Summer is in full swing. This month’s main event is the Fourth of July (see our roundup of parades, parties and places to watch fireworks) but you’ll find plenty of other things to do all month long, including free outdoor concerts and free workout classes, rooftop bars, mini golf, and outings with kids. Check out the list below for even more ways to get out and enjoy Northern Virginia.
Plaza Pup Social
Fur babies and their parents can head to the Plaza at Mason Square on Wednesdays, now through Aug. 8, 5-6 p.m., for treats and socializing. Pup cups will be served at this free event. 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)
Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
Summer exhibits on display now through Sept. 7 include Kei Ito‘s Embodied Spectrum, an immersive installation centered on the first photo ever taken of the sun, surrounded by poems written by the artist. Kids in America by Kelli Williams combines stop-motion animation, photography and augmented reality to explore coming of age. In (Un)tethered, artist Olivia Tripp Morrow uses embroidery, fiber-based installations and sculpture to share her experience as a caregiver to her mother, who died of cancer. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Virginia Square)
Mozzarella Fest
This monthlong homage to a popular fromage returns to Cheestique in Del Ray July 1-31. It includes a limited-time menu, tasting events and classes, and an Italian Wine Expo. The menu features the Mozzarella Board Experience, which lets you choose your cheese, and a Wagyu Caprese Burger draped in melted mozz. 2411 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria (Del Ray)
Reading the Declaration of Independence and Making Revolutionary Protest Signs
Join the Arlington Historical Society for a live reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Ball-Sellers House. Want to be one of the orators? Email info@arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org. Afterward, participants are invited to make protest signs emblematic of the ones Colonial Virginians would have used to express their opposition to the king of England. This July 4 event runs from 1-3:30 p.m. 5620 Third St., S., Arlington
Jurassic World: Kids Unleashed
Celebrate opening weekend of Jurassic World Rebirth with a free, dino-filled family event July 5, 2-6 p.m., at Founders Row. It includes dinosaur-themed crafts, fossil digs, face painting and photo ops. 109 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Latin Dance Experience by Classé
Take free Latin dance classes all afternoon on July 6, 3-8 p.m. Classé Dance Company will host classes and dance parties in bachata and salsa. Participants of all levels of experience are welcome, including beginners. 8350 Broad St., Tysons
Ballston Beats & Bites
Take an extended lunch break to enjoy live outdoor music courtesy of the Ballston BID. On July 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., head to Ballston Quarter to hear Nick Tierra. Return July 22, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., to listen to Lucas Mason. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
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Plants in the Park
Calling all green thumbs or budding plant parents! This monthly series features plant-related activities in partnership with PlantHouse, an Alexandria-based terrarium workshop and plant store. Find your next leafy project July 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
Columbia Pike Happy Hour
Make your way to Los Chamacos on July 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m., for a Mexican-inspired happy hour. Each month the Columbia Pike Partnership hosts a happy hour at a different local bar or restaurant to highlight the corridor’s vibrant cultural diversity. 922 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington
Trial by Fire: Tribute to Journey
Don’t stop believin’ in your chance to sing along at top volume to this ’80s band’s most iconic tunes. The tribute band, named after the original group’s 10th studio album and a canceled tour, will perform hits July 12, 8:30 p.m. at The State Theatre. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the show. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Summer Passport Music Festival
Creative Cauldron hosts this 14th annual series of live performances featuring Latin, jazz, blues, folk and world music through Sept. 14. This month’s shows include The Flybirds (June 18, 7:30 p.m.), Seth Kibel & The Kleztet (July 19, 7:30 p.m.), and Valeria Stewart and Friends (July 26, 7:30 p.m.). In-person tickets start at $25 or livestream the shows for $15 apiece. 127 E. Broad St., Falls Church
Summer Teen Nights at Arlington Mill
Teens will take over the Arlington Mill Community Center July 12 and 26, 7-10 p.m. The first night’s theme is “Splash and Glow,” while the second event is all about games. Both parties will include plenty of things to do, including DJs, food, moon bounces, sports and a game truck. The best part? It’s free. 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington (Buckingham)
Capital One Center Culinary Week
This inaugural event aims to promote Tysons restaurants and raise money for World Central Kitchen (WCK). Fun activities from July 14-18 include a sushi making workshop with Wren’s Chef Yo Matsuzaki and a Battle of the Chefs with dishes from Stellina Pizzeria, Wren, Sisters Thai Tysons and Ometeo. Chef José Andrés founded WCK to provide meals to communities affected by humanitarian and climate disasters and other crises. 1803 Capital One Drive S., Tysons
Summer Wellness Series
The Rosslyn BID is here for your health with three wellness-centered activities at Gateway Park this month. On July 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m., take a guided acupressure class with an acupuncturist from Rosslyn-based Miru Acupuncture. A week later, Dante Baker will lead a session of meditation and sound healing. Rounding out the series on July 29 is a yoga practice with Kara Simon. Tickets to each event are $5. 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Twilight Tattoo at Fort Myer
The Army’s Twilight Tattoo, a live military pageant and historical show performed by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and featuring the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” has several shows lined up this summer. The next one is July 16, 7-8 p.m. at Summerall Field. Before the show, meet soldiers, visit booths and pick up some military swag. 247 Sheridan Ave., Arlington (Fort Myer)
Rosslyn Rocks!
Outdoor concerts return to Central Place Plaza on three Thursdays in July, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hungry Hard Luck will pay tribute to Jimmy Buffett on July 17, Willie G & Me duo Patrick Oliver and William Gregory Newman play country July 24, and The Flying Ivories will have a dueling pianos performance July 31. 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Footloose
Encore Stage & Studio, a local theater company staged by and for kids, presents the beloved story of a new kid trying to fit in after moving to a new place. A ban on dancing and rock music forms the backdrop. Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for children. The show runs July 18-27 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington
Young Explorers 2025
The Founders Row club offers free fun for kiddos including live music, bubbles, arts and crafts, and a splash pad. Swing by July 26, 10 a.m.-noon. 109 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Clarendon Country Bar Crawl
Pull on your cowboy boots and a 10-gallon hat and mosey on over to Clarendon Ballroom for “a full-blown honky tonk takeover” complete with a mechanical bull. Tickets start at $12.51 for this event on July 26, 3-10 p.m. Other participating bars in the rotation are Hyde Social, Boe and Mister Days. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
White Ford Bronco at PenFed Plaza
The 1990s cover band, which plays pop, rock, alternative and country favs, will take to the stage at PenFed Plaza on July 26, 7-9 p.m. Stay fueled and hydrated with food and cocktails from Tysons eateries. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons