It’s time to start living like it’s 2019! That means getting out and partaking in activities.
We’ve all been eagerly awaiting the days in which we could get back to seeing something other than the inside walls of our homes, and this summer in Northern Virginia, there are a plethora of options to get on your calendar.

By Lynn Norusis

HOT CONCERTS

This summer has big names returning to the stage.

Wolf Trap celebrates the big 5-0 and has some classics returning:
July 18: Big Tony and Trouble Fun
July 21 & 22: Amos Lee
July 24 & 25: Chris Thile
Aug. 12: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Aug. 19: Train/Vertical Horizon
Aug. 20: Harry Connick Jr. and his Band
Sept. 22: Indigo Girls/Ani DiFranco
Sept. 23 & 24: The Avett Brothers

Jiffy Lube Live
July 17: Luke Bryan
Aug. 7: Jimmy Buffett
Aug. 11: Korn and Stained
Aug. 14: Chris Stapleton
Aug. 18: Dead and Company
Sept. 7: Maroon 5
Sept. 22: Black Crowes

Rock the Block brings concerts to the City of Fairfax the last Friday of every month from 6:30-9:30 p.m.:
July 23: Trial by Fire
Aug. 27: The Reflex
Sept. 24: Sudden M Pac

Lubber Run is back with a lineup of free concerts on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through Aug. 15:
July 9: Chris Pierce
July 10: Vereonneau
July 16: Avant Bard
July 17: JoGo Project
July 23: Akua Allrich
July 24: King Soul
July 30: Nkula
July 31: 19th Street Band

Herndon Rocks Friday Night Live, July through September at 6:30 p.m.:
July 9: Turtle Recall
July 16: The Rockets
July 23: Herr Metal + Dr FU
July 30: Kristen and the Noise
Aug. 6: Social Call
Aug. 13: It’s All Good
Aug. 20: JunkFood
Aug. 27: All-Star Band

MOVIE NIGHTS

The Drive-in is open on Columbia Pike with showings starting at sunset (around 8/8:30 p.m.) with movies such as The Addams Family (July 10), Just Mercy (July 24), Hairspray (July 31), A League of Their Own (Aug. 14) and more.

 

 

Mosaic patrons can take in a summer of flicks at Strawberry Park every Thursday through September 2. Grab some popcorn and indulge in blockbusters like Grease (July 15), Moana (July 22), Pitch Perfect (Aug. 12), Clueless (Aug. 19), Step Up (Aug. 26), La La Land (Sept. 2) and more.

 

 

Centreville area has its own drive-in movie theater, Starlight Cinema, featuring movies for everyone in the family to enjoy over at Trinity Centre in August, with gates opening at 7 p.m. and movies starting at dark. The four films on the schedule are Trolls World Tour (Aug. 7), The Croods: A New Age (Aug. 14), Onward (Aug. 21) and Raya and the Last Dragon (Aug. 28).

 

Celebrating Black actors, Films at the Stone hosts a series of movies this summer to include The Princess and the Frog (July 15) and Black Panther (Aug. 19). Films will be screened at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

 

 

 

ROOFTOP BARS

What better way is there to indulge in a drink with friends than doing it outside, on a rooftop, taking in the views?

Cocina on Market, Leesburg
Epicure Cafe, Fairfax
Eavesdrop Brewery, Manassas
The Electric Palm Restaurant, Woodbridge
TTT Clarendon, Arlington
Wilson Hardware Kitchen & Bar, Arlington

WATER FUN

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
Adventure seekers, this is your spot. Here, kayakers have the option of whitewater or flat-water tours along an open stretch of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. // Purcellville

Leesylvania State Park
Bordering the Potomac River, this park gives visitors the scenic vantage point to explore the beaches that outline the Virginia landscape. Powells Creek provides a cartop launch that is perfect for small watercraft. // Woodbridge

Mariner Sailing School at Belle Haven Marina 
This is one of the most popular sailing spots located right on the Potomac River, with staff and instructors that will leave you with a lifelong skill. It’s great for canoeing and kayaking, too. / Alexandria

Mason Neck State Park
Located in the southern part of Fairfax County, this state park offers activities for every outdoor personality. Those looking to go kayaking can enjoy the open waters of the Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek. Kayaks are also available for rent. // Lorton

River Riders Inc. 
This river company offers water adventures on the gorgeous Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers in Harpers Ferry, as well as guided rafting trips on world-famous whitewater runs. / Harpers Ferry

Riverbed Park
Take an afternoon in Great Falls and book a boat or kayak. Float along for a serene afternoon, or make it a fitness journey on the water. // Great Falls

Shenandoah River Outfitters
The Shenandoah River is the place for Northern Virginians to get out in the wild and in the water. There are traditional campgrounds and swimming, but there’s also kayaking trip and whitewater rapids. // Luray

Surf Reston
Paddleboarding is the thing at Surf Reston. Sign up for guided sessions to learn techniques so you’ll be paddleboarding on your own soon. // Reston

Washington Sailing Marina
Home to sailing clubs around Northern Virginia, this Alexandria sailing spot offers everything you need to get started in sailing, from boat rentals to lessons. Its windy location in Alexandria is perfect for sailing. / Alexandria

FESTIVALS

Six festivals to mark on your calendar. Enjoy everything from music and grub to animals and athletes.

1. Darn Good Music Festival, Aug. 7-8; Centreville
2. Prince William County Fair, Aug. 13-21; Manassas
3. Bands, Brews, and Barbecue, Sept. 4; Manassas
4. CitiOpen, July 31-Aug. 8; Washington, DC
5. Loudoun County Fair, July 21-Aug. 1; Leesburg
6. Arlington County Fair, Aug. 18-22; Arlington

ICE CREAM SHOPS

Abbott’s Frozen Custard
21426 Epicerie Plaza, Suite 180, Sterling
Serves: Frozen custard, sundaes, splits, shakes, flurries, floats

Campbells Frozen Custard
4125 Merchant Plaza, Woodbridge
Serves: Frozen custard, sundes, shakes, malts, splits, Italian ice, frozen custard cakes, affogato

Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats 
200 Commerce St., Alexandria
Serves: Custards, some sandwiched between doughnuts, and nostalgic treats

HoneyBee Creamery
20693 Ashburn Road, Ashburn
Serves: Scoops, cups, cones, shakes, sundaes, Italian ice, and more

Mango Mango Dessert
6795 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1DE, Falls Church
Serves: Sundaes, ice cream sandwiches

Moo Thru
11402 James Madison Highway, Remington
Serves: Ice cream, soft serve, shakes, malts, sundaes, splits

Nathan’s Dairy Bar
8948 Mathis Ave., Manassas
Serves: Soft serve, sherbet, shakes, splits, sundaes

Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot LLC
7150 Main St., Clifton
Serves: Soft serve, sundaes, shakes, gelato, sorbet, cookie sandwiches, floats

Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co.
109 King St., Alexandria
Serves: Ice cream, shakes, malts, splits, floats, sundaes

Snocream Company
The Block: 4221 John Marr Drive, Annandale
Serves: Taiwanese ice cream, soft serve, milk teas

The Creamery
110 King St., Alexandria
Serves: Ice cream, frozen custard, sundaes

The Dairy Godmother
2310 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Serves: Frozen custard, sorbet

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee
5849-A Washington Blvd., Arlington
Serves: Ice cream, shakes, malts, floats, sundaes, splits, ice cream cakes, smoothies

Woody’s Ice Cream
10435 North St., Fairfax
Serves: Soft serve, ice cream, shakes, sundaes, brownies, splits, floats

–  June 2021