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By Eliza Berkon, Lynn Norusis, Rachael Keeney and Stefanie Gans
Meat Week
Jan. 29, 7 p.m.
The great meatless awakening has not spread everywhere. There’s still Meat Week, an annual gathering of meat lovers traveling in a pack to meat-centric restaurants across the region (and a few other cities). Upcoming events feature NoVA-based romps at Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbecue, Liberty Barbecue and Texas Jack’s Barbecue. I do love me some burnt ends. –SG
Extreme retail therapy
Feb. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
How propitious it is to live in this haven for mixed retail and boutique shopping, rather than the decrepit malls of ’90s suburbs? And how much more splendid it is to corral all the stores in one location for an annual event. This Saturday, through perhaps divine intervention, many of Alexandria’s loveliest boutiques will unite for the Alexandria Boutique Warehouse Sale, a full day of discounts from more than two dozen shops. -EB
Looking for: Entertaining learning experience for teen boys; Found: Hylton’s The Hollywood Special FX Show
Teen boys do not want to hang out with their mom. But, this weekend Hylton Performing Arts Center has The Hollywood Special FX Show running where the audience gets a behind-the-scenes look at the science and secrets that goes into making action movies like The Dark Knight Rises, Phantom of the Opera and Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s an interactive show where audience members will be exposed to sci-fi monsters, apocalypse-like weather, an on-stage inferno and more. My boys will love it, and may not worry too much about who they’re hanging out with. -LN
“Fly, Eagles, Fly! On the road to victory…”
It feels amazing when your home team is competing in the Super Bowl. And while I, unfortunately, didn’t get to watch my Philadelphia Eagles best the Minnesota Vikings since my roommates and I decided to do away with cable, you better believe this is one game I’m definitely not going to miss. For those of you staying in Northern Virginia for the big game, there are a handful of watch parties and catering opportunities to choose from here. –RK