Banish your boredom this weekend with some of the many exciting events happening throughout the Northern Virginia area the weekend of September 8–10. There are several festivals that will celebrate everything from food to music to art, plus great opportunities to enjoy a concert at one of the area’s music venues.
Corn Maze & Apple Harvest
September 1–30, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. weekends
It may still feel like summer outside, but there’s nothing like an apple festival to give you a taste of fall. At this festival, pick your own apples to take home and taste pre-made goodies like apple cider and apple cider donuts. There’s a 12-acre play area for little ones, and live music, marshmallow-roasting, and cider-pressing demonstrations that are fun for the whole family. Great Country Farms: 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $12–$16 for kids, $14–18 for adults
Silent Dance Party
Friday, September 8, 7–8:30 p.m.
Dance like nobody’s watching at the Reston Station Metro Plaza. Grab a headset — you’ll need to trade in your driver’s license to secure one — and dance to your heart’s content to tunes only you can hear. You’ll be able to choose your favorite genre to dance to. 1901 Reston Metro Plz., Reston, free
Billy Idol
Friday, September 8, 8 p.m.
Catch this punk-rock legend at the Anthem, where he’ll perform hits from his 46-year musical career, including songs from his 2022 EP The Cage. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $75–125
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
Saturday, September 9, 1–7 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of smooth sounds, food trucks, and yard games, hosted by the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts. Performances will feature the jazz quintet Galactic, plus DC-based bands Oh He Dead and DuPont Brass. Gateway Park: 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington, free
Dulles Day Festival & Plane Pull
Saturday, September 9, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
It’s time for one of NoVA’s most notorious annual festivals. Watch as participants use ropes to drag full-sized civilian and military planes across Dulles International Airport’s tarmacs. And it’s more than just a fun challenge. This fundraiser supports the Special Olympics of Virginia. To participate, teams must pre-register and raise a minimum of $2,500. In addition to the pull, there will be fire truck rides, face painting, a kids’ zone, and a car show. Washington Dulles International Airport: 1 Saarinen Cir., Dulles, free
Dog Daze at The Water Mine
Saturday, September 9, 9 a.m.
It’s a hot one out there this weekend. The Water Mine water park holds a special day of fun to let furry friends cool down in the water. The park will be open for dogs-only swimming (no humans are permitted to swim). Each dog will need its own ticket and must be up to date on all vaccines. Lake Fairfax Park: 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston, $10 per dog
Robert Glasper
Saturday, September 9, 8 p.m.
This concert celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop through a full roster of artists “spanning styles and generations.” Grammy-winning artist Robert Glasper will headline, with guest appearances from Cordae, Common, Lupe Fiasco, T3, and Rapsody. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $34
Taste of Africa Festival
Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
This festival celebrates the Ethiopian New Year with performances of African cultural dances and a fashion show, a trade show from Black-owned small businesses, plus music and kids’ activities. The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons Corner, free
Arts Alive!
Sunday, September 10, 12 p.m.
The Prince William County Arts Council hosts a family-friendly festival dedicated to all realms of fine art, from musical performances to creative writing and poetry. There will be live performances from groups, including the Academy of Russian Ballet, on four stages, plus workshops and demonstrations on things like Zumba and drumming. Art will be on display and for sale. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, free
Feature image of Rosslyn Jazz Fest Courtesy Rosslyn BID
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