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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! Some of the area’s largest county fairs are happening this month with rides, games, food, music, and entertainment. You could go back every night for something different. Check out our selection of August events around Washington, DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia, and soak up the summer fun.
WASHINGTON, DC
Photo courtesy of DC Jazz Festival
Summer Movies Series | August 7, 13, & 19
Various Locations
This free summer movie series presented by Events DC will feature favorite movie snacks and light fare, fun activities, a DJ, and community resources. Bring your own blanket or chair to sit on. All food and giveaways are first-come, first-served.
Otakon Annual Convention | August 8-10
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Founded in 1994, this family-friendly convention is run by and dedicated to fans of Asian media, entertainment, and pop culture, including anime, manga, music, movies, and video games. The festivities range from cosplay contests, skits, and live music to panel discussions with comic book (super)heroes, for-sale artworks, and more.
Arena Stage Community Day | August 23, 11AM-7PM
Get ready to experience theater like never before! Arena Stage is opening its doors and bringing the energy into Southwest DC. Plan to join us as we take over Sixth Street SW with food, music, performances, and more.
Free Admission
DC Jazzfest | August 27-31
The Wharf & Other DC Locations
DC JazzFest brings national and local musicians to a range of venues all over the city, including The Wharf. Some concerts are free; most are ticketed. Lineup headliners for 2025 include Branford Marsalis, Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, Lalah Hathaway, the String Queens, the John Scofield Trio, Sun Ra Arkestra, and Matthew Whitaker. Some performances are free.
MARYLAND
Howard County Fair | August 2-9
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.
BSO Presents: Simply Charming Mozart | August 8, 7:30PM
The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda
Let Mozart’s radiant, expressive music lift your spirit and spark your imagination, with Violin Concerto No. 3, the “Prague” Symphony No. 38, and Eine kleine Nachtmusik.
UniverSoul Circus | Through August 10
268 Waterfront Street, National Harbor
Flying acrobats, gravity-defying stunts, fire breathers, stilt dancers, and the coolest clowns around! Experience a cultural celebration filled with rhythm, soul and extraordinary performances.
VIRGINIA
Photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria
Middleburg’s Summer Sidewalk Sale | August 1-3, 10AM – 5PM
Downtown Middleburg
Many of Middleburg’s retailers on Washington, Madison, and Federal Streets will be moving discounted items to the tree-lined sidewalks for the 19th annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. Arrive early to get the best deals on shoes, children’s clothes, home decor, and more!
Prince William County Fair | August 8-16
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, old, or somewhere in between. Click Here To See Daily Event Schedules & Fair Grounds Map
16th Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale | August 9
King Street, Alexandria
This year’s event features dozens of 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 9, 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 13-17
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
Town of Vienna: Chillin’ on Church | August 15
Church Street NE, Vienna
Chillin’ on Church is the hottest block party around and fun for the whole town! Held every third Friday, June through September on historic Church Street, the event includes food, local beer and wine, music, and family-friendly activities.
Free Admission
Photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria
Del Ray’s 5th Annual Band & Brews | August 16, 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 Corcoran McEnearney to benefit InspireLit, a local non-profit that works to inspire a love of reading and promote literacy.
Rock the Block | August 22, 6:30-9:30PM
Old Town Square, Fairfax City
Join your friends and family at this favorite Fairfax City monthly event for live entertainment, food, a beer garden, vendors, and more! This month’s featured band is Excellent Drivers featuring a vibrant mix of iconic ‘80s hits, soulful R&B classics, and today’s favorites.
Free Admission
Sunset Cinema: Despicable Me 4 | August 22, 7:45PM
Cherry Hill Park, Falls Church
Arrive early to get a good spot! Viewers are encouraged to bring blankets, bug spray, and a picnic. Drinks, popcorn, and snacks will be available for purchase. If you miss August, they will be showing Moana 2 on September 19 and Shrek on October 17.
Free Admission
Around the World Cultural Food Festival | August 23, 11AM – 7PM
Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria
Taste your way around the world with food vendors offering authentic dishes from every corner of the globe. From spicy street food to sweet desserts, every food stand is an opportunity to discover something new and delicious.
Free Admission
One Loudoun Summer Concert Series | August 30, 7-9 PM
One Loudoun Plaza, Ashburn, VA
Blending a combination of funky blues rock with hard-hitting and flawless vocals, Pebble to Pearl leaves a lasting impression and the need for wanting more. The One Loudoun Summer Concert Series is sponsored by Corcoran McEnearney all summer long. We hope to see you there!
WEST VIRGINIA
Photo courtesy: Charles Town Car Show
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival | August 2-17
Jefferson County, WV
This two-week festival is full of lively and fun performances featuring an ensemble of world-class musicians. From familiar and new favorites, to contemporary works by living composers and world premieres, performances this season will be held in Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Berryville, Hillsboro, and Purcellville. Download the full schedule here.
Charles Town Car Show | August 30, 9AM – 5PM
101 E Washington Street, Charles Town
Check out the biggest car show in the region located in downtown Charles Town. All makes and models! Want to have your car in the show? Register here!
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