Father’s Day Weekend Events and Activities in Northern Virginia

Updated on February 10, 2024 by Julie McCool

We've rounded up special 2024 Father's Day weekend events in Northern Virginia, plus places to go and things to do in the Washington DC region for fun with Dad all year long. We have suggestions that are active or relaxed, kid-friendly or adult-focused, and even activities perfect for hard-to-please teens.

Most of the popular annual Father's Day weekend events return in 2024. In addition to these fun events, we have lots of suggestions for more ways to celebrate your favorite Dad.

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Below are things to do and see in the DC region that are perfect for fun with Dad throughout the year. After all, why limit Dad to just one day of celebration? Annual Father's Day events in Northern Virginia are listed next, in order of date and destination.

Fun Northern Virginia Hikes with Dad

Combine a little history, a shady hike, and a relaxing glass of wine with a trip to charming Clifton, Virginia. Start with a hike on the Bull Run – Occoquan Trail, then relax with a glass of wine at Paradise Springs Winery.

Bull Run - Occoquan Trail Clifton Virginia
Bull Run – Occoquan Trail Clifton Virginia

There are several great restaurants in the center of Clifton VA, from casual to fancy. If you want to keep it casual, we love burgers and BLTs on the patio at the Main Street Pub.

For a little more challenge, the 3-mile Great Falls Loop Hike follows trails along Difficult Run and the Potomac River in a less-visited section of Great Falls Park. After your hike, head to The Old Brogue in the center of Great Falls for tasty fish and chips, salads, and Irish favorites.

View of Mather Gorge from Great Falls Ridge Trail in Northern Virginia
Mather Gorge from Cow Hoof Rock

History buffs open to a longer distance will enjoy the First Manassas Loop Trail, a 5.5-mile hike through sites of the Battle of First Manassas. Follow your hike with a visit to the historic Winery at Bull Run.

Henry House and fence Manassas Battlefield VA
Henry Hill, Manassas Battlefield

Or pack a picnic lunch and take Dad on a short hike to a gorgeous Virginia view. If the day is hot, we recommend the shady Great Falls hike over the open fields at Manassas Battlefield.

If Dad prefers a bike to a hike, explore the paved and dirt trails in our Northern Virginia biking guide. Or find your next outing in our complete list of Northern Virginia Hike and Bike Trails.

Relaxed Parks and Boardwalks

For a relaxing stroll, head over to the beautiful wetlands boardwalk at Huntley Meadows Park. It's less than a mile from the Visitor Center to the observation tower along an ADA-compliant woodland path and boardwalk over a unique marsh.

The Accessible Boardwalk Trail at Huntley Meadows Park, a Spring Bucket List Destination in Northern Virginia
Huntley Meadows Boardwalk in Spring

Further south, the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is perfect for a stroll as long as it isn't too hot out. Both boardwalks are also stroller-friendly and great for kids.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is another good destination if you have young ones in your Father's Day group. Kids love to watch the big turtles and koi in the pond at Meadowlark. The paths are stroller-friendly, and there are special places for kids to explore. Seating areas throughout the gardens offer lovely spots to sit and relax with Dad.

Flowers, gazebo, and pond at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna Virginia
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Vienna VA

Scenic Drives with Fun Stops

Explore with Dad on one of these beautiful scenic drives in Northern Virginia:

Summer on the Scenic and Historic Snickersville Turnpike in Northern Virginia
Historic Snickersville Turnpike

Beer Focused Outings with Dad

Virginia is home to a thriving craft beer scene, and Virginia beer trails are a perfect way to sample local brews with beer-loving Dads. For example, the LoCo Ale Trail has a large and growing collection of great breweries spread throughout Loudoun County. 

You'll find delicious brews with amazing views at Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont Virginia. You can easily combine a Dirt Farm visit with a hike on the Appalachian Trail at Bear's Den Overlook.

Dirt Farm Brewing Patio in Bluemont Virginia
Dirt Farm Brewing Patio
Relaxing during a Bears Den Overlook hike in Bluemont VA
Bears Den Overlook Bluemont VA

If Dad prefers to bike, head to Caboose Brewing Company in Vienna. They offer a wonderful line-up of delicious craft beers and food in a sleek, relaxed space right next to the W&OD bike trail. There are so many Northern Virginia craft breweries popping up, why not plan a regular outing with Dad?

READ MORE: 5 Virginia Hike and Beer Day Trips Near Washington DC

Caboose Brewing Company Vienna
Caboose Brewing Company in Vienna VA

If Dad prefers wine, you can sip with a view at these Northern Virginia wineries with sensational views.

Hillsborough Vineyard winery view in Northern Virginia
Hillsborough Vineyard in Northern Virginia

Show Dad Some LOVE

Capture the perfect Father's Day family photo at one of the creative and fun LOVE Works in Virginia. Make it a day trip and head to one of the themed LOVE sculptures that honor fishing, wine, nature, and other activities. Or visit one of the newer LOVEworks in Northern Virginia on the Town Green (aka the squircle) in Lovettsville.

The LOVE sign in Lovettsville Virginia, a perfect spot for romantic and family photos.
LOVE sign in Lovettsville Virginia

Fun with Dad at Lakefront Parks in Northern Virginia

Lakefront parks are perfect for Father's Day fun. Burke Lake Park offers excellent boating and some of the best fishing in Northern VA. Anglers can fish from on the water or shore, or set up on the park's accessible fishing pier and platforms.

Boating at Burke Lake gives older teens an opportunity to hang out with the family while maintaining a little independence. Teens 16 and older can pilot their own boat rental, so you're together, but not too close.

Canoeing on Burke Lake
Canoeing on Burke Lake

There's also an 18-hole disc golf course if you're looking for a different sports challenge. If you have younger kids in your group, take a ride on Burke Lake Park's miniature train and play a round of mini-golf.

At Lake Fairfax Park you can enjoy a picnic, watch the action at the skate park, and hike or fish at the lake. They also have an excellent network of single and double-track bike trails.

Lake Fairfax paddleboats
Lake Fairfax paddleboats

At nearby Lake Anne, rent a kayak or pedalboat for a trip around the lake, then let the kids cool off in the waterfall sculpture. Or take an easy walk on the Lake Anne Trail. Several restaurants, the Lake Anne Brew House, and a wine bar are great stops for Father's Day fun.

Lake Anne Plaza Boat Rentals in Reston VA
Lake Anne Plaza Boat Rentals

Find more fun places to go boating in Northern Virginia, whether you plan to rent or bring your own.

2024 Father's Day Weekend Events in Northern Virginia

Special Father's Day weekend events are another great way to celebrate the weekend with Dad. Here are fun Father's Day festivals and special weekend events for 2024.

Portside in Old Town Festival, Alexandria, June ?

Start summer with a weekend of live music at the Portside Festival in Alexandria. Friday night features great music at the 45th annual Alexandria Jazz Festival. On Saturday, celebrate summer with music, local food and drink, and fun for the whole family. Free; Fri 6:00 – 9:00, Sat 1:00 – 9:00; rain or shine.

Juneteenth Celebrations, Multiple Locations, June 15

Celebrate Dad at Juneteenth events commemorating the end of slavery in the United States when the enslaved people in Galveston Texas finally learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had made them free 2 years earlier.

Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display, Air and Space Museum, Centreville, Jun TBA

Innovations in Flight Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display, one of the best Father's Day weekend events, returns to the Udvar-Hazy Center in 2023. More than 50 vintage, recreational, military, and home-built aircraft will be on display and pilots will be with their aircraft to answer questions. There will also be vintage cars on hand, paired with the planes of their decade, plus other interactive activities. Attendance is free; parking is $15. 10:00 – 3:00.

Columbia Pike Blues Festival, Arlington, June TBA

“Arlington's best block party” celebrates 25 years with a day of fantastic blues, R&B, funk beer, food, and fun. A Kids Zone, Art Alley, and craft booths add to the festivities. Free; 1:00 – 8:30.

Manassas Arts + Music Festival, Manassas, June TBA

The first annual Manassas Arts + Music Festival features local and headline recording artists plus a fashion show, comedy, dance, and more. Noon – 10:00

Sully Antique Car Show, Chantilly, June TBA

The annual Sully Antique Car Show, the largest car show in Northern Virginia, returns in 2023! The event features foreign and American cars, trucks, and specialty vehicles through 1990. More than 200 antique and classic vehicles fill the grounds, accompanied by live entertainment, a food court, activities, and tours of the historic house and outbuildings. Admission is $12/$10/$8 for adults/seniors/children. 10:00 – 3:30

Find more June Events and Fantastic Festivals in Northern Virginia.

Indoor Options for Father's Day Fun in Northern Virginia

One of the Top 10 Must-Visit Northern Virginia Attractions Near DC, is an excellent indoor option for Father's Day. The Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly displays some of the most impressive items of the Smithsonian Air and Space collection.

See the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Concorde, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, and hundreds of other historic planes in two huge hangars. Aviation buffs can explore the displays and visit the tower to watch planes land and take off at neighboring Dulles Airport. Admission is free but parking is $15.

View from the catwalk at the Smithsonian Air and Space Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Northern Virginia.
Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center

National Museum of the Marine Corps

The National Museum of the Marine Corps shares the heroism of the U.S. Marines through immersive and interactive displays. An ongoing expansion covers the Marines' history from 1976 to the present. Admission and parking are free.

National Museum of the United States Army

The National Museum of the United States Army is one of the newest national museums in the DC area. This excellent museum celebrates and honors 245 years of Army history. Admission and parking are free but you must reserve timed-entry tickets in advance.

Whether you choose a Father's Day weekend event or plan your own outing with Dad, we wish you a very happy Father's Day.

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Father's Day events and fun outings with Dad in Northern Virginia and the Washington DC region.
Father's Day Fun in Northern Virginia