Bards Alley Bookshop

Arlington author Bill Schweigart discusses his "The&nbsp;Sopranos meets D&amp;D" novel Dirty 20Join us as Bards Alley welcomes local author Bill Schweigart on Saturday, September 19 for a talk about his latest book, the LitRPG thriller Dirty 20.

Blending fantasy conventions with crime fiction, Dirty 20 follows a mobster's teenage son as he navigates the Denver underworld. When a tabletop role-playing game that he invented on a whim finds unexpected success, Tommy is thrust into the spotlight, drawn deeper into the family business he only wants to escape.

In conversation with Schweigart is Bards Alley bookseller Alice Scott. A book signing will follow their talk, with paperback copies of Dirty 20 available for purchase in-store. You are welcome to reserve a copy for pick-up at the event by selecting it as an add-on during registration or calling (571) 459-2653.

RSVP for free here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-event-bill-schweigart-dirty-20-tickets-1993624499545?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-event-bill-schweigart-dirty-20-tickets-1993624499545?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>ABOUT&nbsp;THE&nbsp;BOOKTommy Fugue never cared for the family business. But when his father—aka Big Al, aka King of the Denver Streets—assigns him the “summer job” of laundering money online, Tommy figures he can list some fake projects on FunFunder, pledge them with zombie accounts, and clean a dirty $20,000 in time for college in the fall.
Unfortunately for Tommy, he’s more creative than he thought. Just as he’s about to give his father’s capos a progress report, he sees that a roleplaying game he mocked up using his mom’s old artwork has been funded to the tune of $650,000… and counting.&nbsp;
The only thing scarier than an angry Big Al is a Big Al that smells cash and family bonding time. Voluntold by their mercurial boss to assist, various criminals and killers help playtest and produce Tommy’s 1,000 Blades of Tergivers RPG in the hopes they can truly turn a dirty twenty into legit millions.
At first Tommy sees game sessions with brothel owners, hit women, and a street captain with OCD as yet another example of why he needs to get out from under his father. But when Tommy realizes that being game master might help him uncover what these criminals know about his mother’s disappearance, it’s Game On.
Playing a game while making a game is tricky—especially when elements of the fantasy world keep blending into the players’ real lives. And when the streets declare the Family Fugue slipping, Big Al starts playing a new game, with rules only he knows.ABOUT&nbsp;THE&nbsp;AUTHORBill Schweigart is the author of The Guilty One and “Women and Children First,” a story co-written with James Patterson in Three Days to Live. He is also the author of The Fatal Folklore Trilogy, which includes The Beast of Barcroft, Northwoods, and The Devil’s Colony. He is a former Coast Guard officer who drew from his experiences at sea to write the nautical thriller, Slipping the Cable and the romantic comedy, Running Light. Bill currently lives in Arlington, VA with his family, who along with their monstrous Newfoundland and too many cats, provide him with all the adventure he can handle.

Local Event: Talk with "Dirty 20" Author Bill Schweigart

Fairfax County

Vienna

Virginia

Talk with "Dirty 20" Author Bill Schweigart

Arlington author Bill Schweigart discusses his "The Sopranos meets D&D" novel Dirty 20Join us as Bards Alley welcomes local...

Discussion and book signing with local authors Chuck Cascio (Awakenings) and Jim Upperman (Three Photos Wiser)
Join Bards Alley on Saturday, September 26 as we welcome local authors Chuck Cascio and Jim Upperman for a conversation about their respective books Awakenings: Short Stories of Moments That Shape Us and Three Photos Wiser. Both authors are alumni of James Madison High School in Vienna!
In his short fiction collection Awakenings, Cascio depicts people at a turning point in their lives, confronted with a realization or the possibility of change. Upperman's Three Photos Wiser is a novel inspired by the true story of a family's continent-spanning quest to understand their past.
The authors' presentation includes readings, an audience Q&amp;A, and a signing, with both books available for purchase at Bards Alley. If you would like to guarantee your copy of Awakenings and/or Three Photos Wiser, we recommend calling (571) 459-2653 to reserve it for pick-up.
Please RSVP for free here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/authors-chuck-cascio-jim-upperman-awakenings-and-three-photos-wiser-tickets-1996111704843?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/authors-chuck-cascio-jim-upperman-awakenings-and-three-photos-wiser-tickets-1996111704843?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>

ABOUT&nbsp;THE&nbsp;AUTHORS
Chuck Cascio is an award-winning journalist and educator who has published eight books, including, most recently, Awakenings:&nbsp;Short Stories of Moments That Shape Us. After graduating from Wagner College with a B.S. in economics and business and American University with an M.A. in communications, he taught high school and served as faculty advisor to student newspapers in Fairfax County, Virginia. He lives in Reston, Virginia, with his wife, Faye.
Jim Upperman&nbsp;attended Bridgewater College before earning his Master of Education from the University of Virginia and his doctorate degree from Virginia Tech. In addition to being a high school teacher and an assistant professor at George Mason University, he has worked in various administrative roles, including an appointment as Superintendent for Manassas City Public Schools from 1989 to 2000. He retired in 2017 and lives with his wife, Pam.

Local Event: Author Talk: Chuck Cascio and Jim Upperman

Author Talk: Chuck Cascio and Jim Upperman

Discussion and book signing with local authors Chuck Cascio (Awakenings) and Jim Upperman (Three Photos Wiser)
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Bards Alley

Michelle Witte

Washington Metropolitan Area

Tysons Corner

Patch AM Team

Wolf Trap

Fairfax

Tysons

Dunn Loring

Oakton

Merrifield

Idylwood

Pimmit Hills

Mantua

Fairfax city

Lake Anne Brew House

For September's Taproom Theology, we will be joined by Rev. Debbie Eisenbise to share the stories of women of the Bible and how their relationships with each other gave them courage to step up, speak up, and act out. Together we'll explore how these women found courage through one another — courage to step up when the moment demanded it, to speak truth with conviction, and to act boldly in ways that changed the course of God's story.
Debbie Eisenbise is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren (36 years) and has served as a settled and interim/transitional pastor for her own denomination and the United Methodist Church. Debbie is a spiritual director, mentor, and supervisor with the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is also an end-of-life doula and formerly taught courses in successful aging and holistic end-of-life practices as an Adjunct Professor at Western Michigan University.

Local Event: Taproom Theology: Strong Women, Strong Faith, Storing from Scripture!

Reston

Taproom Theology: Strong Women, Strong Faith,...

For September's Taproom Theology, we will be joined by Rev. Debbie Eisenbise to share the stories of women of the Bible and how...

Taproom Theology: Strong Women, Strong Faith, Storing from Scripture!

Capital Harmonia is inviting new singers to join their community of singers who love to sing and give back to organizations supporting women. No auditions! Join us Wednesday Sept 9 and/or Sept 16.

Local Event: Come Sing with Us!

Come Sing with Us!

Capital Harmonia is inviting new singers to join their community of singers who love to sing and give back to organizations...

Panera Bread

Pull up a chair and connect with your neighbors at AARP Free Coffee Friday. We’ll be gathering at Panera to share conversation, build community, and get to know one another — no agenda, just good company. All welcome! AARP members, non‑members and anyone curious about AARP are invited.&nbsp;
Coffee is on us! Sign up to get an email reminder!&nbsp;
We can't wait to see you!

Local Event: Free Coffee Friday in Vienna

Free Coffee Friday in Vienna

Pull up a chair and connect with your neighbors at AARP Free Coffee Friday. We’ll be gathering at Panera to share conversation,...

It is Reston Shoreshim's honor and tradition to invite the wider Jewish community to join with us during our High Holidays observances at no cost, and without the need for tickets. Our services will be held in-person at a Reston location.
If you are interested in attending any or all of our services, please submit this <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MVvB3AvEicsO4CuzAxQPwHCOf9xI8V_s1jGsuo9Y_K4/edit" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">brief form</a> and someone will be in touch with details. If you prefer, you can call us at 703-493-1114, or send an email to info@restonshoreshim.org.
As we approach 5787, we wish to all a healthy and happy New Year!

Local Event: Free High Holidays Service: Erev Rosh Hashanah

Free High Holidays Service: Erev Rosh Hashanah

It is Reston Shoreshim's honor and tradition to invite the wider Jewish community to join with us during our High Holidays...

McLean Community Center

Looking for that perfect *thing* ?! Find great bargains and connect with your McLean neighbors at the McLean Community Center Fall Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, September 12 at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.! With more than 60 vendors expected, this popular community event is the perfect place to shop for gently used household treasures, clothing, toys, books, décor and more—all while giving pre-loved items a new home.

Local Event: Fall Community Parking Lot Sale

McLean

Fall Community Parking Lot Sale

Looking for that perfect *thing* ?! Find great bargains and connect with your McLean neighbors at the McLean Community Center...

Calling all high school students with a passion for comedy! (the) Unruly Theatre Project (UTP) is The Alden’s professional teen improv company, bringing live comedic performances and community programs to audiences throughout the area.
Company members are paid for performances and rehearse twice a week from late September through May. In addition to performing at venues including art galleries, cafés and the Old Firehouse Center, members gain hands-on experience in areas such as marketing, stage management and photography.
Open to 9th-12th graders only.
Open Auditions: Tuesday-Wednesday, Sept. 15-16, 7-9 p.m. No prepared monologue is required. Headshots and resumes are welcome but not necessary.
Questions? Email <a href="mailto:alden@mcleancenter.org">alden@mcleancenter.org</a>.

Local Event: Open Auditions for The Alden's Professional Teen Improv Company

Open Auditions for The Alden's Professional...

Calling all high school students with a passion for comedy! (the) Unruly Theatre Project (UTP) is The Alden’s professional teen...

Open Auditions for The Alden's Professional Teen Improv Company

Mc Lean Old Fire House Center

Celebrate the end of summer with the OFC Block Party on Saturday, September 19 at 1 - 4 p.m.! This free outdoor community celebration brings classic block party energy to downtown McLean with live music, games, activities, food, giveaways and fun for all ages. Gather with friends and neighbors for an afternoon filled with entertainment, laughter and the welcoming spirit that makes McLean such a special community.
Featuring:
<ul><li>Music</li><li>Giveaways</li><li>Games and sensory sounds</li><li>Pizza, popcorn, and ice cream</li><li>Entertainment</li><li>Crafts and face painting</li><li>Children's Business Fair</li><li>Hands only CPR</li><li>And more!</li></ul>Hope to see you there!

Local Event: OFC Block Party

OFC Block Party

Celebrate the end of summer with the OFC Block Party on Saturday, September 19 at 1 - 4 p.m.! This free outdoor community...

Waterford Foundation

October 2-4, 2026&nbsp; &nbsp;Come experience an autumn celebration of Americana at the Waterford Fair, recognized as one of the Sunshine Artist 200 Best of 2026. This three-day event features juried heritage crafts, historic homes tours, live music, and family-friendly activities, with local food, wine, and beer available for purchase. One Ticket. Three Days. Endless Memories&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=26489&amp;type=tickets&amp;show=custom&amp;custom=61104|61105|61106" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Tickets Here</a>

Local Event: 82nd Waterford Fair

Loudoun County

Leesburg

82nd Waterford Fair

October 2-4, 2026   Come experience an autumn celebration of Americana at the Waterford Fair, recognized as one of the Sunshine...

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