2021 June Events and Fantastic Festivals in Northern Virginia

2021 June events in Northern Virginia welcome back popular, multi-day festivals and kick off summer fun with food, wine, music, fireworks, and more. Northern Virginia events in June also include opportunities to volunteer, compete, learn, and play throughout the Washington DC region.

Our list of June events in Northern Virginia includes fun activities in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties; plus independent cities including Alexandria, Arlington, and Falls Church. The list includes plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Northern Virginia, as well as events geared to adults.

2021 June Events in Northern Virginia

Enjoy carnival rides, art, hikes, wine, beer, food, and more as special events kick off a new summer of fun. This list of June events in Northern Virginia focuses on weekend activities. Events are listed in order of date, with multi-day events listed first for each weekend. Follow the links for further details and updates on inclement weather policies, ticket pricing (where applicable), and pet policies.

Go Strawberry Picking in Northern VA

Strawberry season starts in May and continues into early June in Virginia. Head to the field for family-friendly fun with our complete guide to Strawberry Picking in Virginia and U-Pick Farms Near DC.

Clean the Bay Day, Multiple Locations, May 31 – June 5

In 2021, everyone can participate in a week-long Clean the Bay Day to clear trash from Chesapeake Bay waterways. The event is flexible this year so you can choose your own time and destination to pick up litter at public and designated private locations. Follow the link for details.

Martha Washington’s Birthday, Mount Vernon, June 2

Meet and take a photo with Lady Washington at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate to celebrate her birthday. 9:00 – 5:00; included with regular admission.

Fair Oaks Mall Carnival, Fairfax, Jun 3 – 13

Carnivals are back so head to Fair Oaks Mall for spinning, riding, screaming family fun. Ticket prices vary and all-you-can-ride wrist bands are available. Open at 4:00 weekdays, noon on weekends.

Taste of Del Ray Food Festival, Alexandria, June 4 – 6

The Annual Taste of Del Ray Food Festival returns in 2021 with a “to go” format throughout the weekend. Top neighborhood restaurants will offer special $5 tastings, some with cocktail pairings. Ticket holders will receive the exclusive list of tastes plus a ballot for the People’s Choice Award. Tickets $5; register online.

Spring Artisan Market, Occoquan, June 5 – 6

Head to River Mill Park to shop a juried selection of artisans by the beautiful Occoquan River. Enjoy music and sips while you shop and support local artists and have a chance to win free giveaways from the vendors. Follow the link for schedule details.10:00 – 5:00 pm. Admission is free.

National Trails Day, June 5

Trail marker at Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia

The American Hiking Society celebrates National Trails Day 2021 in every state across the country. Many Virginia State Parks have volunteer projects and events to help improve trails and waterways. Sky Meadows State Park and Mason Neck State Park will host volunteers to improve trails and waterways in the park.

At 10:00 am, Fairfax Parks will dedicate the opening of a new bridge at Smokewood Park. Create your own National Trails Day outing with our guides to great hikes in and near Northern Virginia, and take a trash bag to pick up any litter you see during your hike.

Virginia Wine and Food Festival, Bull Run Park, Centreville, June 5

Enjoy over 150 Virginia wines, plus craft beer and spirits as the Virginia Wine and Food Festival returns to Bull Run Park. Music, food, and a family-friendly atmosphere add to the fun. Wine tickets are $29; add $10 for access to the beer area, and must be purchased in advance online.

Manassas Heritage Railway Festival, Manassas, June 5

Celebrate rich railroad history at the 26th annual Manassas Heritage Railroad Festival, a day-long event featuring train memorabilia, specialty vendors, and live performances. Enjoy Country and Bluegrass music while you watch miniature trains navigate elaborate train displays. There will be no train excursions in 2021, but you can check out a parked VRE train. In addition, enjoy a trackless children’s train ride for $5. The festival and parking are free. 10:00 – 3:00

Declaration Day, Gunston Hall, Mason Neck, June 12

Head to Gunston Hall for a historic event commemorating the anniversary of the ratification of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of music and stories. Buy a picnic (order details online) or bring your own. Free; 1:00 – 5:00.

Taste of Woodbridge, Stonebridge Town Center, June 12

Enjoy food tastings, live entertainment, exhibitors, and more at the Taste of Woodbridge festival at Stonebridge Town Center. Admission is free and tasting tickets are $1. 11:00 – 6:00.

Juneteenth, Multiple Loacations, June 18-19

Juneteenth events commemorate 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. Special events and tours will celebrate Juneteenth in Northern VA.

Juneteenth Celebration at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg: Enjoy performers, speakers, food, and other vendors. Noon – 6:00; $5 admission.
Juneteenth Cel-Liberation at Yowell Meadow Park in Culpeper: “celebrate, educate, and unify building the Black community.” 4:00 – 8:00; free.
Juneteenth Celebration at Frying Pan Park: Families are invited to “hear, see, sample, and create crafts based on the results of African American freedom.” There will also be food vendors that highlight African American cuisine. The event is free but online registration is required. Three one-hour sessions at 11:00, noon, and 1:00.
Juneteenth Celebration at Carlyle House In Alexandria. Enjoy performances of poetry and music, meet with the artists, and learn about the enslaved people owned by the Carlyle family. Noon – 5:00; free.
Under the Same Roof tour at the Lee-Fendall House in Alexandria: Learn about the house from the perspective of enslaved and free African Americans who lived there. 2:00; $10 ticket, purchase in advance.

Craft Beer Festival, Mount Vernon, June 19-20

Taste beers from around the region at an after-hours event at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Live music, beer-making demonstrations, and food add to the fun. This special event would be a great Father’s Day weekend treat for beer-loving Dads. 6:00 – 9:00 nightly; $48.

Plan your visit with our guides to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Gristmill and Distillery.

Manassas Jazz Festival, Manassas, June 19

The 16th annual Manassas Jazz Festival features headline jazz artists, Virginia farm wineries, Virginia craft breweries, and local Virginia distilleries. Spend an intimate and relaxing afternoon enjoying great jazz and local fare. Advance tickets are $45/$20 for tasters/non-tasters. 12:00 – 7:00

Reston Pride Concert, Reston, June 19

Celebrate Pride Month at a free concert and festival at Reston’s Lake Anne. 10:00 – 2:00.

Father’s Day, June 20

Father’s Day 2021 is on June 20th. Find fun Father’s Day weekend events here or plan your own special outing with our guide to Father’s Day in Northern Virginia and Fun Things to Do with Dad All Year.

Father’s Day Fishing, Riverbend Park, June 20

Take Dad out for some catch-and-release fun at Riverbend Park. Supplies and equipment will be provided, or you can bring your own rod and reel. $12; participants 16 and older must have a valid fishing license. Sessions at 9:00-10:30 and 11:30-1:00.

Independence Day Fireworks, Mount Vernon, June 25-26

Celebrate our nation’s founding with family fun and fireworks over the Potomac at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Live music, ice cream-making demonstrations, and picnic food options add to the fun. 6:00 – 9:45 nightly; $38/$50 includes mansion tour (other ticket options available).

Great American Campout, Sky Meadows State Park, June 26

At Sky Meadows State Park, camp out in the beautiful Historic Mount Bleak backyard during the Great American Campout. Park rangers will be on hand to help set up campsites and tents. Fun programs include a campfire, nature hikes, a demonstration by Dogs East search and rescue, and more. Space is limited; $30 per campsite includes dinner and breakfast. Special activities begin Saturday at noon.

Manassas Bee Festival, Manassas, June 26

Celebrate Pollinator Week at the first Manassas Bee Festival at Liberia House and Grounds. Activities include a family spelling bee challenge, games, arts, crafts, activity workshops, porch talks, a native plant display, beehive demonstrations, butterfly houses, live music, and local vendors. Dress as a pollinator or flower and join the costume parade. Free; 10:00 – 2:00.

Ongoing June Events and Fun in Northern VA

Here are more ways to celebrate summer fun throughout June 2021.

Waterparks and Pools in Northern VA

Beat the summer heat with our big round-up of waterparks and pools in Northern Virginia. Why not visit them all this year?

2021 Outdoor Concerts 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.

Northern Virginia Farmers Markets

When warm weather returns we know that area farmers markets will be back with delicious fresh produce, meats, plants, and specialty items. Our expanded round-up of Northern Virginia farmers markets 2019 covers over 50 local markets, many of which kick off in May.

Plan a Summer Getaway in and Near Northern Virginia

Find beautiful and unique places to stay in and near Northern Virginia with our guides:

Here are more fun ways to celebrate June in Northern VA:

Enjoy a meal on the patio at these local restaurants.
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.

Postponed and Canceled Annual June Events

These annual events are normally held in June but have been rescheduled for later in 2021 or canceled.

Taste of Reston, Reston Town Center, Postponed to October 8 – 9

Celebrate Dad with a weekend of food, drinks, music, and family fun. Live entertainment performs on four stages throughout the festival, with kid-friendly activities at the Family Fun Zone. Local chefs present a culinary demonstration at the Wine & Dine area. Beer, wine, and drink tickets are $1, or $20 for 24. Friday 4:00 – 11:00, Saturday 11:00 – 11:00; entry and parking are free.

Celebrate Fairfax!, Fairfax County Government Center, Canceled

The annual event usually features 25 acres of concerts, carnival rides, nightly fireworks, family programs, green living info, giant lawn games, and more family fun. More than 120 performances on seven stages present national, regional and local artists. Ticket prices vary; available online or at the gate. Friday 6:00 – midnight, Saturday 10:00 – midnight, Sunday 11:00 – 7:00, rain or shine.

Herndon Festival, Herndon, Canceled

The Herndon Festival is an annual favorite to kick off a summer of fun. Four festival days combine an outdoor concert series with a summertime carnival. This kid-friendly June event includes a 4-day carnival, Saturday night fireworks, an arts and craft show, business and fitness expos, 10K/5K races, and live entertainment on 3 stages. Children can try a hands-on art experience at the Kids Alley. In 2019 the Herndon Festival moves to Northwest Federal Credit Union at 200 Spring Street. Thursday 6:00 – 10:00, Friday 5:00 – 11:00, Saturday 10:00 – 11:00, Sunday 10:00 – 6:00.

Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display, Air and Space Museum, Centreville, TBD

The Udvar-Hazy center is currently planning the next Smithsonian’s Innovations in Flight Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display, normally held during Father’s Day weekend. Dates for 2021 have not been announced More than 50 vintage, recreational, military, and home-built aircraft will be on display. 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

Plan your visit: Smithsonian Air and Space Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Sully Antique Car Show, Chantilly, Canceled

The annual Sully Antique Car Show is the largest car show in Northern Virginia. The event features foreign and American cars, trucks, and specialty vehicles through 1990. More than 400 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 $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children. 10:00 – 3:30

Whichever June events in Northern Virginia you choose to attend, we wish you a fun-filled start to summer!