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If you’re in town between vacations or need a break from preparing for the school year to start, there is still plenty to do in our area! Grab an ice cream treat from one of our favorite ice cream shops, visit nearby beaches, lakes, and rivers, or try out something new this month – county fairs abound! Below is our top selection of August events around Washington, DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia.
WASHINGTON, DC
Photo courtesy of Baltimore Post-Examiner
Otakon Annual Convention | August 1-4
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Founded in 1994, Otakon is an annual convention held in the summer months to celebrate Asian pop culture (anime, manga, music, movies, video games, etc) and its fandom. The event runs from Friday to Sunday and the schedule is packed.
Summer Movies Series: Carnegie Library | August 14, 6PM
Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square, On The Lawn
This event features Disney’s Wish, favorite movie snacks and light fare, fun activities, a DJ and community resources. Bring your own blanket or chair to sit on for the movie.
2024 National Book Festival | August 24, 9AM – 8PM
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Since the first National Book Festival in 2001, this has become one of the most prominent literary events in the United States. A selection of programs will be livestreamed online and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the Festival.
Free Admission
MARYLAND
Photo courtesy of Annapolis Rotaract Club
Hootie & the Blowfish – Summer Camp with Trucks Tour | August 3, 7PM
Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia
With the rich, bluesy vocals of Darius Rucker and gleeful harmonies of guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Hootie & the Blowfish have sold over 25 million records worldwide to date. Their blend of pop, folk, blues, soul and rock made them hard to pigeonhole, but easily accessible to anyone who loved good music.
Howard County Fair | August 3-10
2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship
One of the area’s more agricultural fairs, the 78th Annual Howard County Fair is a great place to learn about horses, cattle, livestock, poultry, domestic arts, farming, and gardening. Of course there’s lots of food, rides, and other fun activities, too.
National Oyster Week | August 5-11
Imagine a whole weekend devoted to slurping down delicious oysters then recycling their shells back into the Chesapeake Bay to ensure there are more in years to come! Sounds delicious to us. Click Here to see participating restaurants.
Maryland Summerfest | August 24, 11AM – 6PM
Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster
If you love delicious food trucks, beer and wine sampling from some of the most popular breweries and wineries and a variety of genres of live music from popular groups… The Maryland SummerFest is the event for you! OH WAIT.. there is more! This event is for all ages with a ton to do for the whole family, there is no excuse not to join the fun!
VIRGINIA
Photo courtesy of Arlington County Fair
Middleburg’s Summer Sidewalk Sale | August 2-4, 10AM – 5PM
Downtown Middleburg
Many of the town’s retailers on Washington Street, Madison Street, and Federal Street will be moving discounted items to the tree-lined sidewalks for the 18th annual Summer Sidewalk Sale.
Prince William County Fair | August 9-17
Prince William County Fairgrounds
A family tradition since 1949. Virginia’s largest and most popular fair is right here in Northern Virginia. There is no shortage of great things to do and see – whether you are young or old – or some place in between. Click Here To See Daily Event Schedules & Fair Grounds Map
15th Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale | August 10
King Street, Alexandria
This year’s event features more than 60 Alexandria boutiques stepping out of their storefronts and offering deeply discounted summer merchandise. And not too far from Old Town you can shop the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market from 9AM – 2PM.
TASTE Leesburg | August 10, 5 – 10PM
Downtown Leesburg
TASTE Leesburg showcases some of the best food, drink, artists and merchants that Leesburg has to offer. Enjoy local beers, wine, bites, and entertainment while strolling the streets of Downtown Leesburg.
Free Admission | Click here for your drink tickets
Arlington County Fair | August 14-18
Thomas Jefferson Community Center, Arlington
This annual event is one of the largest free events offered on the East Coast. Fun for all ages! Click here to see the full schedule of events as well as directions to the fair.
Free Admission | Tickets for rides vary
Del Ray’s 4th Annual Band & Brews | August 17, 12:30 – 6PM
Del Ray Restaurants along Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria
You won’t want to miss this fun summer event featuring live music in outdoor restaurant venues along The Avenue. Sponsored by the Jen Walker Team of McEnearney Associates to benefit Alexandria Celebrates Women (Women’s Domestic Violence Safehoue) & The Spitfire Club.
Around the World Cultural Food Festival | August 24, 11AM – 7PM
Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria
This event is admission free, with plenty of national dishes and beverages available for purchase. A national dish is any country’s culinary, and to a large extent, cultural identity.
WEST VIRGINIA
Photo courtesy of City of South Charleston
Boat & Brew: Kayaking Tour & Brewery Visit | August 4, 11AM – 4PM
River & Trail Outfitters, Harpers Ferry
River & Trail Outfitters has teamed up with Abolitionist Ale, in Charles Town, to craft a fun, festive, and flavorful day where participants paddle the mellow, wilderness-surrounded Shenandoah River and then enjoy their choice of craft beer along with a personal artisan pizza.
Summerfest 2024 | August 14 -17, 6-10PM
Enjoy live bands, dance contests, carnival rides, and more during this family-friendly event. There will also be a live drone light show on Friday at 10PM.
Charles Town Car Show | August 31, 9AM – 5PM
Charles Town, 101 E Washington St, Charles Town
Check out the biggest car show in the region located in downtown Charles Town. There will be all types of makes and models of cars to check out! Want to have your car in the show? Register here!
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