There are countless activities to enjoy this July 26–28 weekend, from outdoor concerts and ballet to festivals and meals featuring seasonal produce. Here are some of your options.
Andrew Dismukes
July 26–27, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Expect to laugh as the Saturday Night Live comedian performs. The Emmy-nominated writer and stand-up comic’s show is for those 21 and older. Arlington Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pk., Arlington, $25–$35
Back to the Future: The Musical
Through August 11, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., depending on the day
The story of Marty McFly comes alive as a Broadway musical. This time-traveling comedic adventure features original music and hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode.” The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $39–$209
Fredericksburg Tattoo Invitational
July 26–28, times vary
This event with more than 150 booths will showcase a wide range of tattoo styles and techniques from local and national talent. Fredericksburg Convention Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $15–$20 daily admission; $30–$35 for three-day pass
Ghostbusters in Concert
July 26, 8 p.m.
“Who you gonna call?” Experience this ’80s classic as the National Symphony Orchestra performs Elmer Bernstein’s score and Ray Parker Jr.’s hit song. The full movie will be projected onto screens in-house and on the lawn. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $38
Loudoun County Fair
Through July 27, times vary
From equestrian shows and pig races to magic shows and farm demonstrations, this fair is sure to create memories with live music, rides, and carnival food. Loudoun County Fairgrounds: 17558 Dry Mill Rd., Leesburg, free for 5 and under; $5 for 6–12; $15 for 13+; parking $5
Love Old Town Warrenton Brewfest
July 26, 5–9 p.m.
Old Town Warrenton shuts down Main Street for this first-ever BrewFest. The special Old Town After Hours event features 13 breweries and cideries set up between 2nd and 3rd streets, including Wild Hare Cider at the Grainery, Silvery Branch Brewing Company, Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery. Enjoy unlimited tastings and a commemorative tasting glass with your entry fee. Purchase tickets for full pours for $8 each. Main Street, Warrenton, $30
Rumpelstiltskin
July 26–28, 10:30 a.m.
See this classic German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm come to life in a dazzling performance by the Maryland Youth Ballet. Adventure and magic abound through this lively dance experience. Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, $12; free under 2
Beck
July 27, 8 p.m.
Alongside the National Symphony Orchestra, this eight-time Grammy Award–winner performs new arrangements of familiar favorites and seldom-heard songs. His experimental and lo-fi singer-songwriter style has produced an extensive catalog of gold and platinum records. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $49
18th-Century Entertainment: Music
July 27–28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Travel back in time to learn how Americans in the 18th century stayed entertained through music. Listen to Bach, Handel, and Mozart classics. Kids can create their own instruments. Step onto the dance floor with popular dances from the time period like the Gobby-O and Indian Queen. On Sunday, hear music of the African Diaspora with special guests SlamOne. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $13–$26; free for 5 and under
HUG Urban Agricultural Family Day
July 27, 9 a.m.–noon
Family fun awaits during this day of urban agricultural activities and workshops. There are countless ways to learn and appreciate urban gardening, including seed workshops, planting techniques, a scavenger hunt, trellis arch crafting, and more. RSVP online. Highlands Urban Garden: 1600 S. Hayes St., Arlington, free
A Night in the Caribbean with Etienne Charles and Creole Soul
July 27, 6–10 p.m.
Enter a Caribbean paradise at The Silk Mill with this concert. Trinidad born artist Etienne Charles blends jazz with the vibe of carnival to produce distinct sounds and storytelling. The event also features a Caribbean-inspired buffet, a signature cocktail, and a chance to win a trip to the Caribbean. The Silk Mill: 1707 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, $100
Peach Fuzztival
July 27–28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Just peachy! Great Country Farms’ peach-themed festival celebrates this seasonal fruit with delicious food and drinks. Try apple cider doughnuts from Knead It Bakery, along with drinks from Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing, and Henway Hard Cider. Pick peaches. Enter peach-eating and peach-pit spitting contests. Take part in a water balloon toss and more. Great Country Farms: 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $12–$14; free for 2 and under
Summer Dinner Series with Chef Kevin Cassidy
July 27, 7 p.m.
Chef Kevin Cassidy serves a five–course meal showcasing live-fire cooking techniques and authentic Yucatan flavors. Try traditional Mexican ingredients fixed in unexpected ways. The menu features a tomato salad, pastrami beef back ribs, mango caramel ice cream, a specially curated wine pairing, and more. Walsh Family Wine: 16031 Hillsboro Rd., Purcellville, $175
Summer Renaissance Fair
July 27, 1–6 p.m.
Embrace the Renaissance way of life. Watch knights joust, savor tasty turkey legs, and participate in the ancient (or not so ancient) art of axe throwing. The event concludes with a costume contest at 5 p.m. There will be beer and cider samples, giveaways, a photo booth, food, and a kids’ corner. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free
NVA Thai Street Food & Cultural Festival
July 28, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate Thai cuisine and culture with live music, dances, crafts, food, and more. Taste authentic dishes including Pad Thai, Som Tum, and mango sticky rice. Watch Thai boxing and dance performances, and then stop by the marketplace to peruse crafts. Manassas Commuter Lot: 9024 Prince William Pkwy., Manassas, free
Science behind Harry Potter
July 28, 1–6 p.m.
Enter the wizarding world of Harry Potter with a special guided tour that will explore this old Apothecary Museum. Learn about the historic muggle medicines that inspired the herbology and potions of this fictional phenomenon. Make your own potion to try at home. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum: 105–107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, $15
Feature image of Peach Fuzztival courtesy Great Country Farms
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