The Fairfax Girl Team 
Northern Virginia’s August calendar includes county fairs, outdoor concerts, restaurant weeks, cultural festivals, night markets, family movie nights, and plenty of opportunities to support local makers and businesses. Read on for more of the best events in Northern Virginia in August 2026.
Please note: Events are subject to change. Visit the event websites for the latest updates.
Virginia Tax-Free Shopping Weekend | August 7th-9th
Virginia’s annual sales tax holiday is a chance to save on qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, emergency preparedness products, and select Energy Star and WaterSense items. The tax-free savings apply to eligible purchases made in stores and online throughout the weekend.
Totally Trucks | August 7th
Kids can get an up-close look at the trucks and equipment used by the Reston Association during this free family-friendly event. Police and fire vehicles may also join the lineup, and each child will receive a construction helmet to take home. Totally Trucks takes place from 8:30AM to 12PM at 12250 Sunset Hills Road in Reston.
DMV Asian Night Market | August 8th
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The DMV Asian Night Market brings food vendors, cultural performances, music, and family-friendly entertainment to Fair Oaks Mall. Admission and parking are free, leaving plenty of room in the budget to sample dishes from participating vendors.
TASTE Leesburg | August 8th
More than 65 food, drink, and business vendors will fill five blocks of downtown Leesburg during TASTE Leesburg. The festival runs from 5PM to 10PM and includes restaurant bites, food trucks, local beer and wine, live music, and a new karaoke lounge. Admission is free, with food, beverages, and tasting packages available for purchase.
Reston Cardboard Boat Regatta | August 8th
Creativity and questionable engineering meet on the water during the Reston Cardboard Boat Regatta. Teams will race handmade vessels constructed from cardboard as spectators watch to see which creations float and which ones make a splash.
Arlington County Fair | August 12th-16th
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The Arlington County Fair returns with carnival rides, games, live entertainment, food vendors, competitive exhibits, shopping, and activities for visitors of all ages. The community celebration takes place at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center and is free to attend, though ride tickets and food are available for purchase.
Summer Carnival at One Loudoun | August 12th-23rd
One Loudoun’s summer carnival has classic rides, games, prizes, and plenty of carnival food. Admission is free, with ride tickets and wristbands available for purchase. Weekday hours are 5PM to 11PM, Saturdays run from 1PM to 11PM, and Sundays run from 3PM to 11PM.
Rosslyn LIVE | August 13th
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Rosslyn LIVE turns Gateway Park into an outdoor “pub in the park” with live music, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of room to hang out. Justin Trawick and the Common Good will perform during the free event, which runs from 5:30PM to 8PM. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.
Alexandria Sidewalk Sale | August 14th-16th
Shops throughout Old Town and other Alexandria neighborhoods will move their merchandise outdoors for the annual Alexandria Sidewalk Sale. Shoppers can browse discounted clothing, accessories, home goods, gifts, and other finds from local boutiques and independent businesses.
Fairfax City Ghost Tour | August 14th
Historic stories take a spooky turn during this guided ghost tour through Old Town Fairfax. Participants will hear local legends and tales from the city’s past while visiting reportedly haunted locations around downtown.
Alexandria Restaurant Week | August 14th-23rd
More than 75 restaurants throughout Alexandria will participate in the city’s summer Restaurant Week. Diners can find prix fixe dinner menus priced at $35, $45, or $55 per person, along with additional specials from participating fast-casual restaurants.
The Ocean Blue at Reston Town Center | August 15th
Alternative rock band The Ocean Blue will take the stage at the Reston Town Center Pavilion as part of the free Reston Concerts on the Town series. The rain-or-shine performance runs from 7:30PM to 9PM.
The Big Dig + Big Rigs | August 15th-16th
Great Country Farms is bringing together two kid-approved activities for one weekend in Bluemont. Families can dig for potatoes in the farm’s fields and explore tractors, construction vehicles, fire engines, and other big rigs during the touch-a-truck portion of the event.
Merrymaker’s Market After Dark | August 15th
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Walsh Family Wine will host an evening market featuring local makers and small businesses. Visitors can shop, sip local wine, and spend a summer evening at the Purcellville vineyard from 5PM to 9PM.
Hogfest at Hog Shack Bar-B-Q | August 15th
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Hog Shack Bar-B-Q in Manassas is celebrating summer with an outdoor barbecue festival. The event includes smoked meats, live music, drinks, and a community atmosphere for barbecue fans.
Chillin’ on Church | August 21st
Church Street in Vienna will close to traffic for an evening block party featuring food trucks, local beer and wine, family-friendly activities, and live music from So Fetch. The free event runs from 6:30PM to 9:30PM.
Family Movie Night at Tysons Corner Center | August 21st
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Families can bring blankets and folding chairs to PenFed Plaza for a free outdoor showing of Cars. The movie begins at 5:30PM, and visitors can pick up dinner from one of the nearby restaurants to enjoy during the screening.
Potomac Memorial Open + National Qualifying Series | August 21st-23rd
Competitive figure skaters will take the ice at Ashburn Ice House for the Potomac Memorial Open. The U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned event includes National Qualifying Series and nonqualifying competitions.
Falls Church Restaurant Week | August 21st-30th
Falls Church Restaurant Week highlights the wide range of international flavors found within The Little City’s 2.2 square miles. Participating restaurants will offer special menus and promotions, and diners can collect passport stamps for a chance to win restaurant gift cards.
Little City Sips | August 22nd
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Falls Church’s pilot sip-and-stroll event allows adults 21 and older to purchase drinks from participating restaurants and enjoy them in designated outdoor areas downtown. The free event runs from 5PM to 10PM and also includes local shopping, public art, community gathering spaces, and live entertainment.
ALX South Block Party | August 22nd
The ALX South Block Party brings together local businesses and community members for an afternoon of food, music, activities, and neighborhood fun. The event runs from 11AM to 3PM in Alexandria.
Leesburg Festival of Crafts + Kites | August 22nd
Colorful kites will fill the sky over Ida Lee Park during the Leesburg Festival of Crafts + Kites. The free festival runs from 11AM to 5PM and combines kite flying with artisan vendors, family activities, food, and outdoor entertainment.
Movie Night at One Loudoun | August 27th
One Loudoun will screen Hoppers during a free outdoor movie night at One Loudoun Park. The movie starts at 8PM, and complimentary popcorn will be available. Guests should bring their own chairs and blankets.
Around the World Cultural Food Festival | August 29th
The Around the World Cultural Food Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary at Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria. The free festival runs from 11AM to 7PM and features traditional dishes representing 20 countries, live cultural performances, and more than 100 artisans and crafters.
Arts of Great Falls Youth Art Show | August 29th
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Young Northern Virginia artists will display their work during the Youth Art Show at The Arts of Great Falls. The community exhibition gives emerging creatives an opportunity to share their artwork with family, friends, and local art lovers.
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