🏢 A Maryland-based IT firm is crossing the Potomac for Arlington, and bringing 450 new jobs with it. The move could give National Landing another boost as the area grows into a major hub for tech, federal contracting and new investment.

🚧 Herndon’s Metro district is taking shape. New sign rules now clear the way for Nell at 555 and future shops to move forward near the station.

🎉 Music, food, and something for everyone. June in Northern Virginia is packed. I’ve mapped out 8 festivals you'll want on your calendar. Check the lineup!

Scroll down and enjoy!

—Chris Colgan

Spend the weekend in historic downtown Occoquan with hundreds of artisan vendors, river views, food, drinks, live music, Conservation Alley, and the annual Duck Splash fundraiser.
📍 Location: Downtown Occoquan
📅 Date: Jun 6–7 | 10 AM – 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free admission
MORE INFO→

Bring your pup to Tysons for a free pet-friendly afternoon with a dog park, splash pad, pet vendors, adoptable dogs, giveaways, caricature art, and even a foam party for dogs.
📍 Location: The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center, Tysons
📅 Date: Jun 6 | 11 AM – 3 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
MORE INFO→

Four-time Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr. brings his blues, rock, soul, and hip-hop sound to Wolf Trap, with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram opening the show.
📍 Location: Filene Center at Wolf Trap, Vienna
📅 Date: Jun 6 | 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $58
MORE INFO→

NOT ENOUGH? SEE 10+ GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND→

Driving the news: Spatial Front, Inc. plans to move its corporate headquarters from Bethesda to National Landing in Arlington, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced.

Details: The information technology firm will invest $6 million in the move and create 450 new jobs.

Why it matters: This brings more high-quality jobs, more office activity and more spending power to National Landing.

It also strengthens the area’s role as a hub for companies serving federal agencies.

The big picture: National Landing has become a key business corridor for tech, defense and government-focused firms.

Spatial Front’s move adds to that momentum and gives the company closer access to customers and partners across the region.

Between the lines: Spatial Front’s decision points to a larger trend: companies that work with federal agencies want to be closer to the region’s talent pool, transit access and government customers.

What’s next: The company will begin building out its Arlington presence, with state support available for training as new employees are brought on.

SEE ALL THE DETAILS→

Driving the news: The Herndon Town Council unanimously approved new sign standards for the Herndon Transit-Oriented Core, a 38-acre area north of the Herndon Metro station.

Details: The rules clear the way for signs at new developments, including Nell at 555 Apartments, which is under construction at 555 Herndon Parkway.

Why it matters: This helps new housing, shops and public-facing spaces open with clear rules in place.

Better signage can also make the Metro area easier to walk, visit and understand as it grows into a busier town gateway.

The big picture: Herndon has long planned the area around the Metro station as a mixed-use center with housing, retail, offices, hotels and a promenade.

By the numbers: The larger vision for the area, adopted in 2012, projected room for:

Between the lines: Mixed-use projects need different kinds of signs than a typical office park or shopping center.

Apartment buildings, retailers and restaurants all need visibility, but the town also wants the area to feel visually organized.

What’s next: Developers and future tenants can now apply for sign permits under the new rules.

That includes Nell at 555, which already had a sign package waiting for the zoning update.

CLICK TO KEEP READING→

School's almost out, the weather's warming up, and Northern Virginia is rolling out a full month of music, food, and community fun.

Here are eight festivals to circle this June, listed by date so you can start planning your weekends now:

Appalachian Trail Festival
June 5 & 6, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hillsboro's Old Stone School hosts two days of live music, an art show, kids' activities, and plenty of food and drink. National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Heather Anderson is making a special appearance, and the lineup includes Rock Creek Revival, Melissa & The Mothmen, and the Short Hill Mountain Boys.
📍 37098 Charles Town Pke., Hillsboro • Free (meet-and-greet with Anderson is $17.85)

Saint Katherine's Greek Festival
June 5–7
A full Greek experience at Saint Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church: traditional dancing, live music, and homemade food. Held rain or shine.
📍 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church • Free

National Community Band Festival
June 6 & 7, 4–6 p.m.
This two-day festival, presented by the Fairfax Wind Symphony and George Mason University's Dewberry Family School of Music, brings together regional and visiting community bands, ensembles, and symphonies.
📍 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax • $5–$15

Alexandria Jazz Fest
June 12–14
The 48th annual ALX Jazz Fest takes over the Alexandria Waterfront with three days of live music. This year it grows into "Sails on the Potomac," a weekend celebration of America's 250th, with performances honoring the city's musical past, present, and future.
📍 1A Prince St., Alexandria • Free

Children's Summer Reading Festival
June 13, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Kick off Fairfax County Public Library's summer reading program with games, crafts, food trucks, face painting, a photo booth, a bounce house, and more. Pre-register on Eventbrite to snag a free festival tote (while supplies last).
📍 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax • Free

Columbia Pike Blues Festival
June 13, 12–8 p.m.
Now in its 29th year, this Arlington favorite from the Columbia Pike Partnership and Arlington Arts features headliners Joslyn and The Sweet Compression.
📍 2597 Columbia Pike, Arlington • Free

Manassas Bee Festival
June 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Hosted by The Friends of the Manassas Bee Festival at the historic Liberia House & Grounds, this family-friendly day brings food trucks, costumes, animals, and honey for sale.
📍 8601 Portner Ave., Manassas City • Free

Herndon Pride Fest at Arts Herndon
June 27
The third annual Herndon Pride Fest returns with live music and theater, local vendors, activities, and a children's arts space (a daylong celebration of inclusion, community, and creativity during Pride Month).
📍 750 Center St., Herndon • Free

SEE MORE DETAILS→

Reply and let me know what you liked the most and what you’d like to see in next week’s newsletter. See ya!