July is packed with summer fun, from Independence Day celebrations and fireworks to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, outdoor concerts, festivals, farmers markets, and long sunny days perfect for exploring with family and friends!
4th of July Celebrations
Fourth of July Fireworks on the National Mall
Saturday, July 4th
Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
Saturday, July 4th, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM,
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States this Independence Day on the historic grounds where the first commander in chief lived and led. Join us for a full day of patriotic events, including daytime fireworks over the Potomac, historic demonstrations, family activities, and a moving naturalization ceremony.
All Day 4th of July Celebration
Step into a world of family-friendly fun at Shipgarten, Tysons Corner, the top restaurant for families! Join us on Saturday, July 4th, for an All-Day Fourth of July Celebration filled with excitement starting at 11 AM! Bring the whole family for an unforgettable Independence Day experience! For your little ones, Shipgarten has FREE face painting, arts & crafts, and a full outdoor playground to keep them entertained all day long. But the fun doesn’t stop there – enjoy live music, moonbounces, delicious food, and refreshing drinks while soaking in the festive atmosphere. Come celebrate America’s birthday with us – fireworks, fun, and family await!
Saturday, July 4, 11:00 AM,
Shipgarten, 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean
Independence Day in Historic Downtown Manassas
Join us for an all-American celebration in Historic Downtown Manassas on Independence Day! Celebrate America features a variety of food and craft vendors, offering delicious treats and unique items. The highlight of the evening is one of the largest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia, lighting up the sky at 9:15 p.m. This exciting event runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day of patriotic fun, great food, and unforgettable fireworks! You can join us on the Manassas Museum lawn for the fireworks display – bring your chairs and blankets!
Saturday, July 4, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM,
Downtown Manassas
Fairfax Independence Day Celebration
Virginia’s largest Independence Day parade features a patriotic flyover, a special 250th anniversary helium balloon, floats, marching units, and community groups winding through downtown.
Saturday, July 4, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Downtown Fairfax
Festivals
SummerFest 2026
Our annual SummerFest is one of our most attended events of the year. And it’s no surprise – here’s what you can expect:
• All-you-care to eat (Blueridge Seafood [including steamed crabs], Ribeye Philly Steak, Dogs on the Curb food trucks) 🦀
• Cornhole tournament with prize to first place team ($30 buy-in per person) 🏆
• Catoctin Creek Spirits Tasting 🥃
• Batting cages ⚾
• Ice cream truck 🍦
• SummerFest t-shirt giveaway 👕
• Raffle prize drawing 🎟️
• DJ Premonition 🎶
• & more!
Thursday, July 9, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM,
ABC-VA Headquarters 42680 Trade West Drive, Dulles
Alexandria & USA’s Birthday Celebration
Alexandria’s 277th and the USA’s 250th Birthday Celebration is the city’s signature summer event, taking place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.). The free event features live music, food vendors, birthday cupcakes, and fireworks.
Saturday, July 11, 6:00 PM – 9:45 PM,
Oronoco Bay Park 100 Madison St., Alexandria
Hot Dogs from around the WORLD
Get ready for the ultimate celebration of one of the world’s most legendary foods—the hot dog! 🌎✨
Hot Dog FEST is bringing hot dogs from around the world together in one epic, flavor-packed event. This isn’t your average cookout… it’s a global street food party! Take your taste buds on a trip with classic American ballpark dogs, 🇩🇪 German brats with sauerkraut, 🇲🇽 bacon-wrapped Mexican dogs loaded with bold toppings, 🇯🇵 Japanese-inspired dogs drizzled with teriyaki and kewpie mayo, and spicy 🌶️ Korean-style dogs topped with kimchi. Adventurous or classic—there’s a dog for everyone! Expect cold drinks with our Award Winning Beers! Live music, great vibes, and a whole lot of fun with friends and family & nonstop smiles 😎
Saturday, July 18, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM,
Settle Down Easy Brewing Co., Falls Church
Purcellville Wine and Food Festival
This year’s event will showcase 40 vendors, including wineries, breweries, food and snack vendors, and local exhibitors. Enjoy live music performances by the Rick Reaves Band, The Darby Brothers, and the Franklin Park Big Band. The “Arts in the Garden” section, hosted by the Purcellville Arts Council, will highlight local artists who will create works of art live on-site. Additional activities include face painting and a photo stand-in booth.
Saturday, July 18, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Fireman’s Field Complex, 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville
Asia in a Bite Food Fest
Asia in a Bite Food Fest is committed to fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Asian cultures through the universal language of food. We aim to connect people, introduce them to the diversity of Asian cuisine, and offer a fun, friendly space where everyone feels welcome. It’s about more than just eating; it’s about learning, sharing, and enjoying the vibrant cultures of Asia together.
Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, starting at 11 AM,
44578 Atwater Dr, Ashburn
Loudoun County Fair
One of Northern Virginia’s largest county fairs featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, competitions, entertainment, children’s activities, food vendors, pig scrambles, demolition events, and agricultural exhibits. The 2026 fair marks its 90th year.
Tuesday – Saturday, July 21 – 25,
Loudoun County Fairgrounds 17558 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg
Fairfax County Carnival & Fair
Carnival rides, midway games, food vendors, live entertainment, and family activities. Admission is free; rides require tickets.
Thursday – Sunday, July 30 – August 2,
Frying Pan Farm Park 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Prince William County Fair
The Prince William County Fair is an annual summer festival held in Manassas, Virginia, celebrating regional agriculture, community, and entertainment. Established in 1949, it is Northern Virginia’s largest county fair, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year with exhibits, rides, and family events.
Friday – Saturday, July 31 – August 8,
Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Rd, Manassas
Outdoor Concert Series and Recurring Music
Hunter Mill Melodies
Wednesday Mornings (Children’s Entertainment Series),
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM,
Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center Pavilion 2739 West Ox Rd, Herndon
July 1 Rocksteady Project
July 8 The Great Zucchini
July 15 Mr Lilo
July 22 Marsha and the Positrons
Hunter Mill Melodies
Thursday Evenings, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM,
Frying Pan Farm Park Kidwell Farm 2709 West Ox Rd, Herndon
July 2 Anthony “Swamp Dog” Clark (Blues)
July 9 Fast Eddie & The Slowpokes (Blues/Roots)
July 16 The English Channel (British Invasion Rock)
July 23 The Seldom Scene (Bluegrass)
July 30 Sharon Rae North (Jazz)
Arts in the Parks
Saturday Mornings (Children’s Entertainment Series), 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM, Lorton Community Center 9520 Richmond HWY, Lorton
7/11 123 Andrés
7/18 Munit & Z Love Bugs
Arts in the Parks
Sunday Mornings (Children’s Entertainment Series),
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM,
Mosaic District, 2905 District Ave, Fairfax
7/12 Dan and Claudia Zanes
7/19 Rocknoceros
7/26 Uncle Devin Show
Summer Concert Series – Springfield Nights at Burke Lake Park
Springfield Nights Summer Concert Series in Burke Lake Park is returning this summer on Wednesdays with great bands like The Randy Thompson Band, The Road Ducks, The Skip Castro Band, The English Channel among others will be performing in a family and dog friendly environment. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, the dog and the kids. We will have food trucks, 2 Silos beer, ice cream and so much more.
Wednesdays, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29,
7315 Ox Road Fairfax Station, Fairfax
Wolf Trap
Artists are warmed up, the lawn is prepped for picnics, and memories are ready to be made. Summer concert season at Wolf Trap is finally here, and the only missing piece is you!
Varying days, Starting time between 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM,
Filene Center 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna
Live on Top of the Hill Concert Series
Enjoy an evening of music and community at our Live Concert Series, featuring a rotating lineup of talented folk, cover, and mariachi bands. Hosted indoors or outdoors, this series offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where residents can unwind, connect with neighbors, and enjoy diverse musical styles. From acoustic folk favorites and crowd-pleasing covers to the vibrant sounds of traditional mariachi, concert delivers a unique cultural experience.
Saturday, July 25, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM,
William Ramsay Recreation Center 5650 Sanger Ave. Alexandria
Farmers Markets
Freshfarm Reston Market , Wednesdays (year round), 3 PM – 7 PM, 11900 Lawyers Rd., Reston
Falls Church City’s Farmer’s Market, Saturdays (year round), 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 300 Park Ave., Falls Church
Great Falls Farmers Market Saturdays (year round), 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 756 Walker Rd., Great Falls
FRESHFARM Mosaic Market Sundays (year round), 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2920 District Ave., Fairfax
Dale City Farmers Market, Sundays (year round), 8:00 am – 1:00 PM, 14050 Gemini Way, Dale City
Manassas Park Farmers Market Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, City Hall Parking Lot, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park
Waterfront Dining
Ada’s on the River (Alexandria) Upscale American dining directly on the waterfront with excellent sunset views.
Vola’s Dockside Grill & Hi-Tide Lounge (Alexandria) Seafood, cocktails, and one of the best riverfront patios in Northern Virginia.
BARCA Pier & Wine Bar (Alexandria) Mediterranean small plates and wine right on the Potomac waterfront.
Jula’s on the Potomac (Alexandria) Modern dining with panoramic river views.
Madigan’s Waterfront (Occoquan) Located directly on the Occoquan River with indoor and outdoor waterfront seating.
DRoccos Restaurant (Occoquan) Italian restaurant with river views and outdoor seating in Historic Occoquan.
The Secret Garden Cafe (Occoquan) Not directly waterfront, but a short walk from the river and one of the most charming outdoor dining spots in town. Community reviews frequently rank it among Occoquan’s favorites.
