The City of Falls Church

Little City Sips

Little City Sips logo for the City of Falls Church featuring a branded drink cup and the tagline “Sip. Shop. Stroll. Stay Awhile.”

Sip, Stroll, and Stay for Awhile

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. for Little City Sips, the City of Falls Church’s pilot downtown sip-and-stroll event designed to support local businesses and create a vibrant, walkable community experience in The Little City.

Adults aged 21 and older can purchase drinks to enjoy in official Little City Sips cups, then explore #TheLittleCity by strolling through the downtown area and community gathering spaces within the designated event boundary. Check out local shops, outdoor murals and art, and the band playing at Mr. Brown’s Park, and other exciting live music from our participating local restaurants.

What is Little City Sips?

Little City Sips is the City of Falls Church’s pilot Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), a fun, walkable experience that allows visitors to sip, stroll, and explore downtown. This event is designed to support local businesses, encourage exploration, and create a lively downtown atmosphere.

Spend the evening sipping, shopping, strolling, and discovering everything that makes The Little City unique. Little City Sips brings together local restaurants, live music, small businesses, outdoor gathering spaces, and community energy for a fun-filled night.

  • Drinks and dining from participating local restaurants
  • Shopping and browsing at downtown small businesses
  • Live music and entertainment throughout the DORA area
  • Outdoor strolling, gathering, and community experiences
  • A lively and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Falls Church

How It Works

  • Purchase your beverage from a participating business and enjoy it in an official Little City Sips-branded cup.
  • Enjoy your drink outdoors within the designated DORA boundary from 5–10 p.m.
  • Official Little City Sips Cups help identify approved event beverages throughout the DORA area.
  • Alcoholic beverages may not be brought from outside the DORA area or carried beyond the marked boundary.
  • Alcoholic beverages purchased from one participating restaurant may not be brought into another participating restaurant, and should be disposed of before entering.
  • Drinks may be permitted inside select retail businesses displaying a “Welcome” window cling.
  • All attendees must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; please bring a valid ID

Adults Age 21 and Older Can:

  • Purchase alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants within the Little City Sips boundary.
  • Carry beverages in official Little City Sips cups only.
  • Enjoy beverages while strolling within the designated event boundary.
  • Enter participating shops and businesses that welcome Little City Sips visitors.

Plan Your Visit

It’s easy to arrive by Metro, local busCapital Bikeshare, or on foot from your home through nearby neighborhoods. You’ll find plenty of car parking in the City of Falls Church’s free public parking garages, with access to free public parking in the George Mason Square Garage, Broad & Washington, and Kaiser Permanente Parking Garage.

Participating Restaurants & Businesses

Little City Sips DORA Boundary Areas

Boundary Areas

Little City Sips takes place within a clearly marked DORA area in the City of Falls Church on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m.

The Little City Sips DORA boundary includes portions of the downtown City of Falls Church centered around W. Broad Street and adjacent walkable business corridors.

  • You’ll see boundary signs at main intersections and where people walk into the DORA area. 
  • If you spot a sign that says, “No alcohol permitted past this point,” you’re leaving the DORA area. 
  • Please finish or dispose of your drink before you pass the exit sign.

Little City Sips Boundary Map

Map showing the Little City Sips Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) boundary in downtown Falls Church, including portions of W. Broad Street, Park Avenue, N. Maple Avenue, and N. Washington Street.

Know Before You Go

Look for the Window Clings

Before entering a business with your Little City Sips drink, look for the official window cling displayed on the door or at the entrance. Each participating business will display one of the following:

Serving Location: Participating business serving Little City Sips beverages.
Welcome Location: Participating business welcoming Little City Sips beverages.
Not Allowed Location: Business where Little City Sips beverages are not permitted.

Experience The Little City Like Never Before

Make a Night of It

Enjoy dinner, grab a drink in an official Little City Sips Cup, explore local shops, and experience downtown Falls Church in a new way during this one-night-only community event. 

Little City Sips transforms The Little City into a vibrant, walkable destination filled with local flavor, outdoor activation, live entertainment, shopping, and community gathering. 

There is no entry fee to attend Little City Sips. Simply purchase any food, beverages, or items you wish to enjoy from participating businesses throughout the evening.

Live Music & Entertainment

Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the DORA area during the event, including performances at participating restaurants, businesses, and public spaces. 

Featured Entertainment Includes:

  • Mr. Brown’s Park – Justin Trawick performing live from 6 – 8:00 p.m. 
  • Dogwood Tavern – Breonna Sharde & the Band playing from 9:30 – 12:30 a.m.
  • Stratford Garden – Kenny & Joe and Hepcat Hoodie playing from 6 – 9 p.m.
  • Northside Social – Dominique Bianco playing from 5 – 7 p.m.
  • Clare & Don’s Beach Shack – Relaxed Fit playing from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Ireland’s Four Provinces – Dan Barry – playing from 6 – 9 p.m. on the patio
  • TUSK The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute concert at The State Theatre
  • Outdoor dining, shopping, strolling, and gathering throughout downtown 

Little City Sips is Your Chance to Experience: 

  • Local restaurants and signature drinks 
  • Shopping and small businesses 
  • Outdoor strolling and gathering 
  • Live music and entertainment 
  • A vibrant and welcoming downtown atmosphere 

Safety & Courtesy

Little City Sips is designed to create a fun, safe, and welcoming downtown experience for everyone. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the event responsibly and respectfully while supporting local businesses and the community.

Please:

  • Follow all posted signs and event rules
  • Respect businesses, sidewalks, and public spaces
  • Use rideshare, public transit, designated drivers, or other safe transportation options if needed
  • Dispose of cups and trash properly
  • Follow directions from event staff and public safety personnel

Public safety staff and law enforcement personnel will be present throughout the event area to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DORA?

DORA is the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area license that authorizes the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the area approved by the Virginia ABC Board.

Is there an entry fee?

There is no entry fee for Little City Sips; simply pay for any food, drinks, or items you wish to purchase.

Where can I park, and is public transportation available nearby?

You’ll find plenty of parking in downtown public garages for the Little City Sips event. Parking is conveniently located near the DORA boundaries, and public transportation options, such as Metro and local bus service, are also available if you prefer not to drive. Learn more about Getting Around the City.

Is the event accessible to people with mobility challenges or those using strollers?

Most sidewalks in the DORA area are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, with curb cuts and ramps at intersections. Many participating businesses have accessible entrances and restrooms.

What happens if it rains?

Little City Sips is a rain-or-shine event. In case of rain or severe weather, organizers will provide updates on our website and social media.

Will security or first aid be available during the event?

Local police will also be visible in the DORA area during Little City Sips. If you need assistance, look for staff or approach any first responder on site.

Are pets allowed at the event or in the DORA Area?

Leashed pets are welcome in the DORA’s outdoor areas, but please check with individual businesses before bringing them inside.

Are there activities or spaces for children and non-drinkers to enjoy during the event?

Families, non-alcohol-drinkers, and all ages are welcome at Little City Sips. Enjoy live music performances from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Mr. Brown’s Park near the intersection of Broad Street and Park Avenue. Many of the participating businesses will also offer live music that evening.

How do businesses verify guests are 21 or older?

Participating businesses will continue to follow standard Virginia ABC age-verification procedures before serving alcoholic beverages. Official Little City Sips Cups identify approved event beverages within the DORA area.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

No. All drinks must be purchased from participating businesses.

Can I leave the area with my drink?

No. Drinks must remain within the DORA boundary.

Can I enter any business with my drink?

Only businesses displaying a DORA-friendly window cling.

How do I know where the DORA is?

Look for posted boundary signage throughout the area. Review the official boundary map.

What happens at 10 p.m. when the event ends?

Little City Sips concludes at 10 p.m. Visitors should finish or dispose of beverages at the conclusion of the event and before leaving the designated boundary area. Participating businesses may determine their own last call timing throughout the evening.