Welcome to our latest guide on the best ways to soak up the sun and enjoy the final weeks of summer! As the school year quickly approaches, August serves as the perfect time to explore everything the vibrant DMV and West Virginia regions have to offer. From bustling county fairs to laid-back community concerts, we’ve curated an exciting list of events that promise fun for everyone. Let’s dive into the local festivities and make some unforgettable memories before the season transitions!
WASHINGTON, DC
Otakon Annual Convention | July 31-August 2
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.
Sunset Cinema 2026 | Wednesdays starting at 7:30 PM
This free summer movie series presented by Pacifico will feature a wide range of genres. There are limited Adirondack chairs available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7 PM. If you don’t make it in time for a chair, no problem; bring a blanket or folding chairs! Cantina Bambina serves alcoholic beverages throughout the showing, and you can bring in food from any Wharf restaurant. Leashed pets are allowed.
- August 5: Roman Holiday (1953)
- August 12: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
- August 19: F1 (2025)
- August 26: Project Hail Mary (2026)
Note: Each film has a trailer attached if you’d like to see a preview!
Admo Vibe Summer Concert Series | Thursdays starting at 6 PM*
Every summer, Adams Morgan comes alive with free, all-ages live music at the AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series, transforming Kalorama Park into a joyful gathering spot filled with good vibes and community connection. Pack a blanket, grab takeout from one of the neighborhood's many restaurants, and settle in for a lineup of some of D.C.'s most exciting local talent.
- August 6: North Cap Band; Pop & RnB Cover Band
- August 13: Langston Hughes II; Jazz
- August 20: Downtown Tumbao; Latin Jazz
- *August 27: Rain Date
Free Admission
Howard Jones: Things Can Only Get Better Tour | August 15, 6:30 PM
Hosted by SiriusXM’s Richard Blade, Howard Jones is joined on tour this summer by Wang Chung, The English Beat, and Modern English for the biggest ‘80s event of the year.
Photos courtesy of Wharf DC & Vienna, VA
MARYLAND
Frederick Summer Concert Series | Sundays 7-8:30 PM
Baker Park Band Shell, Frederick
From tribute artists and oldies to afrofunk and bluegrass, Summer Concert Series showcases professional musicians from a wide range of musical backgrounds.
- August 2: Making Waves; Upbeat ‘80s & ‘90s Dance Music
- August 9: Radio King Orchestra; Swing
- August 16: Jill Fulton Band; Country, Classic Rock, and Blues
- August 23: Stitch Early & The Populatn; Hip-Hop & Soul
- August 30: Latin9 Orquesta; Salsa
Howard County Fair | August 8-15
2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship
One of the area’s more agriculturally focused fairs, the 80th 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.
Fairgrounds Map | Fair Schedule
Montgomery County Fair | August 14-22
One of the largest county fairs in Maryland, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair has been a major draw for locals and visitors since 1949, with activities, over 5,000 farm animals, food, and carnival rides for all to enjoy. This year’s theme, Barn in the USA, celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.
VIRGINIA
Middleburg’s Summer Sidewalk Sale | July 31-August 2, 10 AM – 5 PM
Many of Middleburg’s retailers on Washington, Madison, and Federal Streets will be moving discounted items to the tree-lined sidewalks for the 20th annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. Arrive early to get the best deals on shoes, children’s clothes, home décor, and more!
Prince William County Fair | July 31-August 8
Prince William County Fairgrounds, Manassas
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 for daily event schedules & fairgrounds map.
Bites, Beats, and Brews | August 1, 11 AM-6 PM
John Carlyle Square, Alexandria
Grab a picnic blanket and gather your crew for a laid-back summer day packed with live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and local art and crafts. It's free to attend, with a Beer Garden, artisan vendors, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Convenient parking and easy metro access make it a hassle-free day out.
Free Admission
TASTE Leesburg | August 8, 5-10 PM
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 12-16
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 | Ticket prices for rides vary
17th Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale | August 14-16
This year’s event features dozens of Alexandria boutiques stepping out of their storefronts and offering deeply discounted summer merchandise.
Del Ray’s 6th Annual Band & Brews | August 15, 12:30-6 PM
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 The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, which assists students and families by providing college and career advising and scholarship opportunities.
Tickets
Town of Vienna: Chillin’ on Church | August 21, 6:30-9:30 PM
Chillin’ on Church is the hottest block party around and fun for the whole town! Held every third Friday, July through September on historic Church Street, the event includes food trucks serving savory and sweet treats, local beer and wine, music, and family-friendly activities. For August, the entertainment will be So Fetch; Y2K, Pop & Rock!
Free Admission
Leesburg Festival of Crafts & Kites | August 22, 11 AM-5 PM
Ida Lee Park Rec Center, Leesburg
Bring the whole family for a joyful, color-filled day of flying kites, handmade arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities in a lively, community-centered atmosphere. Expect a wide variety of artisans and handmade goods to explore as vibrant kites dance across the sky above. Pets are welcome, and it's happening rain or shine.
Free Admission
Rock the Block | August 28, 6:30-9:30 PM
Join your friends and family at this Fairfax City favorite monthly event for live entertainment, food, a beer garden, vendors, and more! This month’s featured band is My Chemical Bromance featuring the soundtrack of the 2000s.
Free Admission
WEST VIRGINIA
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival | August 5-16
Various Locations in WV & VA
This two-week festival is full of lively and fun performances featuring 12 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.
First Fridays Backyard Concert Series | August 7, 6 PM
600 Mordington Avenue, Charles Town
Presented by Happy Retreat, get ready for an evening with Lenny Burrage Music. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for live tunes, tasty bites, and good company under the sunset.
Free Admission
