August Events and Fun Festivals in Northern Virginia

Updated on September 11, 2023 by Julie McCool

2023 August events in Northern Virginia fill the month with County Fairs and fun festivals. Most favorite annual festivals and events are back in 2023, and there are plenty of new August events and activities to enjoy in Northern VA. 

Looking for fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA? Our list of Northern Virginia events includes things to do in 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.

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Below the date-specific events, you'll find a list of more outdoor summer activities including outdoor concerts, movies, and more.

Burnside Farms Summer of Sunflowers, Nokesville, Jul 13 – mid-Aug

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 hosts one of the best sunflower mazes in the Washington DC area. Leashed dogs are also welcome, and 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.

Dark Star Park in Arlington Virginia
Dark Star Park in Arlington Virginia

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival, Frying Pan Park, Aug 3 – 6

The annual 4-H Fair and carnival returns to Frying Pan Park in 2023 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.

Goats at Frying Pan Park Northern Virginia
Frying Pan Park

Middleburg Sidewalk Sale, Aug 4 – 6

Score unique finds and great deals as the boutique shops of Middleburg host the 17th Annual Middleburg Sidewalk Sale. Shops on Washington, Madison, and Federal Streets will bring great deals outdoors for a fun day of shopping (look for the balloons). Local restaurants like the Red Fox Inn and Salamander will offer deals as well. Free; 10:00 – 5:00.

Circus Vazquez, Potomac Mall Woodbridge, Aug 4 – 21

Enter the air-conditioned big top and enjoy dazzling acrobatics, thrills, and laughs by performers from around the globe. Now in its 54th year, the Circus Vazquez is a high-energy show, now performed in English, that's great for the whole family. Tickets start at $30 and there are nightly performances plus weekend matinees.

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 perfect time to visit Great Falls Park, Prince William Forest, and Shenandoah National Park.

Peach Daze Fuzztival, Great Country Farms, Bluemont, Aug 5 – 6 12 – 13

Look for the giant cow at Great Country Farms Bluemont VA
Great Country Farms, Bluemont

Celebrate peach-picking season, and enjoy tasty food and drink, at the annual Peach Fuzztival, a collaboration between Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing, Henway Hard Cider, and Great Country Farms. Enjoy a peach pancake breakfast, take a wagon ride to the pick-your-own orchard, and join in contests and fun for the whole family.

Admission to the Fuzztival is $14/$16 child/adult (does not include breakfast). Follow the link for hours and schedule.

Exploration Outdoors at the Gardens, Chantilly, Aug 5 – 9

Explore the new 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. Admission is $20/$25 for Early Bird/regular weekday tickets; $25/$30 weekends. Noon – 5:00

National Farmers Market Week, Aug 6 – 12

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. Some markets host special events during the week.

One Loudoun Carnival, Ashburn, Aug 9 – 20

The annual carnival at Uptown in One Loudoun features classic carnival rides, games, food, and fun. Weekday/weekend wristband prices are $27/$30 for weekday/weekend rides with advanced discounts and multi-packs available.

LEGO Discovery Center DC Opens, Springfield, Aug 10

Be one of the first to experience the new Lego Discovery Center during First to Play Days Aug 10 – 13. On August 14 the next-generation LEGO center entertains families with 32,000 square feet of interactive fun.

LEGO Discovery Center DC Mini World
LEGO Discovery Center DC Mini World

Take a train ride through an oversized Lego world, tackle the climbing wall, create your own Lego masterpiece and more. Our complete guide to the DC LEGO Discovery Center has all the details. Online tickets start at $28 per person.

Prince William County Fair, County Fairgrounds, Manassas, Aug 11 – 19

The largest County Fair in the state of Virginia returns 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 boasts a great midway, carnival rides, traditional fair food, and 4-H Club demonstrations. Nearly 100,000 spectators pass through the turnstiles! Follow the link for schedule details and ticket options.

Night Sky Festival, Shenandoah NP, Aug 11 – 13

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.

Great Falls Kayak Race, Great Falls Park, Aug 12 – 13

Watch or compete in the 35th 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. On Saturday afternoon, enjoy food, fun, and awards at the Potomac Festival at Calleva Farms in Maryland.

Kayak takes the falls at Great Falls Park Virginia
Kayaking Great Falls

Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale, Alexandria Aug 12

Shop the end-of-summer sidewalk deals at more than 40 boutiques during the 14th annual Summer Sidewalk Sale in Alexandria. Browse deeply-discounted merchandise at sidewalk displays throughout Old Town and Del Ray. Parking is free at downtown meters during this special weekend event. Shopping is just one of the fun things to do in Alexandria VA.

Taste Leesburg, Leesburg, Aug 12

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; tasting tickets start at $45, 5:00 – 10:00.

Duck Splash, Occoquan, Aug 13

Join the fun at the town dock for the 15th annual Duck Splash Race. Cheer as hundreds of rubber ducks are dropped into the river in the historic town of Occoquan. Adopt a duck for $5 (proceeds benefit Patriots for Disabled Divers) or just cheer on your favorites. Cash prizes go to the first 10 finishers.

Arlington County Fair, Arlington, Aug 16 – 20

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 18 – 27

Enjoy tasty deals during Alexandria's Summer Restaurant Week. In 2023, dozens of participating restaurants will offer a $25, $35, or $45 in-person dinner for one.

Plan a staycation—check Alexandria hotel rates and availability now.

Chillin' on Church, Vienna, Aug 18

Music, food, beverages, and fun will be served up 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.

5th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, Lake Anne, Aug 19

Don't miss the fun when teams compete to see which cardboard boats will sink and which will float to the finish. The popular Cardboard Boat Regatta returns in 2023 to beautiful Lake Anne in Reston. Teams compete for bragging rights in multiple age groups and categories. Admission is free. Boats will be on display at noon and the races begin at 2:00.

Leesburg Festival of Crafts and Kites, Leesburg, Aug 19

Head to Ida Lee Park for 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 – 6:00.

August Apple Picking, Bluemont, Aug 21 – 31

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.

Around the World Cultural Food Festival, Alexandria, Aug 26

Head to Oronoco Bay Park in beautiful Alexandria VA for a day of food, entertainment, and fun. The 7th 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.

Sky Meadows State Park 40th Birthday, Delaplane, Aug 26

Enjoy free admission and fun when Sky Meadows State Park celebrates its 40th birthday. Enjoy live entertainment, tours and talks, food trucks, kids activities, and more. Free, 11:00 – 8:00.

Lake Accotink Park Community Day, Springfield, Aug 26

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.

Happy National Dog Day, Aug 26

Treat your furry friend to a special treat with a free ride on the Capitol Wheel at National Harbor. Donate a can of dog food for $5 off your ticket price. Dogs ride free and everyone can join in a special Yappy Hour at Flight Deck with doggie treats and human drinks. 10:00 – 10:00 (Yappy hour noon – 10:00).

National Cinema Day, Aug 27

Enjoy top run movies at theaters across the US as National Cinema Day returns. In 2023, movie theaters will offer all showings of all movies for just $4 a ticket, all day long. Leading chains like AMC and Regal are participating.

DC Restaurant Week, Multiple Locations, Aug 28 – Sep 3

Sample great restaurants throughout Washington DC and Northern Virginia during DC Restaurant Week. Deals include lunch or brunch for $25 and dinners for $40 or $55. Follow the link to search for restaurants and make reservations.

Coming Up: 2023 Labor Day Weekend Fun, Sep 2 – 4

Plan ahead with our round-up of festivals and special events to celebrate the long Labor Day weekend and the unofficial end of summer 2023. Then explore more great September events in Northern VA.

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.

Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Lorton Virginia
Turning Point Suffragist Memorial

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.

Enjoy a flight of craft beer when you explore Virginia Beer Trails
August is Virginia Beer Month

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:

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:

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August Events in Northern Virginia include County Fairs, festivals, shopping and dining deals, and more summer fun.
August Events in Northern Virginia