Updated on August 8, 2024 by Julie McCool
2024 August events in Northern Virginia fill the month with County Fairs, outdoor activities, a National Park free entrance day, and fun festivals.
Below the date-specific events, you'll find a list of more outdoor summer activities including outdoor concerts, movies, and more.
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Our list of fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA includes Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Arlington, and other area towns. Festivals and events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events generally listed first.
Burnside Farms Summer of Sunflowers, Nokesville, July 19-Aug 4
During the Summer of Sunflowers, Burnside Farms opens more than 50 acres of u-pick sunflowers for 3-4 weeks of picking. Bring the kids because Burnside also has a fun sunflower maze. The farm is a photographer's paradise, especially during special Sunflower Sunsets evenings.
Find more Beautiful Northern Virginia Sunflower Fields and Farms.
Dark Star Park Day, Arlington, Aug 1
Every year, on August 1 at 9:32 AM, Arlington's first public artwork creates a dramatic shadow alignment. Follow the link to learn about the shadow alignment that occurs every year at artist Nancy Holt's Dark Star Park. Then head to the park on August 1st to watch it take place right before your eyes. Free; no registration required. 9:15 – 9:45 AM.
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival, Frying Pan Park, Aug 1 – 4
The 74th 4-H Fair and Carnival returns to Frying Pan Park in 2024 with 4 days of activities. Join in old-fashioned country fun with carnival games, rides, 4-H exhibits, animal shows, and entertainment. Visit exhibit booths, try farm chores, enjoy Fair food and live entertainment, dog and horse shows, and more.
Admission is free but weekend parking is $10/day (cash). Purchase carnival tickets in advance or at the door. Carnival opens at 10:00 daily, 4-H/animal exhibits open at 10:00 Sat and Sun. Follow the link for schedule details.
Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Tickets on Sale
Get ready for the magical Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience, returning to Leesburg in October 2024. Tickets to this fantastic experience at Morven Park go on sale August 1st.
Middleburg Sidewalk Sale, Aug 2 – 4
Score unique finds and great deals at the 18th Annual Middleburg Sidewalk Sale. Look for the balloons and sidewalk displays at boutiques on Washington, Madison, and Federal Streets. Local restaurants like the Red Fox Inn and Salamander offer deals as well. Free; 10:00 – 5:00.
Totally Trucks, Reston, Aug 2
Bring the kids to check out Reston Association's big trucks at 12250 Sunset Hills Rd (next to the Y). Kids get a free “Totally Trucks” construction helmet. Free, no registration required, 8:30 – noon.
Peach Daze Fuzztival, Great Country Farms, Bluemont, Aug 3 – 4
Celebrate peach-picking season and enjoy tasty food and drink at the annual Peach Fuzztival at Great Country Farms. Enjoy a peach pancake breakfast, wagon rides to the pick-your-own orchard, and contests and fun for the whole family. Bluemont Vineyard and Dirt Farm Brewing will offer peach-centric drinks.
Online tickets to the Fuzztival are $12/$14 child/adult (does not include breakfast).
National Park Free Entrance Day, Aug 4
Celebrate the signing of the Great American Outdoor Act on August 4th, a National Park free-entrance day. Free entrance days, honored at all National Park properties across the US, are a great time to visit Great Falls Park, Prince William Forest, and Shenandoah National Park.
National Farmers Market Week, Aug 4 – 10
The Annual National Farmers Market Week is a great time to visit and support local farmers. Check our complete guide to Northern Virginia Farmer's Markets to find a market near you. Many markets host special events during the week.
One Loudoun Carnival, Ashburn, Aug 7 – 18
The annual carnival at Uptown in One Loudoun features classic carnival rides, games, food, and fun. Unlimited wristbands start at $27 advanced purchase with other options available.
Prince William County Fair, Manassas, Aug 9 – 17
The largest County Fair in the state of Virginia returns to the Manassas County Fairgrounds with 9 days of fun. Enjoy tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies, livestock and home arts exhibits, baby contests, live music, and much more.
The Prince William County Fair has a great midway, carnival rides, fair food, and 4-H Club demonstrations. Nearly 100,000 spectators pass through the turnstiles! Follow the link for schedule details and ticket options.
Great Falls Kayak Race, Great Falls Park, Aug 10 – 11
Watch or compete in the 36th annual Great Falls Race when expert kayakers compete in slalom and sprint events. The best spots to watch the race are from the Great Falls overlooks. We're hoping the low water levels don't impact this event.
Exploration Outdoors at the Gardens, Chantilly, Aug 10 – 11
Explore the National Botanic Garden in Chantilly VA on a self-guided tour (pack a picnic!). See a unique collection of art, nature, and unique spaces including the Kyoto Bamboo Garden, Hobbit Town, and more. Tickets are $35/$45 for regular admission/optional mountain hike. Noon – 5:00
6th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, Lake Anne, Aug 10
Don't miss the fun when the popular Cardboard Boat Regatta returns to beautiful Lake Anne in Reston. Teams compete in multiple age groups and categories and admission is free. Boats will be on display at noon and the races start at 2:00.
Check out some of the great 2023 cardboard boats in our Instagram reel.
Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale, Alexandria Aug 10
Shop the end-of-summer sidewalk deals at 40+ boutiques during the 15th annual Summer Sidewalk Sale in Alexandria's Old Town and Del Ray neighborhoods. Parking is free at downtown meters during the event.
Taste Leesburg, Leesburg, Aug 10
Stroll the streets of downtown Leesburg and sample delicious tastes from local restaurants, food trucks, breweries, wineries, cideries, and more. Live music on 2 stages and shopping deals add to the fun. Admission is free; beer and wine tasting tickets are $40, 5:00 – 10:00.
Summer Restaurant Week, Multiple Locations, Aug 12 – 18
Sample great restaurants throughout Northern Virginia and Washington DC during DC Summer Restaurant Week. Deals include lunch or brunch for $25/$35 and dinners for $40/$55/$65. Follow the link to search for restaurants and make reservations.
Arlington County Fair, Arlington, Aug 14 – 18
The annual Arlington County Fair is one of the largest free events in the East. The festival features live entertainment, rides and games, kid's activities, and more. Follow the link for schedule details.
Alexandria Restaurant Week, Alexandria, Aug 16 – 25
Enjoy tasty deals during Alexandria's Summer Restaurant Week. In 2024, dozens of participating restaurants will offer a $27.50, $40, or $50 in-person dinner for one.
Plan a staycation—check Alexandria hotel rates and availability.
Chillin' on Church, Vienna, Aug 16
Enjoy music, food, beverages, and fun at the Town of Vienna’s next Chillin’ on Church block party. Children's activities will also be available. Free admission; 6:30 – 9:30 pm.
August Apple Picking, Bluemont, Aug 17 – 30
Kick off apple season at Great County Farms, one of the best u-pick apple orchards in Northern Virginia. Head to the orchard to pick delicious Honey Crisp Apples then let the kids loose in the giant play area. Return in September for more apple festivals and picking fun. 10:00 – 5:00 daily.
Pollinator Weekend, Delaplane, Aug 17 – 18
Enjoy a weekend devoted to pollinators at Sky Meadows State Park. Celebrate National HoneyBee Day and monarch butterflies with special tours and talks, food, kids activities, and more.
Leesburg Festival of Crafts and Kites, Leesburg, Aug 17
Ida Lee Park hosts a fun day of flying kites and shopping more than 60 local craft vendors and artisans plus food, live entertainment, and lots of activities for kids. Extend your visit with more fun things to do in Leesburg. 11:00 – 5:00.
Around the World Cultural Food Festival, Alexandria, Aug 24
Head to Oronoco Bay Park in beautiful Alexandria VA for a day of food, entertainment, and fun. The 8th annual Cultural Food Festival features ethnic food vendors, crafters, and a diverse show from countries around the world. Free and pet-friendly, 11:00 – 7:00.
Lake Accotink Park Community Day, Springfield, Aug 24
Visit Lake Accotink Park for a day of family-friendly fun. Free activities include mini-golf, fishing, carousel, pedal boats, and more. Free; 11:00 – 7:00.
National Red Wine Day, Aug 28
Celebrate Nationa Red Wine Day with a delicious glass at these Northern Virginia Wineries with Fantastic Views. You can work up a thirst then reward yourself at these Hike and Winery Day Trips in Northern VA.
2024 Labor Day Weekend Fun, Aug 31 – Sep 2
Celebrate the long Labor Day weekend and the unofficial end of summer 2024 with our round-up of festivals and special events. Then explore more great September events in Northern VA.
Night Sky Festival, Shenandoah NP, Aug 2 – 4 Postponed
Explore the stars from one of the darkest areas in the Northern Virginia region. The annual Night Sky Festival at Shenandoah National Park features a weekend of stargazing plus special kids' activities and presentations. Plan your visit with our Shenandoah National Park day trip planner.
National Women's Suffrage Month, Lorton
August is National Women's Suffrage Month and the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial is open. Visit Occoquan Regional Park and the Workhouse Arts Center to learn about the long struggle for women's right to vote.
Virginia Craft Beer Month
August is also Virginia Craft Beer Month, and a cold brew is always welcome on a summer day. Visit and sample the latest brews at these great Northern Virginia Beers and Breweries, take a trip on the LoCo Ale Trail, or explore one of these other great Virginia beer trails. Check your favorite brewery for special beer-focused August events.
More Summer Activities in Northern VA
Don't miss these fun summer activities in Northern VA before the warm weather slips away.
Outdoor + Drive-in Movies, Various Locations and Dates
Plan a night under the stars with our complete guide to Outdoor Movies in Northern Virginia. Enjoy a nostalgic night out at one of the pop-up or classic drive-in movie theaters in Northern Virginia. Or bring a chair or blanket to the many walk-in outdoor movie series at local towns and parks.
Outdoor Concerts in Northern Virginia
Enjoy outdoor music throughout the summer at a fantastic collection of Northern Virginia summer outdoor concert series. Most concerts are family-friendly and free to attend.
Waterparks, Pools, and Splashpads in Northern VA
Beat the summer heat at the Northern Virginia Waterparks, Pools, and Splash Pads in our big round-up of fun places to swim and splash.
Sample Tasty Local Ice Cream
Create your own August challenge and see how many of these Tasty Local Northern VA Ice Cream Shops you can sample. Or go farther afield with a road trip destination where ice cream is part of the fun.
Apple Picking
You don't have to wait for fall because August kicks off the season at Virginia apple orchards and u-pick farms. Follow the link for a guide to great apple farms in and near Northern VA.
Plan a Summer Getaway in and Near Northern Virginia
It's not too late to plan a summer getaway. Find beautiful and unique places to stay in and near Northern Virginia with our guides:
- 17 Amazing Northern Virginia Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
- 17 Fantastic Northern Virginia Wine Country Vacation Rentals
- 21 Fantastic Weekend Getaways In and Near Northern Virginia
- 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC
Enjoy Sunrise and Sunset in Northern VA
Take advantage of long summer days with our guide to the Best Places to Watch Sunrise and Sunset in Northern Virginia. Pack a picnic, start with a hike, or just enjoy the peace of colorful summer skies.
Most of our August events occur on the weekend, but you can find plenty of summer fun on weekdays too. Check out these round-ups to fill every day with summer activities in Northern Virginia:
- Best Summer Hikes in Northern Virginia
- Northern Virginia Boating and Fun on the Water
- 25 Tasty Options for Northern Virginia Outdoor Dining
- Northern Virginia Farmers Markets
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