• HalloWEIRD Art Market | Del Ray Artisans is putting on an outdoor market with a bunch of spooky Halloween-inspired creations in Colasanto Park tomorrow 🧟 

• Cocktails by Candlelight | period cocktails and historic food samplings at George Mason’s Gunston Hall tonight 🍸️ 

Thanks so much for reading today’s issue of Just Outside D.C.

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