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. It’s almost time to go back to school, but leave time for summer theater productions and new museum exhibits when it’s too hot or rainy to be outside.
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)
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure’s Camp Chocolate
From Aug. 12-17, visitors to this Tysons Corner Center pop-up can add some extra adventure to their experience. It will include a scavenger hunt for s’mores ingredients and a build-your-own Brickcraft Hershey’s Race Car at the S’mores Speedway during select weekday time slots. Also available through Aug. 31 is the Summer Adventure Pass. Visit the pop-up twice and the third visit is free with the pass. The pop-up is chock-full of immersive environments, active play experiences and family-friendly activities. Tickets start at $19.99; the camp add-on is an additional $15. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
Fridays at the Fountain
Water Park has extended its summer concert series to Aug. 28. Performers include jazz fusion artist Taisha Estrada (Aug. 14), Chicha Morada (Aug. 21) and the Montaines (Aug. 28) will round out the month. 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
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
Alexandria Sidewalk Sale
Refresh your wardrobe at this annual Old Town event. Running Aug. 14-16, this shoppers’ paradise will feature dozens of independent boutiques offering steep end-of-summer discounts. Participating stores include consignment boutique Mint Condition, Shoe Hive, Monday’s Child and Bloomers.
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
Luke Borchelt at Jammin’ Java
Hailing from Maryland, this budding country artist will perform songs from his freshman album, Water Town, on Aug. 18, 8 p.m. Created in collaboration with songwriters for Jelly Roll and Luke Combs, the album blends country storytelling with growing up in what Borchelt calls “crab country.” Tickets are $24-$30. 227 Maple Ave., E., Vienna
Rosslyn Farmers Market Special Events
Fresh produce and artisanal treats aside, Rosslyn’s outdoor market also features live music. Round out the month with the Turning the Page Pop Up Book Sale on Aug. 19, when Clay Mottley will perform, too, and the Dog Days of Summer on Aug. 26, which promises lots of treats for furry friends. 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Peroni Portals
The Italian beer brand is bringing a taste of Italy to A Modo Mio with free samples of Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Get your freebie Aug. 19, 4-7 p.m. 5555 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Yorktown)
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
Community Pop-Up at Courthaus Social
In partnership with Cortland Apartments, this Aug. 20, 6-9 p.m., event will offer free light bites and drinks, plus info on apartment living. 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Bachata Summer Stars Weekender
Immerse yourself in the moves of bachata, a dance form from the Dominican Republic. The weekend starts Aug. 21, 6-8 p.m., with music at Water Park and an after-party until 2 a.m. with 100% Bachata. On Aug. 22, 2:30-5:30 p.m., take bachata workshops at Inspira Dance (4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington), then show off your skills at a party in National Landing 9 p.m.-2 p.m. Get tickets to each event here.
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
Back-to-School Bash at Caboose Commons
Celebrate the end of summer and the start of the new school year Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The free family-friendly event will have a bounce house, face painting, refreshing snow cones, a bubble machine and live tunes. 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Little City Sips
The second Little City Sips event kicks off the first weekend of Falls Church Summer Restaurant Week on Aug. 22, 5-10 p.m. Adults ages 21 and older can sip, stroll, shop and dine throughout downtown Falls Church. Buy a drink from any of eight participating restaurants and head out to enjoy live music at several spots, including Mr. Brown’s Park (6-10 p.m.), Dogwood Tavern (9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.), Stratford Garden (6-9 p.m.), and Clare & Don’s Beach Shack (5:30-9 p.m.). Besides those eateries, other participants are Ireland’s Four Provinces, Lucky Thai, Maneki Neko Japanese Restaurant, Northside Social and Pho 88.
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)
Around The World Cultural Food Festival
The self-described largest outdoor cultural food festival in the DMV returns to Old Town Alexandria’s Oronoco Bay Park on Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The 10th anniversary food fest will feature authentic food from 20 countries, live performances from 12 countries, and a global marketplace of 100-plus artisans and crafters. 100 Madison St., Alexandria
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
Respect: Aretha Franklin at Signature Theatre
Signature’s summer cabaret series kicks off with a tribute to the Queen of Soul, on stage through Aug. 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 Artists Alliance Member Showcase
The second half of the Alliance’s Member Showcase runs through Sept. 9. 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)
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.
