For those looking to save some money while enjoying this relaxing time of year, here are free June events and things to do across Northern Virginia for the whole family. There are festivals, educational events, and plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Free Fishing Days in Virginia
June 7–9
From June 7 through 9, you can get out and cast a line without having to purchase a fishing license. No permits will be required. The free weekend will open nearly 3,000 miles of streams, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs stocked with trout. Size and catch limits remain in effect. Statewide, including Burke Lake Park: 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax
BorOlympic Bark Bash
June 8, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Boro will host dog training sessions to help owners learn some tips and tricks for their furry friends. After training, dogs can test their skills at an agility course. The winner gets a puppy prize pack and their human receives a $50 gift card to a favorite Boro restaurant. Kids are welcome. A craft station will be set up for them to enjoy while their pets receive training. The Boro Tysons: 8350 Broad St., Tysons
Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival
June 8
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail crosses 14 states, from Maine to Georgia. Celebrate the longest and oldest marked footpath in the country with live music, hands-on demonstrations, and kids’ activities. There will also be demonstrations for trail cooking, hammock camping, and more. 37098 Charles Town Pk., Hillsboro
Innovations in Flight
June 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bring the whole family out to explore inventions that have shaped the last 100 years of flight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. While free tickets are required for the outdoor fly-in, indoor activities are not ticketed. Parking is $15. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly
Columbia Pike Blues Festival
June 15, 1–8:30 p.m.
Now in its 27th year, the Columbia Pike Blues Festival celebrates women in blues in 2024. Come enjoy live blues, R&B, funk, and soul music. Performers include The Honey Larks, Mama Moon & The Rump Shakers, and headliner Bette Smith. There are family-friendly activities and craft beer and wine. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs. South Walter Reed Dr. from Columbia Pike to 9th Street S., Arlington
Portside in Old Town Summer Festival
June 21, 6–9 p.m. and June 22, 1–8 p.m.
This free family-friendly festival includes live music, food and drinks, and hands-on art and history-related activities along the Alexandria waterfront. Performances by Tasisha Estrada, the Feedel Band, The Walkways, and others. This year, as part of the city’s 275th anniversary, Port City Brewing Company plans to serve an original hoppy India Pale Ale called ALX275, which is brewed with 275 pounds of hops. Waterfront Park: 1A Prince St., Alexandria
4th Annual Manassas Bee Festival
June 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Bring the whole family to this festival, which raises awareness to save the bee population. There will be a costume parade, food trucks, a bluegrass band, and farm animals. Learn about native plants and pollinators. Manassas is the first city in Northern Virginia to receive a Bee City USA designation. Liberia House and Grounds: 8601 Portner Ave., Manassas
Founders Row Young Explorers Kids Club
June 22, 11 a.m. (additional dates later this summer)
Enjoy a day filled with fun at the Founders Row Young Explorers Club. There are three dates this summer with different themes, and June’s activity will focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). There will be interactive games and activities and the chance for children to learn about nature, science, and history. Founders Row: 109 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Feature image courtesy of Udvar-Hazy Center
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