Summer may be nearing its end, but the weekend fun in NoVA certainly isn’t. From pool doggy days to music festivals, here are some things to do the weekend of September 1–4.
Best of Film at Mason Showcase
September 1, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Kick off Labor Day Weekend with an afternoon of cinema. George Mason University is showcasing a selection of award-winning student films, from documentaries to fiction works. Don’t miss the chance to see a movie from the next generation of filmmakers. Johnson Center: 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, free but registration is required
Sting
September 1–2, 8 p.m.
This 17-time Grammy winner is ready to rock the Wolf Trap stage. Join Sting for two nights of rocking guitar riffs and songs off his latest album, The Bridge. Sing along to fan favorites like “Roxanne” and “Message in a Bottle.” 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $52
Reston Association Dog Paddle
September 2, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Close out the summer pool season with a one last four-legged hurrah. Bring your dog to the North Hills or Dogwood Pool for a swim or splash-filled game of fetch. Note: Online registration is required. North Hills Pool: 1325 N. Village Rd., Reston; Dogwood Pool: 2460 Green Range Dr., Reston; $15 for Reston Association members, $20 for non-members
Virginia Scottish Games
September 2–3, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Everybody is Scottish here, whether really are or not. Watch competitions like the Braemar stone toss and heavy hammer throw, along with Highland dancing and fiddling contests. In between games, catch the car show, live performances, and parade of Scottish dogs. And bring an appetite for the food vendors. 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, $30 for two-day pass ages 13 and up, $20 for one-day pass ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 6–12 on Saturday, free for ages 5 and under
Patsy Cline Block Party
September 2, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
This music festival honors the legacy of Patsy Cline, the first solo female singer to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the first female inductee of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The block party is at Cline’s home and includes performances of her music and other country tunes. You can sample some of Cline’s family recipes, including Patsy’s Applesauce Cake and Hilda’s Black Walnut Cake. 608 S. Kent St., Winchester, free, $5 for home tours
Middle Eastern Food Festival
September 2, 11 a.m.–10 p.m., September 3, 12:30–5 p.m.
It’s shawarma and falafel galore at this event. Head to the Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church for a weekend of authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Try kibbeh, a baked ground beef with aromatic spices, and mujaddara, a lentils and rice dish. There will be church tours, kids’ activities, and dancing. Live music starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. 8501 Lewinsville Rd., McLean, free but this is a fundraising event
RBD
September 2, 8 p.m.
This iconic Mexican pop group is gracing the stage at EagleBank arena. The group, which hasn’t played together since 2008, reunites for the Soy Rebelde tour. Wear a sparkly outfit and good dancing shoes as the band serenades you with hits like “Sálvame” and “Este corazón” 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax, starting at $224
Ghost Doctors Ghost Tours
September 2, 8:30 p.m.
Now that summer is over, the spooky season has begun. Start the fall with a ghost tour through Old Town Manassas. Learn ghost stories along with the region’s Civil War history. This immersive tour is complete with ghost hunting equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and dowsing rods. 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, starting at $35
Sports in the Park
September 3, 8:30 a.m.
Calling all F1 fanatics. Watch the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix on the big screen at Mosaic’s Strawberry Park. Bring a blanket to relax on the lawn and watch F1’s top racers vie for first place. Stop at Mom & Pop, located next to Strawberry Park, for a breakfast picnic of croissants, toasts, biscuits, and coffee. Strawberry Park, Fairfax, free
Porktoberfest
September 3, noon–7 p.m.
Oktoberfest just got an upgrade. Ashburn’s Old Ox Brewery is hosting a day of barbecue fare, live music, and games. Munch on baby back ribs and bratwurst and try the brewery’s Oxtober Bier. There will be performances by JP Jones and Felix Pickles, and make sure to stay for one of the stein-lifting contests. 44652 Guilford Dr., Ste. 114, Ashburn, free admission
LoCo Musicians Festival
September 3, noon–9 p.m.
Get in the groove at this musical celebration. Over 25 musicians are slated to play, including The Lost Corner Vagabonds, Bad Panda, and Laura Cashman. Sing along and sip wines from 868 Estate Vineyards, where the event will be held. This festival will raise money for Loudoun County musicians to purchase equipment. 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro, $35 for ages 17 and up, free for ages 16 and under
Labor Day Car Show
Sept. 4, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Old Town Fairfax will be transformed into every auto enthusiast’s dream. See an array of vintage cars, from Corvettes to Volkswagen Beetles. Give blood at the Fairfax Fire Station No. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Finish the day with a sweet treat from one of the show’s food vendors, including Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, The Inside Scoop, and Crumbl. 4081 University Dr., Fairfax, free but this event raises money for charitable service organizations so donations are welcome
Feature image of Best of Film at Mason Showcase courtesy George Mason University
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