Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, Small Business Discussion and the Sales Tax Holiday

It's the beginning of the month and we're coming to a quick end to the week. Here are some events you should know about in and around Kingstowne for Aug. 1.

Virginia Sales Tax Holiday. The sales tax holiday in Virginia starts today, Aug. 1 and will continue until Aug. 4. Buy your kids' shoes, notepads, backpacks and other back to school necessities this weekend.

Small business savvy: U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) is hosting an event designed for small business owners who want to learn more about navigating changes to health care law. The discussion, “Navigating the Affordable Care Act: Make Health Reform Work for Your Company,” takes place at Alexandria’s Landmark Mall in the community room, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Learn to dance like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy: Gadsby's Tavern is offering a fun and educational series of English country dance classes in preparation for the annual Jane Austen Ball on Saturday, Aug. 10. A class will be held Aug. 1 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal St. There will also be a class Aug. 8. Reservations are requested. Call 703-746-4242 or through the online shop at http://shop.alexandriava.gov.

Mad scientist alert: Doktor Kaboom! aka comedian David Epley is a scientist who enlists kids to help him create and carry out his experiments. He’s at Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Wolf Trap is located at 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va., 703-255-1868.

The Washington area's own Willy Wonka factory: Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, which really serves all things chocolate, opened in Bethesda Row July 31. Think waffles, hot chocolate, coffees, crepes, fondue and many other dessert items. The Israel-based chain also has restaurants in New York and Philadelphia. The Bethesda, Md., location is at 7263 Woodmont Ave.