June events in Northern Virginia include the return of popular, multi-day carnivals and festivals. Northern Virginia events in June also include opportunities to volunteer, compete, learn, and play throughout the Washington DC region. Enjoy carnival rides, art, hikes, wine, beer, food, and more as special events kick off a new summer of fun.
2020 Update: Nearly all of the annual June events on our list are canceled in 2020 due to health concerns. A few have been modified or postponed. We will continue to update this guide if new event dates are announced.
Scheduled June Events in Northern Virginia
National Trails Day, June 6
Celebrate National Trails Day 2020 by taking the online pledge and “commit to taking at least one action in 2020 to preserve trails and fight for equitable access to quality green space.”
Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Birthday Picnic, Pope-Leighey House. Alexandria, June 7
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Pope-Leighey House and Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday with a virtual picnic party. This mid-century style party is also a fundraiser. Party fun includes Pope-Leighey House and Frank Lloyd Wright-themed trivia, a cake decorating contest, a live cocktail class featuring two mid-century cocktails, a costume contest, and an auction. Tickets are $10. 5:00 – 6:30 via Zoom.
Drive-in Movies for the Family, Workhouse Arts Center, June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
New in 20202! The Workhouse Arts Center is excited to present Drive-In Movies that offer a fun night out while maintaining social distance. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance online. Only 75 tickets will be sold and available parking spaces are first come first served.
See our complete guide to outdoor movies in Northern Virginia.
Father’s Day, June 21
Father’s Day 2020 is on June 21st. While most of the annual Father’s Day events are canceled this year, you can plan your own special outing with our guide to Father’s Day in Northern Virginia and Fun Things to Do with Dad All Year.
Virginia Gold Cup, The Plains, June 27
For the first time, the world-famous Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase race at Great Meadows will be held with no spectators. Fans can watch the race at 12:30 via a free livestream at http://nsa.network.video/.
More Ways to Celebrate June
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.
- Shop at a local Farmers Market
- Tackle a paved or off-road bike trail.
Postponed Events Normally Held in June
These events have been tentatively rescheduled for later in 2020. We’ll provide further updates in the relevant month as we get closer to the new dates.
Taste of Reston, Reston Town Center, Postponed to September 25 – 26
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, Postponed to October 2020
The 39th Annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival is currently postponed to October 2020, with specific dates and events to be announced. 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.
Canceled June Events in Northern Virginia
The annual events listed below are canceled. We will update the list with new dates and details in 2021.
Our list of June events in Northern Virginia includes fun activities in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties; plus independent cities like 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.
This round-up 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.
Whichever June events in Northern Virginia you choose to attend, we wish you a fun-filled start to summer!
Herndon Festival, Herndon, May 30 – June 2
The 39th Annual 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. Follow the link for full schedule and ticket details.
Plan a year of fun with our guide to 70 Favorite Festivals in Northern Virginia.
Occoquan Arts and Crafts Spring Show, Occoquan, Jun 1 – 2
For the 50th year in a row, the historic Town of Occoquan will close its streets for the semi-annual Arts and Crafts show. Over 300 contemporary and country crafters and artisans from Occoquan and all around the United States will line the streets offering unique, hand-crafted works. New in 2019, visit the Spring Arts and Crafts Show’s beer garden in River Mill Park, featuring Water’s End Brewery, from noon to 5:00 on Saturday, June 1st. Free admission; $5 shuttle bus. Sat 10:00 – 6:00, Sun 10:00 – 5:00.
National Trails Day and Clean the Bay Day, Multiple Locations, June 6
The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® celebrates trails in every state across the country. Also on June 1st, sites in the Chesapeake watershed will host the 31st annual Clean the Bay Day. Many Virginia State Parks have volunteer projects and events to help improve trails and waterways. Sky Meadows State Park will host volunteers to channel water to prevent erosion on the James Ball Trail. Mason Neck State Park and Leesylvania State Park will host clean-ups of trails and waterways in the park. Join an event near you or choose your own hiking experience in our archive of great local hikes.
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Anniversary, Woodbridge, June 1
Celebrate the first anniversary of the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk with a walk over the wetland. The Boardwalk is part of the Potomac Heritage Nation Scenic Trail, which connects Rippon Lodge historic site and Rippon Landing Park with the Metz Wetlands.
Explore more wetland trails with our guide 6 Beautiful Boardwalk Hikes in Northern Virginia.
Manassas Heritage Railway Festival, Manassas, June 1
Celebrate rich railroad history at the 25th 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. Then board one of four train excursions for a fun-filled ride to Clifton and back (10:00/11:00/12:00/1:00). The festival and parking are free and you can purchase $5/6 train tickets (cash/credit). 10:00 – 3:00
Maker Faire: NoVa, Reston, Jun 2
The NoVa Maker Faire is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker Movement. Tech enthusiasts, engineers, woodworkers, artists, and craftspeople will show and tell what they’re making and share what they’re learning. Attendees of every age will enjoy lots of opportunities to learn and make things too. Child (2-18)/adult tickets are $4/$13 with senior and family discount tickets also available. The NoVa Maker Faire is held at the South Lakes High and Hughes Middle campus from 11:00 – 5:00.
30th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, Lake Accotink, June 2
Whether you’re racing or just watching, it’s always fun to see which boats will sink and which will float to the finish at the popular Cardboard Boat Regatta. Teams compete for bragging rights in multiple age groups and categories. Admission is free; parking $5. Judging at 9:00; races begin at 11:00.
Taste of Del Ray Food Festival, Alexandria, June 2
The 11th Annual Taste of Del Ray Food Festival returns with top neighborhood restaurants participating. The outdoor competition will name the 2019 Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards. Ticket holders will enjoy a variety of tastes and cast their votes. Tickets $15/$5 adults/children. 1:00 – 3:00.
All Star Comic Con, Sheraton Tysons, June 8 – 9
All Star Comic Con is a 2-year-old celebration of pop culture, celebrating all fandoms and all ages. Enjoy 3 packed ballrooms: Fairfax Ballroom will have toys, comics and pop culture vendors and will host celebrity appearances. Ash Grove Ballroom features an artist’s alley consisting of local, regional and national renown writers, artists and creators. Tysons Ballroom hosts a stage sponsored by Wolf Trap and interactive attractions, featuring cosplayers, a Vikings village, escape room and more. Family-friendly games and fun extend to other spaces. $35 for a weekend pass with other ticket options available. Follow the link for schedule details.
Vienna Idol Finals, Town Green, Vienna, June 7
Cheer on the 2019 Vienna Idols finalists as they perform at Vienna’s Town Green. The winner receives $700, 8 hours of professional recording studio time, and the opportunity to headline at various venues over the course of the year. Free admission; 6:00 – 10:00.
Ice Cream Social Fundraiser, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, June 8
Enjoy a tasty bowl of ice cream, take home the beautiful handmade bowl, and support the Workhouse Arts Center at this fun annual event. For $20, you’ll purchase a one-of-a-kind handmade ice cream bowl created by Workhouse students, instructors and ceramic artists and fill it with ice cream and toppings to enjoy. The event features live performances, a scavenger hunt, and a raffle to win a ceramic workshop. 12:00 – 4:00
Father’s Day Fun in Northern Virginia
Father’s Day is on June 16th in 2019. We’ve highlighted Dad-friendly June 2019 events below, or plan your own special outing with our guide to Father’s Day Events in Northern Virginia and Fun Things to Do with Dad All Year. Dad deserves fun all year long!
Father’s Day at Mount Vernon, June 15 – 16
“General Washington” greets visitors and poses for photographs on Father’s Day weekend and discusses his role as husband, stepfather, and Father of Our Country in the program “Father to the First Family.” At the Gristmill and Distillery, demonstrations by costumed distillers take visitors through the historic process of whiskey-making in a reconstructed 18th-century distillery. Included with admission; 9:00 – 5:00.
Plan your visit with our guides: George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Gristmill and Distillery.
Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display, Air and Space Museum, Centreville, June 15
Indulge Dad’s love of aviation at the Smithsonian’s Innovations in Flight Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display. 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
Mason Neck State Park History Day, Mason Neck State Park, June 15
Celebrate the diverse history and unique culture of Mason Neck peninsula. Travel back in time with the park rangers to explore the rich history Mason Neck has to offer. Learn about the Taft Archaeological Site where for 3,000 years American Indians lived, and view some of the artifacts found during excavations. $5 admission; 10:00 – noon.
Declaration Day, Gunston Hall, Mason Neck, June 15
Head to Gunston Hall for a historic event commemorating the anniversary of the ratification of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. The day begins with a special naturalization ceremony followed by an afternoon of fun and educational activities for all ages. Immerse yourself in 18th-century Virginia and converse with characters from the past. Food available for purchase throughout the day. Free; 11:00 – 4:00.
Sully Antique Car Show, Chantilly, June 16
The 46th annual Sully Antique Car Show, the largest car show in northern Virginia, 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
Manassas Jazz Festival, Manassas, June 16
Now on Saturday, the 15th 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
Chillin on Church, Vienna, June 21
Chillin’ on Church events bring live music, food trucks, beer and wine sales, and a time to chill with friends and neighbors to Vienna. The event is held on Church Street between Dominion and Mill roads, and will repeat on the third Friday in July, August, and September. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, but pets are not. Free; 6:30 – 9:30.
Great American Campout, Sky Meadows and Leesylvania State Parks, June 22 – 23
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 live animals from Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, a demonstration by Dogs East search and rescue, a campfire sing-a-long, s’mores and more. Space is limited; $30 per campsite includes dinner and breakfast. Special activities begin Saturday at noon.
At Leesylvania State Park, enjoy ranger-guided programs to learn the basics of camping. Experience the park at night like never before and enjoy s’mores while listening to nature. This unforgettable night of camping is $5 per person and pre-registration is required.
Portside in Old Town Festival, Alexandria, June 22
Kick off summer with a day of live music featuring an array of creative collaborations and genres, from Ethiopian jazz to Brazilian to Latin folk. Toast to summer at a waterfront beer garden by Port City Brewing Company, and savor bites from a pop-up Pizzeria Paradiso or Rocklands BBQ. Cool off with a treat from Dolci Gelati as you enjoy fun for the whole family, including hands-on arts and history activities. Free; 2:00 – 8:00; rain or shine.
Not on the 4th Fireworks, Tim’s Rivershore, Dumfries, June 26 – 28
Every year on the weekend prior to July 4th, Tim’s Rivershore hosts a professionally managed fireworks show, launched from their barge in the Potomac River. Arrive early to secure a spot. Live music, food specials, and activities for the kids are always a part of this fun day at Tim’s.
Independence Fireworks, Mount Vernon, June 27 SOLD OUT
Start your Independence Day celebration with two nights of fireworks choreographed to patriotic music. Mount Vernon’s celebration is filled with fireworks, mansion tours, musical performances, and games on George Washington’s beloved estate. Tickets are $30/20 adult/youth; add $6 to include a mansion tour. 6:00 – 9:45 pm.
Workhouse Arts Center Fourth of July Fireworks, Lorton, June 29
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton hosts a family-friendly celebration featuring art exhibits, food trucks, local craft beer and wine, and live music. The spectacular pre July 4th fireworks show is one of the largest in the region. Live music begins at 7:00 pm and fireworks start at dusk, typically 9:00. Admission is free and you’re welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Parking is available for $25 per car in advance; $30 day of show if space available. Rain or shine; 5:00 – 10:00 pm.
Lake Fairfax Fourth of July Celebration, Reston, June 29
Head to Lake Fairfax park for a day of picnicking, swimming, hiking and other fun around the lake. Gates open at dawn, and there will be live music from 3:30 – 9:00 plus food vendors on site. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole water park opens at 10:00 and will fill up quickly. Admission is free; parking is $10 per vehicle. The park is open dawn to 9:45; fireworks begin at 9:15.
Stars and Stripes Concert, Car Show, and Parade, Haymarket, June 30
Get a jump on the 4th at Haymarket’s combination concert, car show, and parade. Live Music, food and ice cream, and summer games add to the fun. All children are encouraged to decorate bikes, wagons, scooters, unicycles, tricycles or any other non-motorized play vehicle in festive Fourth of July decor for the Children’s parade. Free; 2:00 to 6:00.
A Hometown Celebration, Fairfax, June 30
Join in the fun at the new Hometown Celebration at the amphitheater on the grounds of Fairfax City Hall. Enjoy games, food trucks from Fairfax City businesses, and a concert by the award-winning City of Fairfax Band. The fun starts at 5:00; music at 7:00. Free
Ongoing June Events and Fun in Northern VA
Here are more ways to celebrate summer fun throughout June 2019.
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?
2019 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.
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This article was first published in 2015 and is updated annually.