Summer isn’t giving way to fall without a fight. The last full month of the season is chock-full of outdoor concerts and movie nights, many of which are starting to wrap up. Plan for back-to-school shopping with the Virginia sales tax holiday Aug. 7-9, but leave time for summer theater productions and new museum exhibits when it’s too hot or rainy to be outside.
Dark Star Park Day 2026
Every Aug. 1 at precisely 9:32 a.m., the shadows cast by Nancy Holt’s Dark Star Park sculpture align to mark the moment of Rosslyn’s founding. The Rosslyn BID will provide doughnut holes to spectators on a first-come, first-serve basis, and Good Company Doughnuts, a 2026 Best of Arlington winner, will sell other refreshments. Fun fact: This installation is Arlington’s first major commissioned public art project. 1655 N. Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Back-to-School Fashion Show
Head to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City for a preview of the hottest fall fashion trends for teens at this free event Aug. 1, 1 and 2 p.m. See the latest apparel and footwear styles, plus must-have tech and even college dorm essentials. First Level, Nordstrom Court, 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington (National Landing)
Movie Night on the Pike
The Columbia Pike summer movie series wraps up Aug. 1, 8:30 p.m., with a free showing of the slasher flick I Know What You Did Last Summer. Penrose Square, 2501 Ninth Road, S., Arlington (Columbia Pike)
The Fearless Eras at The Renegade
Swifties, while you wait for photos of The Wedding, why not catch a tribute to Tay-Tay courtesy of D.C.’s Taylor Swift cover band on Aug. 1, 10 p.m. The show is open to fans ages 21 and up and costs $5 at the door. 3103 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
National Night Out at Mosaic District
Honor Fairfax County firefighters and police officers at this free community event in Strawberry Park, Aug. 4, 4-6 p.m. Enjoy live music, food and kid-friendly activities. 2905 District Ave., Fairfax
Wings of Reverie Author Talk at One More Page Books
Young Adult author Anna Bright will discuss her newest book release on Aug. 4, 7 p.m. at One More Page Books in East Falls Church. Her past books include The Beholder and The Hedgewitch of Foxhall. 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington
Sunset Parade at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Held Aug. 4 and 11, 7 p.m., this 45-minute ceremony features The Commandant’s Own U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes early and bring a lawn chair or blanket. U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, N. Meade St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Rosslyn Farmers Market Special Events
Fresh produce and artisanal treats aside, Rosslyn’s outdoor market also features live music. Dan Schutt will play Aug. 5, 4-6 p.m., and Clay Mottley performs Aug. 19, 4-6 p.m. On Aug. 12, 3-5 p.m., iHeartRadio and DC101 will be onsite with music and prizes, including a raffle for two staycation packages at the Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key during Rosslyn’s annual Jazz Fest in September. Round out the month with the Turning the Page Pop Up Book Sale on Aug. 19 and the Dog Days of Summer on Aug. 26, which promises lots of treats for furry friends. 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Arlington Artists Alliance Member Showcase
The second half of the Alliance’s Member Showcase runs Aug. 5-Sept. 9, with an opening reception Aug. 6, 5-7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Artists whose last names start with M-Z will be at the reception to discuss their pieces. 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Analog Night with Shaylin Wallace: Doodleramics
The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington invites you to design and decorate your own ceramic mug, vase or other clay object with artist Shaylin Wallace. Get creative Aug. 6, 6 p.m., free of charge. MoCA Arlington Innovation Studio + Store, 525 14th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
Fridays at the Fountain Featuring Alex Hamburger
Next up in Water Park’s summer concert series is jazz fusion artist and DMV native Alex Hamburger on Aug. 7, 5:30-8 p.m. 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Teen Nights End of Summer Bash
Bid summer a fond farewell at this free just-for-teens party Aug. 7, 6-9 p.m. featuring music, sports and board games. Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
Kevin Herrera at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse
Get ready to guffaw at Herrera’s observations about relationships, parenting and everyday life. You may also leave feeling inspired. Before he became a New York City police officer, the stand-up comedian struggled with opioid addiction—a battle he turned into humor. See him Aug. 7 and 8, with shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $42. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Circus Vazquez
This family-owned circus will return to Tysons Galleria from Aug. 7-30. Founded in 1969 in Mexico City, the show features Triple Breath’s tightrope act, ChistirrÃn the clown and Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe, a group of variety performers. Check the website for show times and ticket prices.Â
Pickle Party 2 at Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque
Pickle-flavored everything is all the rage, so celebrate the veggie itself with a party. Enjoy home-made pickles and a pig roast while supporting the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Bring your appetite Aug. 8, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $60, with $40 going to AFAC. A VIP (Very Important Pickle) ticket is $150, with $100 going to AFAC. 5731 Langston Blvd., Arlington
(Photo courtesy of DockDogs)
DockDogs
This one’s for the dogs. The Wharf in D.C. will host the nationally sanctioned canine competition Aug. 8, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Cheer on the four-legged athletes as they sprint down the dock and dive into a 40-foot pool to see who does it fastest. Or watch them try for the longest jump. For the Extreme Vertical, finale, doggos leap for a toy suspended above the water. District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square S.W., Washington, D.C.
Daisy’s Legacy 2nd Anniversary Celebration
Join the animal advocacy organization on the occasion of its second birthday for pizza, pets, music and more. Tickets are $25, $18 of which covers an all-you-can-eat buffet on Fire Works Pizza’s outdoor patio. The remaining $7 supports pet rescue operations. Be there Aug. 8, 5-8 p.m. 2350 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
GMU’s Saturday Shuffle: KvnLee with Vybe Wythyn Band
Hip-hop artist Kevin Lee (KvnLee) will perform Aug. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m., one day after dropping a new single titled New Crown. The show is free and open to the public. The Plaza at Mason Square, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)
Respect: Aretha Franklin at Signature Theatre
Signature’s summer cabaret series kicks off with a tribute to the Queen of Soul, on stage Aug. 11-30. Actress Nova Y. Payton will sing the legendary artist’s greatest hits, including Think, You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman and Amazing Grace. Check the website for show times and ticket prices. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Arlington County Fair
For 50 years, the county fair has attracted thousands of thrill-seekers to its midway rides, lineup of live entertainment, eating competitions, funnel cake vendors, bubble parties and more. The festival is free to enter, but rides and food carry fees. Discover what it’s all about or return to see what’s new this time around from Aug. 12-16, at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center. 3501 2nd St., S., Arlington (Arlington Heights Historic District)
Pop-Up Reptile Show
Curious to learn more about nature’s scaliest critters? Bring the kiddos to meet snakes, frogs and other creatures Aug. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m. for free at Berman Park in Falls Church. 236 Irving St., Falls Church
The Wiggles: Tree of Wisdom Spectacular! at Capital One Hall
Get your wiggles out with, well, The Wiggles, on Aug. 13, 3 and 6 p.m. The high-octane kids’ music group promises plenty of opportunities for singing along to old and new favorite songs. Tickets begin at $53.60. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Rosslyn LIVE
Don’t miss the final shows in this free live music series at Gateway Park. Justin Trawick and the Common Good takes the stage Aug. 13, 5:30-8 p.m., and Fly Pizza will sell personal pies and sodas. 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience at Birchmere Music Hall
With the success of the Michael biopic, fans of all ages are catching up on the musical legacy of the Jackson 5’s most famous member. This tribute band tours the world playing the King of Pop’s hits. Tickets are $39.50 for the Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., show. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Back-to-School Bash at Shipgarten
It’s almost time to prep those lunchboxes and backpacks. Might as well fill them with free school supplies at this community event on Aug. 16, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. In addition to stocking up on pencils and notebooks, kids can play field games, get their faces painted, and do arts and crafts. 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
Diana Ross at Wolf Trap
Stop! In the Name of Love for the Queen of Motown, who will take the stage Aug. 19, 8 p.m. Just try not to sing along with some of her best-known songs, including I’m Coming Out, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Endless Love. Tickets start at $65. 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
Falls Church Restaurant Week
The Little City’s first summer restaurant week unfolds Aug. 21-30, so save your appetite and make those reservations. Participating restaurants include Best of Arlington 2026 winners Ellie Bird, Nue and Little Falls Café, among others.
Sunset Cinema in Falls Church
Make it dinner and a show. Grab a bite at one of the participating eateries in Falls Church Restaurant Week, then head to Cherry Hill Park for the kickoff of the annual Sunset Cinema Series, which runs from August to October. Lilo & Stitch is the featured flick on Aug. 21, 7:45 p.m. Remember to BYOB, as in bring your own blanket. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
Buzzy Spelling Bee at Punch Bowl Social
Calling all competitive word nerds: Punch Bowl’s monthly spelling contest brings the heat Aug. 24, 7-9 p.m. with three rounds of summer-inspired words that increase in difficulty. First and second place winners will take home prizes. The $10 entry fee includes a complimentary bevvie for anyone of age. Just want to watch? That’s free. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Merrily We Roll Along at Signature Theatre
This Steven Sondheim musical follows the life stories of longtime friends in reverse chronological order. Over the span of 20 years, they leave the cynicism of age to revisit the optimism of their youth. Tickets begin at $47. The show runs Aug. 25-Nov. 1. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Chatham County Line at Jammin’ Java
If you’re partial to bluegrass, folk, country, Americana and rock and roll, this band plays all of that. They’ve topped the Billboard Bluegrass chart four times. See them Aug. 27, 7 p.m. Tickets are $27. 227 Maple Ave., E., Vienna
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack at The State Theatre
Music-lovers of a certain age might remember this group from Annapolis as one of the first grunge bands of the 1990s. Dust off your Doc Martens—or borrow them from your teen; what’s old is new again—and enjoy the show Aug. 28, 8 p.m., including fan faves like High and Do Right. Tickets are $16-$19. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Author Talk:Â A History of America in 11 Pies at Arlington Public Library
Here’s a sweet deal: Food writer Rossi Anastopoulo will discuss how certain pies—apple, molasses, sweet potato and others—are associated with pivotal moments in our nation’s history. Attendees will receive the recipes for featured pies and Acme Pie Co. will be on-site, selling its own slices of heaven. This free event is Aug. 29, 2-3:30 p.m., at the Courthouse Library. 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Guitar Renegades Concert
Instrumental group the Guitar Renegades will play a range of genres and covers, including Bach, the Beatles and Nirvana at this free performance in The Little City, Aug, 29, 7-9 p.m. Cherry Hill Farmhouse, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Huzzah! It’s the 50th season of this merry event. Tickets are on sale now for all festival dates: Aug. 29 and 30; Sept. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 20, 26 and 27; and Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25. This year’s story line is “1540: The King’s new marriage and the 50th Harvest Festival,” which follow’s the monarch’s discontent with his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Entertainment includes plays, musicians, dancers and street acts. Rent a costume to look the part and eat like a king, with options including steak on a stake, smoked turkey legs and shepherds pie in a pocket. Ticket prices range from $20.28 to $36.14. Children 6 and younger get in free. 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Maryland
Fairfax 250 Lego Exhibit at Tysons Corner Center
The Northern Virginia LEGO Users Group, a hobby club for adult fans of the famous bricks, custom built an exhibit of Lego creations representing each of Fairfax County’s nine districts, plus with Fairfax 250 logo mosaics including Tysons Corner Center, Great Falls, Wolf Trap and more. See it on Level 1 of the mall, near Wasabi and Oakley. The exhibit will change with the seasons, too. Check it out now through Jan. 1, 2027.
