Editor’s Note: This piece was initially published in our April 2020 print issue as our monthly “NoVA in 19.” Due to the coronavirus outbreak, our monthly calendar looks a little different online. Many planned events have been canceled, others postponed and a few remain as scheduled (for now). We have updated the below text to reflect those changes and have removed events that have been completely canceled.
1. Celebrate the arrival of spring with The Middleburg Spring Races. The annual event brings thousands of fans to Loudoun County as they cheer on the horses and jockeys around the famous Alfred Hunt Steeplechase course. // May 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Glenwood Park: 36800 Glenwood Park Lane, Middleburg; $20-$1,500
2. NoVA natives Randal Dewey and Angela Knight were set to debut their musical Princess Diana: Queen of the People’s Hearts, a work of art depicting Princess Diana’s life, on April 4 at The Hylton Performing Arts Center. While the coronavirus altered those plans causing the two creatives to cancel their show, you can still learn more about it in our interview with them here.
3. Marvel at the talents of ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro. The Hawaiian native rose to fame through his ukulele covers on YouTube, including George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Now, Shimabukuro has released his second album, Trio, which features collaborations with Bette Midler, Jack Johnson and more. // April 15, 7 p.m.; Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St. SW, Leesburg; $45
4. Vanessa Carlton joins Jenny O. for the Love is an Art Tour to celebrate her sixth album. Fans will rejoice in Carlton’s new album Love is an Art, while enjoying classic hits, like “A Thousand Miles” and “White Houses.” // Postponed, date TBA; The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $29.50
5. David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit is a nature lover’s dream come true. Guests can take a stroll around the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley’s 7-acre garden in search of larger-than-life creatures, including a 10-foot daddy long-legs and an 18-foot-long praying mantis. // April 18-Sept. 13; Museum of the Shenandoah Valley: 901 Amherst St., Winchester; $5-$15
6. Four-time Latin Grammy winner Alex Cuba is making his way to the region. The musician’s seventh studio album, Sublime, combines retro Cuban roots with the “Latinoamericana” genre with hit songs “Dividido” and “Solo Mia.” // Oct. 11; 8 p.m.; Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; $15-$20
7. See up-and-coming artists from the DMV at the 2020 Emerging Artists exhibit at Torpedo Factory Art Center. This third annual exhibit will feature work from MK Bailey, Mahsa R. Fard, Zia Palmer and Latrelle Rostant. Stop by opening night on Aug. 14 for a special reception with the exhibit’s featured artists. // Aug. 1-Sept. 13; Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; free
8. Grammy-nominated artist Joan Osborne is taking the stage at Wolf Trap. With a career full of successful hits, the “One of Us” singer’s latest album, Songs of Bob Dylan, features covers of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, including “Rainy Day Women” and “High Water.” // Jan. 22; 8 p.m.; The Barns: 1635 Trap Road, Vienna; $42-$47
9. Learn about the history of steeplechasing through Thrill of the ‘Chace: Steeplechase in Art. The exhibit will feature paintings, sculptures and works on paper that showcase the worldwide reach of the over-250-year-old sport. // April 10-Sept. 13; National Sporting Library & Museum: 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg; free
10. Travel back to 19th-century France for a special presentation of Camille Claudel. This musical features the story behind the famous French sculptor, the men who determined her life and her creative masterpieces that broke society’s limitations and expanded the art world. // Postponed until 2021; Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; $40-$95
11. Spend your weekend surrounded by art at the eighth annual Arlington Festival of the Arts. The festival will include over 100 artists in attendance, showcasing a variety of mediums, including glass, paintings, pottery and more. // Postponed, date TBA; 3003 Washington Blvd., Arlington; free
This post originally appeared in our April 2020 issue. For more events to add to your calendar or inspiration on how to spend your days at home, subscribe to our weekly newsletters.