Summer is nearly here! Get ready for concerts, art exhibits, Pride festivities and celebrating Dad on Father’s Day (June 21). Plus, events related to America’s big birthday are gearing up, and D.C. museums have plenty of new exhibits to prevent brain rot once school lets out.
Phases at the Arlington Artists Alliance
This student show centers on themes relating to change and development. Proceeds from art sales directly support the artists and the ACC Art Department through the Alliance commission donation. The works will be on display through June 28 from noon-6 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. The Crossing Clarendon, 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Indecent at 1st Stage
Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, this play was inspired by the controversy surrounding the 1923 Broadway debut of God of Vengeance—a play some considered a seminal work of Jewish culture while others saw it as an act of traitorous libel. Performances run June 4-21. See website for dates and times. Tickets begin at $25; $15 for students, teachers and military. 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons
Lubber Run Summer Concert Series
The beloved series runs June 6-Aug. 2 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. This year’s performers include the Arlington Philharmonic (June 14) and King Soul (June 27). Find the full schedule here. Lubber Run Amphitheater, 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington
Rosslyn LIVE
Rosslyn kicks off its summer concert series at Gateway Park on June 11, 5:30-8 p.m. Spend your summer evenings listening to live music and munching on meals from food trucks. Bring a blanket and your own picnic, if you’d like. The other shows will be July 8 and Aug. 13. 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
DC/DOX 2026
The fourth annual film festival returns to the nation’s capital June 11-14 with more than 100 films and shorts from around the world. (Find the full slate here.) The event will open with Give Me the Ball! about tennis legend Billie Jean King and close with Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World), directed by Questlove. Tickets are available for each film or get an all-access pass for $225-$500. Check the website for times and locations.
Pride Senior Prom
The Arlington Public Library is offering a second chance at prom or an opportunity to relive a great experience June 12, 7-10 p.m. Put on your fanciest ’fit and head to Central Library for a night of fun, music and community. Allies are welcome, too. Light refreshments will be provided and alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase for the 21-and-up set, with sales benefitting the Friends of the Arlington Public Library. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Virginia Square)
Columbia Pike Blues Festival
The beloved blues fest returns June 13, noon-8 p.m. Lexington, Kentucky’s Joslyn and The Sweet Compression will headline a lineup of nationally recognized musicians at the 29th annual event, which will also feature Ethiopian-born Armani Burnham, guitarists Guy Bouchie & Bobby Thompson, Arlington’s Curbfeelers, and Stacy Brooks, the DC Queen of the Blues and past winner of the DC Blues Battle of the Bands. Penrose Square, 2597 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Carolyn McBride at Daydrift Café
The president of the Northern Virginia Writers Club and former editor and columnist at National Geographic Traveler McBride will talk about her Potomac Shores series, which highlights midlife resilience and humor with a familiar setting: the areas around the Occoquan and Potomac rivers. The June 13, 1-4 p.m., event at one of several area indie bookshops is free to attend. 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Melanie McCabe at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library
Arlington author Melanie McCabe will discuss her novel, Road Longer Than Memory, a story of memory, reckoning and dealing with what’s left unsaid, at a free event June 13, 2 p.m. 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church
Dog Days of Summer at Caboose Commons
Summer heat can be ruff. Have a cool time at a new dog-friendly community market June 14, 3-7 p.m., featuring local artisan vendors selling collars, leashes, custom pet art, treats and more. Plus, give Fifi and Fido a bath at the dog washing station or adopt a new furry family member from the Fancy Cats & Dogs Rescue Team. 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Paris Sashay & Friends: Pride Edition at Arlington Drafthouse
The comedian, who’s appeared with Michael Che and Wanda Sykes, will take the stage at the Arlington Drafthouse on June 14, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., in celebration of Pride Month. Note that the later show is adults-only. Tickets are $30 or $48. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
What Became of Us at Signature Theatre
From June 16-July 26, catch the D.C.-area premiere of this play about two siblings looking to connect over their lifetime. One was born abroad and the other in the United States, making their experiences different and similar all at once. Tickets start at $47. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Tim Meadows at Arlington Drafthouse
The former SNL cast member is coming to Arlington on June 18-20, 7 and 9:30 p.m., as part of his 2026 stand-up comedy tour to talk dating, family, and being Black in America. Tickets begin at $36. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Drink With Your Dad Day
Say cheers to the fathers and father figures on June 20, 1-6 p.m., at this Shipgarten event. Events run throughout the afternoon and include water pong and cornhole tourneys, plus there are activities just for kids, such as a moon bounce and face painting. Sample beer and cider from local breweries and take a pic with Pop at the photo booth. 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons
Yacht Party
It’s anchors aweigh for an evening of yacht rock at the Village at Shirlington on June 20, 4-7 p.m. Yacht rock band Got Yacht? will set the mood as guests sip and stroll around the restaurants and shops. 2700 S. Quincy St., Arlington (Shirlington)
Father’s Day Patio Party at Caboose Commons
There’s fun to be had for all ages June 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Take Dad out for boozy snow cones and grilled burgers and hot dogs while the kids bop around in a bounce house. 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Anton Porowski at Arlington Public Library
Part of the Arlington Reads series, this event June 24, 6:30-9 p.m., will feature APL Director Diane Kresh asking the author of Antoni in the Kitchen and Antoni: Let’s Do Dinner about food, culture and community. Free. Mason Square, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington
President’s Own U.S. Marine Band at Westpost
Get patriotic with music by the band that started in 1801 to entertain the president, who was Thomas Jefferson at the time. On June 24, 7-8 p.m., you don’t have to hold the office to hear the tunes. See the musicians in the outdoor plaza at Westpost, where they will play a mix of pop and rock favorites. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers at State Theatre
This band blends punk rock, Americana, indie-pop and mariachi to create their own unique rock sound. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the show, June 24, 8 p.m. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
CREST+ HOLLOW and From the Cellular to the Celestial at McLean Project for the Arts
Both exhibits open June 25 and run through Aug. 15. CREST + HOLLOW involves projections on three walls and the floor, creating canvas for artist Joseph Cortina’s concept of waves. In Cellular, Georgia Nassikas presents paintings of small impressionistic shapes, a reflection on her observations of the natural world. Meet the artists at a free opening exhibition reception June 25, 7-9 p.m. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
A Taste of Upside at Upside on Moore
Take a few laps around the Upside on Moore food hall to try dishes from kiosks including Ghostburger, Tony Boloney’s and Little Tiger Dumplings. Live music will set the tone June 27, 2-5 p.m. Every vendor will offer a curated menu with three protein options and one vegetarian choice. General admission ($44.52) includes six tasting tickets, or get two more and a complimentary wine or draft beer with VIP admission ($71.21). 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
Get your fireworks fix early at this fun-filled party June 27, 5-10 p.m. In addition to the light show, expect live music, festive giveaways, and good and dessert trucks. Plus the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will be there. Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean