The City of Falls Church

Little City Sips

Sip · Shop · Stroll · Stay Awhile

The Little City. With Big Sips.

Come out on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. for Little City Sips, the downtown sip-and-stroll event in the City of Falls Church. Enjoy drinks from local businesses, check out shops and restaurants, and have fun exploring #TheLittleCity. You’ll find plenty of parking in downtown public parking garages, and it’s easy to arrive by Metro or local bus, and Capital Bikeshare.

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 and walkable downtown experience.

During the Event, Visitors Can Enjoy

  • 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

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.

How It Works

Buy a drink from a participating business, enjoy it in an official Little City Sips Cup, and explore the DORA area. You must stay within the marked boundary while carrying your drink.

Adults Age 21 and Older Can

  • Purchase alcoholic beverages from participating businesses
  • Enjoy drinks outdoors in Little City Sips cups
  • Walk within the designated DORA area
  • Visit participating shops, restaurants, and public spaces along the way
  • Vibe to live music at participating venues and outdoor spaces

Little City Sips DORA Boundary Area

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

Participating Restaurants & Businesses

Restaurants

  • Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
  • Dogwood Tavern
  • Ireland’s Four Provinces
  • Lucky Thai
  • Maneki Neko
  • Northside Social
  • Pho 88
  • Stratford Garden
  • Thompson Italian

Additional Businesses

  • Paisano’s Pizza
  • Matt’s Tailor
  • Clay Café
  • Father & Son Barber Shop
  • Zoya’s Atelier
  • CVS/Pharmacy
  • Action Music

Know Before Your 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

This business sells approved DORA beverages and serves drinks in official Little City Sips Cups.

Welcome Location

This DORA-friendly business welcomes customers carrying Little City Sips beverages purchased from participating locations.

Not Allowed Location

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside this business.

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:

  • Justin Trawick performing live at Mr. Brown’s Park from 6 – 8:30 p.m. 
  • TUSK The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute concert at The State Theatre 
  • Live music and outdoor activation at participating restaurants and businesses 
  • Outdoor dining, shopping, strolling, and gathering throughout downtown 
  • Additional entertainment details and participating business activations will be announced closer to the event date. 

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 

Frequently Asked Questions

DORA • 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.

Cost • 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.

Parking • 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.

Accessibility • 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.

Weather • 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.

Safety • 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.

Pets • 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.

Family-friendliness • 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.

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.