Summer may be winding down, but there’s still fun to be had. Catch a magic show, standup act or reimagined Shakespeare comedy; chat with chefs; and participate in a puzzle exchange. Plus, free outdoor concerts, free workout classes, rooftop bars, mini golf, kid-friendly wineries and outings with youngsters are still going strong.
This story was updated Aug. 13.
“From Barriers to Ballots”
Aug. 6 marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which gave voting rights to Black Americans. In honor of that milestone, Arlington Public Library locations will host exhibits Aug. 1-Nov. 4 that tell the stories of activists, change-makers and everyday people in Northern Virginia who fought for voting rights.
Play On!
Signature Theatre is re-envisioning Shakespeare’s comedic Twelfth Night as a lighthearted musical set in 1930s Harlem. The show, which debuts Aug. 12 and runs through October, features a syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Check the website for show times and ticket prices. The SigAccess membership program has tickets available for $37 Aug. 12-25. Make it dinner and a show at Palette 22, which is offering pre- and post-show specials when you show the server your ticket.  4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Arlington County Fair
Ready for some good, old-fashioned summer fun? The annual county fair returns to the Thomas Jefferson Community Center Aug. 13-17 with live musical performances and activities aplenty at the Family Fun Spot Up Top, including interactive games, coloring, and a foam party on Aug. 16 and 17. Admission to the fairgrounds is free, but for Midway carnival rides, you’ll need to buy tickets ($1.25 each or 72 for $60). Feeling competitive and possibly hungry? Enter a contest. The lineup includes pie-eating in partnership with Livin’ the Pie Life, pizza pounding with Troy’s Italian Kitchen and a burrito buster with Los Chamacos. 3501 Second St., S., Arlington (Arlington Heights Historic District)
Arlington Reads: Casey McQuiston
Love is still in the air following the recent wedding at Arlington Public Library. Continuing its “Share the Love” theme, the library is hosting a Q&A session with bestselling rom-com author Casey McQuiston, who stops by to chat about her latest, Red, White and Royal Blue, on Aug. 14, 6:30-8 p.m. Admission is free. Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington (Glencarlyn)
Carmen
Wolf Trap Opera presents the tale of free-spirited Carmen’s seductive charm and the destructive horror it wreaks on the sultry streets of Seville. Tickets start at $39 for the show on Aug. 15, 8 p.m. Â 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
Layers
Falls Church Arts presents a new exhibit Aug. 16-Sept. 28 that features the work of 68 DMV artists. All the pieces reflect their interpretation of multiple layers. The result is a collection of photography, paintings, collage, jewelry, sculpture and more that looks at concepts such as memory, transformation, identity and emotion. Learn more at a free opening reception Aug. 16, 7-9 p.m. Falls Church Arts gallery, 700 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Live Fire Guest Chef Dinner Series at Joon
Chef Chris Morgan, a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, welcomes other award-winning chefs to this Persian restaurant’s patio for a series of chef-driven dinners. An event on Aug. 20 features the talents of Thip Khao chef Seng Luangrath. Each dinner ($125 per person) will feature five curated savory courses, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the James Beard Foundation. 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (Tysons)
Erica Rhodes at Arlington Drafthouse
A familiar face from the 2024 season of America’s Got Talent, the comedienne will be here Aug. 22 and 23, staging standup acts each night at 7 and 9:30 p.m. She’s also been on Late Night with Stephen Colbert, Modern Family and Veep. Tickets are $24. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)
Teddy Beats at Jammin’ Java
Chill with an evening of indie-electronic house music by Teddy Beats at Vienna’s favorite intimate music venue. The DMV native returns home to play a show Aug. 22, 7 p.m., having released a new album, i made this all for you. Tickets are $20.40. 227 E. Maple Ave., Vienna
Artist Talk at the Innovation Studio: David Amoroso
Arlington artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MoCA) artist-in-residence David Amoroso will talk about his work in conversation with MoCA’s Amanda Jirón-Murphy during this free event Aug. 23, 2-3 p.m. Amoroso’s “NostalgiArt,” which blends pop culture icons and nostalgic elements using bright colors, will be on display through Sept. 6. He’ll also lead a creative workshop called “Groovy Buddha Block Prints” on Aug. 2, 2-4 p.m. 14th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
Banana Split Day
Amazon is partnering with MoCA Arlington and Toby’s Handmade Ice Cream to celebrate this sweet holiday Aug. 25, 3-5 p.m. Get a scoop and then go to Amazon’s banana stand for that key ingredient plus toppings. Museum staff will lead family-friendly crafts, and there will be live music. Met Park, 1400 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Puzzle Exchange at One More Page Books
Puzzling over what to do with all the puzzles you’ve completed and conquered? Swap them for new-to-you ones at this event Aug. 27, 7-7:30 p.m. Just make sure the sets you’re bringing to trade have all the pieces. 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington (East Falls Church)
Passages: A Night of Encountered Performance
A first-of-its kind experience at MoCA Arlington lets visitors roam through the galleries as poets, dancers and musicians perform. There is no stage or seating chart, and performances repeat so you don’t have to worry about missing one. Stop by Aug. 29, 6-9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Virginia Square)
“Hoppy Hour” Kids Show
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack hosts King Bullfrog on Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The “kindie rock” trio promises high-energy tunes to get littles and adults alike jumping out of their seats. Tickets are $14.64. 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Peppa Pig x CAMP
For a face-to-face with the perky pink pig with the delightful British accent, bring the kiddos to CAMP at Tysons Corner Center. The entertainment spot inside the mall is hosting a party to welcome Peppa’s new baby sister, Evie. Your 50 minutes of fun starts with a ride on Miss. Rabbit’s Train, a stop at Dinosaur Park and a splash at the Duck Pond. Tickets start at $24. This event is designed for kids ages 2-7. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean (Tysons)