Good morning, Leesburg.

Pop’s Praiseworthy Popcorn is set to open its retail and production facility in Purcellville on Friday, October 17 at 3:30 p.m. at 210 North 21st Street—visitors will see the popcorn being made and sample flavors such as Heavenly Kettle, Luscious Lavender, and Red-Hot Rosemary.

Haraz Coffee House will soon open at a shopping center in Ashburn as workers renovate the former Wells Fargo Bank building into a Yemeni coffee shop—adding to the growing Arab-flavored cafes in the county.

A list of 11 October events in Loudoun features fall festivals, pumpkin picking and haunted trails—giving locals fun seasonal activities to look forward to, with bargain shopping and community gatherings planned throughout the month.

Responding to concerns from charter school supporters, the Loudoun County School Board will consider using funds to pay for major improvements to charter school buildings today—reviewing proposals to ensure the upgrades meet students' needs.

Loudoun’s Invasive Plant Species Management Program received 27 grant applications after local meetings showed strong support for removing invasive species—officials will review the applications soon.

County leaders and community members met Tuesday night to debate changes to the MOD — a set of rules limiting development on 50,000 acres of steep slopes — that would help farms and local businesses and keep the land safe.

Agriculture and tourism groups asked for easier rules for vineyards and Airbnb properties while environmental groups warned that easing restrictions may harm the land’s natural resources.

Industry leaders told the Loudoun Chamber forum that lengthy permitting processes are delaying new power projects and raising costs as demand grows—federal, state and local delays along with supply chain issues have made it difficult to build needed infrastructure.

Experts warned that outdated systems and rising fuel prices will further challenge the grid as the state works to meet increasing energy needs.

Buckcherry Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Tally Ho Theater — Ticketed event — Rock out with Buckcherry and enjoy a night of high-energy music.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

7-10 AM — Tally Ho Theater — Cost info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of a tribute to one of rock's beloved bands.

Mamma Mania - ABBA Tribute

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Tally Ho Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying hits of ABBA in a vibrant tribute show that captures the essence of the 1970s.

The Rush Experience Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Tally Ho Theater — Ticket details not specified — Enjoy an authentic tribute performance to RUSH by a dedicated trio from the Baltimore/Washington area.

Pumpkin Chunkin’ Festival

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Great Country Farms — Cost varies — Bring your leftover jack-o-lantern to smash and enjoy exciting pumpkin-launching activities.