LECTURE
Trekking the Appalachian Trail
Monday, 1-2 p.m.
Ever dream of lacing up your hiking boots and heading out on the Appalachian Trail? Then you should take advantage of this information session about the historic 2,170 mile trail to learn as much as you can. Speaker Tony Curtis, who walked over 800 miles on the AT, will cover the trail’s history, lore and experiences of hiking and camping overnight. // Lee Community & Senior Center and Park: 5722 Lee Highway, Arlington
MUSIC
War
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Carving their name into the music scene with hits like “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “Low Rider,” War also made history with their multiracial, multicultural line-up. Their newest album, Evolutionary (2014), was released 20 years after their previous one. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
PARKS & REC
Dark Star Park Day
Wednesday, 9:15-9:45 a.m.
Celebrate Arlington’s first piece of public art, the Dark Star Park, which was created in 1984 by Nancy Holt. Arlington County artist-in-residence Graham Coreil-Allen will lead a free Art Talk that will highlight details about Dark Star Park and Holt, including how she created the dramatic shadow alignment that takes place annually on Aug. 1 at 9:32 a.m. // Dark Star Park: 1655 N. Fort Myer Drive, Arlington
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival
Thursday-Sunday, Times Vary
Fun for the whole family abounds at this annual fair with carnival games, rides, animals and 4-H exhibits. There will be new events each day, including a free concert on Thursday and a Big Truck show on Friday. // Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
TOTS
Les BonBons French Cooking Class for Kids
Thursday, 4-6 p.m.
Does your child have a sweet tooth? How about a love of cooking? If you answered “yes” to both of these, for $25, consider taking your 6- to 12-year-old child to this cooking class, where they will leave with their creation, a recipe, an apron and a hat, too. // Petite LouLou Creperie: 713 East Main St., Purcellville
MUSIC
The Beach Boys
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Does summer really happen if you didn’t catch a Beach Boys concert? This is your chance as the boys of summer take to the stage. // Marks & Harrison Amphitheater: 5030 Gordon W. Shelton Blvd., Fredericksburg
ART EXHIBIT
Ancestry
Friday-Sept. 2
Del Ray Artisans strives to promote art that benefits their community and the artists who live in it. Join other art appreciators in celebrating works that showcase the cultural diversity of this area, and what their ancestry means to them. // Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
FAMILY
Car & Truck Show
Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Grace Church is presenting its third Annual Car & Truck Show, with proceeds benefiting Rise Against Hunger. Even if you don’t enter your car in the contest, enjoy the moon bounce, dunking booth, live DJ and fun for the whole family. //Grace Episcopal Church: 6507 Main St., The Plains
SPECIAL EVENT
Freedom Fest 2018
Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Join the fun for an inaugural beer and music festival. Enjoy local craft beer, music, food and local vendors for a weekend of community celebration. // 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company: 1140 International Parkway, Fredericksburg
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Manassas African-American Heritage Festival
Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The 27th iteration of this annual festival will feature more than 100 booths from artists, authors, jewelers, local businesses and churches, food vendors and more. With children’s activities, live music and the “Edge Party Trailer,” there is something for everyone at this festival. // Grace E. Metz Middle School: 9950 Wellington Road, Manassas
FOOD & DRINK
Workhouse Brewfest
Saturday, 1-8 p.m.
Taste a variety of craft brews, artisan spirits and fine wine from all over the Virginia commonwealth, D.C., Maryland and West Virginia. Listen to live music, eat from unique food trucks and view air-conditioned art installations as well. // Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Bavaria Cultural Heritage Night
Saturday, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
D.C.’s original Bavarian dance club, Alt Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein, will perform traditional Alpine dances from Germany and Austria, accompanied by the sounds of traditional instruments, yodeling and singing. Alt Washingtonia has been in the area since 1978 and was the resident dance group at America’s first Oktoberfest in Jessup, Maryland. // Ossian Hall Park: 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale
MUSIC
Jimmy Buffett
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Known for his “island escapism” lifestyle and feel-good hits “Margaritaville” and “Come Monday,” Jimmy Buffett has been enchanting audiences and encapsulating the season of summer for decades. Several of his songs have since been developed into the Broadway musical Escape to Margaritaville. // Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow
FOOD & DRINK
Paint & Sip at Breaux Vineyards
Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Take three hours out of your usual Sunday routine to paint a summery scene during a $35 instructor-led class. For purchase, sip on wine and nibble on cheese while you’re at it. // Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Purcellville
