Updated on July 14, 2026 by Julie McCool
2026 July events in Northern Virginia include fun festivals and celebrations with fireworks, parades, music, wine, food, history, and more. Kick off the month with 4th of July weekend fireworks, parades, and patriotic fun and close out the month with the family-friendly Loudoun County Fair.
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.
Summer storms can lead to cancellations. Always check inclement weather policies and updates before heading out.
4th of July Fireworks and Parades, Multiple Dates + Locations
Independence Day fireworks and parades in begin in late June! Our complete guide to July 4th weekend fireworks in Northern Virginia includes a host of family-friendly events throughout the region. Plan ahead so you don’t miss the fun!
Summer of Sunflowers, Burnside Farms, July 10-mid-Aug
The biggest u-pick sunflower farm in Northern Virginia opens for another season of awesome photos and flowers. Explore 70 acres of sunflower fields, more than 30 varieties of cutting flowers, and 3 sunflower mazes throughout the season. Ticket prices vary for weekday/weekend/early + sunset admission.
Cut Your Own Sunflower Festival, Bluemont, July 11-Aug 14
One of the most kid-friendly farms in Northern VA, Great Country Farms, hosts a Cut Your Own Sunflower Festival. The festival includes u-pick sunflowers and a fun photo contest where you may win a farm pass or a stay in a cottage at Dirt Farm.
Check out more Great Sunflower Fields in Northern Virginia.
Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration, Alexandria, July 11
Celebrate America’s 249th birthday and Alexandria’s 277th in beautiful and historic Alexandria. Enjoy a live music and food followed by dazzling fireworks. Free; 6:00-9:45.
Key West Fest, Breaux Vineyards, Hillsboro, July 11
Enjoy a “Vineyard in Paradise” at the 19th Annual Key West Fest at Breaux Vineyards. Enjoy wine tastings, craft vendors, and island-inspired food, plus live music. Reservations required for patio and indoor seating and groups over 10. 11:00-6:00.
Fauquier County Fair, Warrenton, July 15-18
Join in 4 days of fun at the annual Fauquier County Fair. Enjoy farm animals, arts, crafts, carnival rides, live entertainment, classic fair food, and more. Follow the link for tickets and full schedule.
Chillin on Church, Vienna, July 17
Enjoy live music, food trucks, beer and wine, and a time to chill with friends and neighbors in Vienna. The block party is held on the third Friday, June to September. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, but pets are not. Free admission; 6:30-9:30.
Ben Lomond Hospital Lantern Tour, July 18
Learn more about the First Battle of Manassas at Ben Lomond, which operated as a hospital for wounded soldiers. The event includes demonstrations, tours, children’s activities, and more. 8:00-9:30.
Purcellville Wine & Food Festival, Purcellville, July 18
The Annual Wine & Food Festival in Purcellville combines live music from a variety of local musicians, wineries, craft breweries, gourmet foods, and wine-related art and accessories. 2:00–8:00.
Fairy Festival, Reston, July 18
Put on your wings and walk into a wonderland of fairies and nature at Reston’s Walker Nature Center. The 10th annual event includes woodland trails, tea, and tales. 10:00-12:30.
Loudoun County Fair, Leesburg, July 21-25
Experience a true country fair featuring 4-H animals, crafts, carnival rides, entertainment, food, livestock auctions, professional bull riding, and a mini demolition derby. Enjoy a carnival, children’s activities, and shows, contests, and county fair favorites. Ticket prices and festival hours vary by day.
Coming in August
Celebrate August at fairs, festivals, carnivals, and more. Plan ahead with our big guide to August Events in Northern Virginia.
Ongoing Summer Fun in Northern Virginia
Check out our round-up of outdoor summer activities with links to outdoor movies, hiking trails, free concerts, outdoor dining, and area getaways perfect for a summer escape. Summer is the perfect time to take a Virginia day trip and discover a new NoVA hidden gem.
Celebrate National Ice Cream Month
July is National Ice Cream Month and there are plenty of places to celebrate nearby. We rounded up more than 17 Local Northern Virginia Ice Cream Shops where you can cool off with a tasty treat. We also suggest day trips and getaway destinations where local ice cream is part of the fun.
Enjoy Sunrise and Sunset in Northern VA
Take advantage of long summer days and check out 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.
Plan a Perfect Picnic
Speaking of picnics, summer is a great time to pick up some takeout or prep your own meal and head to these beautiful and fun picnic spots in Northern VA. Local green spaces and urban plazas offer extra amenities and activities on the side.
Shop at Summer Farmers Markets
Everyone loves a summer picnic and the chance to grill at home. Stock up your kitchen with fresh, delicious produce, meats, and other goodies from local farms. There are markets throughout Northern VA and you’ll find them all in our guide to Northern Virginia Farmer’s Markets.
Waterparks and Pools in Northern VA
Beat the summer heat with our big round-up of waterparks, pools, and splash pads in Northern Virginia. Why not visit them all this year?
Outdoor Performances in Northern Virginia
Check our round-up of Northern Virginia summer concert series for outdoor music throughout the summer. Many concerts begin in June, and most are family-friendly and free to attend. Keep the summer fun going with a flick under the stars at Outdoor Movie Series in Northern VA.
Plan a Summer Getaway in and Near Northern Virginia
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
- 23 Fantastic Weekend Getaways In and Near Northern Virginia
- 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC
Here are more fun ways to celebrate July in Northern VA:
- Go for a hike on one of the many beautiful Northern Virginia trails.
- Take a scenic drive with fun and interesting stops along the way.
- Tackle a paved or off-road bike trail.
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